Someone woke up at 5:30am and wondered why the American Girl store wouldn’t open like…NOW. She passed the time by pretending to be a seal and repeatedly diving headfirst into the water (sliding off the end of the bed headfirst onto the floor). I passed the time by repeatedly saying “Shhhhhh!” and cursing the lack of Noggin on the television.
By 8:45am, we scurried off to the store. She ran. I tried to keep up. We were there when they unlocked the doors. Then we gazed. And oooo-ed and ah-ed. She spent much of her time with a furrowed brow wondering what she would choose as the one thing to spend her allowance on. She finally came to a conclusion.
Then lunch at the American Girl Cafe. A special seat for Chrissa, complete with a tiny doll dish and cup. The food was mediocre, but the smiles were huge.
By afternoon we were at the Field Museum. A quiet trip where I followed her lead. No 3D films or special exhibitions. She was thrilled to see Sue, despite the frown in the photo. And we always love a Brachiosaurus bonus.
Round trip on the bus for my girl itching to try public transportation.
Hot cocoa at Ghirardelli and back to the hotel for dinner and a bath. Marc sent us fancy-schmancy birthday cake, which put her on cloud nine (is there cloud ten?). And then off to bed (reluctantly).
I am so, so lucky to have this time with my kiddo.
Gotta scoot. I have a six seven-year-old who wants me to cuddle.