Our second day in Chicago started at the American Girl Place. This was the main reason we picked Chicago. Alexandra took her Jess doll, which was the Girl of the Year from 2005. She's homeschooled, too! And, my mom had Molly which is from when she was a little girl. (Hey! And, a rare photo of me!)
We started with a nice brunch - it was a large meal, complete with dessert. Each doll gets her own seat that connects to the table and her own cup and saucer. There is also a little box on the table (black with white spots and pink ribbon) that has conversation topics to discuss. We really enjoyed answering the questions - like "If you could be friends with 3 famous people, who would they be?" I remember Alexandra picked Abraham Lincoln, Harriett Tubman, and another historical figure (I'll have to ask her if she remembers.) This photo shows us with our dessert - white mousse and a heart-shaped sugar cookie.
Next came lots of shopping. There are 3 floors of shops! So, it took quite awhile to make some decisions. (Also, I fixed Alexandra's hair to match Jess's - both had pull-through ponytails.)
Alexandra ended up with a sleeping bag for Jess, a night-time party pack (pizza, games, etc), and some PJ's and a robe (some of the things she's looking at above). Jess & Molly had PJ parties every night.
Next, Jess got her hair styled in the doll saloon. We learned a few things about how to keep her hair looking nice, too! And, we'd been warned that this could be a lengthy process, but Jess only had to wait about 15 minutes.
Our last stop at the American Girl Place was the theater to see the American Girl Revue. This was a WONDERFUL musical. It briefly told the stories of the various historical dolls. Now, we want to read all of the books!
We had been able to walk to the American Girl Place as it was only a few blocks from our hotel. That afternoon, we went to the Museum of Science & Industry. We'd actually been there a few years before, so maybe that's why we didn't have as much fun. Also, we rushed for time and there were some very moldy carpets. We took the subway and a bus to get here. It was fun, and a little scary, to ride the subway. And, it took almost an hour between walking, the sub, etc. So, we took a taxi back.
We saw 3 bride & groom couples this day (Sunday). I thought it was pretty neat to see them and all of their wedding parties. We stopped and watched this group for awhile.
At the end of the day, my mom treated us to a horse and carriage ride. The weather was so beautiful! And the sights and sounds... just a wonderful time!
talk about every little girls dream!!! What a fabulous day with soo many things to do and see....I'm itching for a vacation now.
ReplyDeleteAlycia
Wasn't American Girl Place so fuch fun??? I could live there! The police boat was very cool...wish I had seen one. Our trip was short, my husband just believes in packing everysingle minute of every single day with something so we don't waste a minute of our vacation time. We got to Arlington Heights on Friday night about 10ish and left Monday night about the same time from 6 Flags. I was absolutely exhausted by the time we got home...lol. Thanks for sharing your great trip with us!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope everything turned out ok too. That is scary.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my only daughter wasn't a girly-girl. I would have LOVED to go to the American Girl Museum! What fun! I love the little salon! Aquagirl has one American Girl doll, Samantha, but she never played with her. She did take pretty good care of her, and has packed her away for her own children. I basically felt like I got three boys. Oh well, you get what you get, and are happy.
ReplyDeleteI think we'd all love the carriage ride, though. How sweet of your mom to treat you. She seems like my kind of lady!
I love what you did with Alexandra's hair. It's so pretty. :-) You know if you hold the pony tail higher, before you flip it through, you get an even softer and fuller look. That would be pretty if you were going somewhere special. In our public schools we have an eighth grade prom, (isn't that dumb!) and I used to do the girls' hair like that when I was still a stylist. At least they still looked like young ladies, instead of miniature women. You know?