American Girls
Don’t you love this picture? All of us are there, thanks to the mirror, but you might miss Joel if you don’t look carefully…
My girls are obsessed with American Girl. Totally obsessed. Before our trip to Chicago, they combed the catalogs, trying to decide what they would buy when we arrived at The American Girl Place, where all of their dreams would come true. On the drive to Chicago, when they asked when we’d get there, they were not referring to the city, or our hotel, or anywhere but American Girl Land.
So, on our first train ride into the city, where we planned to eat “lunch” at Ghirardelli (that would be The Maestro’s obsession, or at least, one of them), they begged and begged and begged to just see The American Girl Place first. Since Ghirardelli is a short walk away, we let them.
And we couldn’t tear them away.
This is a really bad picture….
After their first purchases were safely made, we headed back out into the real world and took the bus to The Art Institute.
One of those times was for dinner in The American Girl Cafe. At first we said no way in heck were we doing that because we aren’t made of money and it wasn’t cheap. But, something told us it would not only be worth it, but that it would probably be the highlight of our vacation for the girls. And so we bucked up and forked over the bucks.
I can’t even describe to you how amazing it all was. While we were waiting in line to check in (reservations required), the xylophone notes were hit and the doors popped open, revealing a pink and white and black world filled with flowers and polka dots and people in pink aprons. It literally made me cry (yes, I’m a little weird that way).
But then there was dessert.
Now, had I known, I might have called 3 weeks early and paid for the birthday package for Sophia, which includes some fun stuff for her doll and a beautiful cake. But I didn’t know. But they still put a little candle in our perfectly adorable dessert and sang to her.
Oh, my daughter would have been in heaven too at that opportunity. What fun memories! And, those doll chairs are ingenious.
Lara, I grew up as a little girl in Chicago, and I LOVED the American Girl Place. It is magical! I'm so happy for you and your girls. What an amazing memory!
So cute! Thanks for sharing, Lara!
My daughter would LOVE this, but I think my family would have to divide and conquer and send Dad off with the boys somewhere else. I can already see the boys rolling their eyes…
Yeah. Paying for a memory like that is definitely worth it. Plus, you got some delicious food, too! 🙂
So worth the money. Money goes eventually, so trading it for memories that are everlasting is an amazing investment IMO. I've taken my family to visit friends in Miami for 3 years running. It's not easy financially but I'm so glad we've done it. None of us will ever forget it and I'm sure your kids will always remember that trip. btw, there are actually 3 Joels in that picture lol
Ok, I even got a little emotional. I love how it wraps its little arms around everything I think girl-hood should be (and not Bratz).
How old does P need to be before I get her a doll? 4?
These pictures are absolutely awesome! I love the one with the ice cream drip on Sophia's face 🙂
And your red shirt is so cute!
Oh my goodness, that sounds divine! I loved the American Girl books when I was very young. It sort of has exploded now days. I am not a huge fan of them anymore, but my goodness, I would jump at the chance to eat there just for the fun of it for me! Wow! It is beautiful and gorgeous, and what an experience! I am glad you shelled out for it.
My girls drool over every catalog that comes to the house. I wish they were a little cheaper. So far, all they get to do is dream about them.
Sandy
W.O.W – and you know, that memory will be with them for the rest of their lives. What a great family thing to do and that Dad would get into it with them makes it all the more special