Ever since the day Violet was born, Melissa said we would celebrate her 5th birthday with a trip to Chicago to visit the American Girl doll store. Well this was the year for our trip. I flew to Chicago from Atlanta, and since it was St Patrick's Day, everyone was in a festive mood. The flight attendants gave everyone free drinks on the plane. Unfortunately when I got on the EL in Chicago, several riders had been partying all day as well and one of them threw up all over the train. Luckily I was sitting several seats away from her, but she sure cleared out the train when we got to our stop.
The next day Courtney and I met Janet, Melissa, and Violet at the airport. The TSA lady kept chasing us away from the exit gate, but luckily Violet saw standing on the ramp holding her birthday sign.
We got back on the EL to go downtown - luckily no drunks this time, but there were a few hungover Leprechauns sleeping on the train.
We brought a few presents for Violet to open on the ride downtown - a party dress, jean jacket, and roller skates for her American Girl doll (whose name happens to be Mia).
Our first stop was the cupcake bakery (you can't celebrate a birthday without cake).
Since it was sunny and warm-ish (very unusual for Chicago in March), we walked over to the new Maggie Daley Park next to Lake Michigan. Given the nice weather, the place was packed with people. Violet had to muscle her way in a few times to get a chance to play.
Janet opted for watching the luggage on a nearby park bench.
Our next stop was Giordano's Pizza. We couldn't let Violet come to Chicago without trying some deep dish pizza (which she seemed to love).
After dinner, we walked over to the river. It was still dyed bright green from the St Patrick's Day parade the day before. I've heard about this tradition, but never actually seen the river for myself. We walked on down Michigan Ave to their hotel. The Homewood Suites is one of the partner hotels for the American Girl store, so when we got up to the room, there was a tiny doll bed and cookies for Violet and Mia.
On Monday, we finally headed off to the store. When we were still a block away, Violet saw the sign and started running for the door. I brought my own American Girl doll (actually a Walmart knock-off).
Our first stop was the dining room for lunch. The hostess greeted us at the door and asked how many "guests" we brought. She meant dolls, not humans, because each doll got her own booster chair and miniature dishes.
Violet gave Mia her carrots, but she kept the hamburger and fries for herself.
The next stop was the beauty salon. The beautician strapped Mia into a tiny salon chair and then put a purple cape around her so she wouldn't get her jean jacket and dress wet.
Violet picked out the Sweetheart Braid for Mia (the braid is in the shape of a heart).
Janet found a new doll for herself - Maryellen who represents the styles from 1954 (the year Janet was born).
I preferred the astronaut doll and her space shuttle.
Since the Lego store is right across from the American Girl store, we had to make a stop there. Violet and I made little minifigs while Janet took a break in the food court. Besides our visit to the dining room, I think this was the only time I got to sit down.
After a long day, we ended up at the Sugar Factory for dinner. I'd never heard of this restaurant before, but since it was right across the street from the hotel it was a good choice. I had a peanut butter cookie and chocolate ice cream sandwich for dinner (just as "healthy" as a regular peanut butter sandwich, in my opinion). Violet got a giant milkshake with a candle on top. I thought that was a fitting end to a 5th birthday celebration. I hope for #6 we go sit on a beach some where.
