A Quick Trip to the Windy City

Last Friday, we took Hannah to Chicago for an early birthday gift. We took the commuter train from Michigan City - it was Hannah's first train ride and she loved it! My parents watched Ava for us so we could focus on our soon-to-be big 5 year old. We had a wonderful time! The weather was awesome, we loved our hotel (which we got for a deal on Hotwire), the food was delicious, and the joy and glee we experienced with Hannah at American Girl Place made the trip so worthwhile.

It was so fun shopping with Hannah at American Girl - even Doug had fun, although he may not admit that a doll store could be so much fun. :-) She knew that she could pick out a doll and one outfit. She looked everything over carefully but knew exactly which doll and outfit she wanted - a doll that looked like her and the ruby ballerina outfit. She didn't even get a case of the wantsies despite seeing so many things she liked. Little does she realize that her mom slyly purchased other things for her grandparents and us to give her for Christmas - she will be so surprised.

Our other stops included: the Cheesecake Factory - yum!, Border Books, Garrett Popcorn, Chicago Children's Museum and Navy Pier. We spent one night in Chicago and took the train back the next afternoon. Ava had lots of fun with her Nana and Papa and did really well being away from us for the first time. And I think Hannah enjoyed spending some time alone with her mom and dad. :-)