Spending the Day with my Daughter . . . and Her Doll in Chicago

Who knew that spending a day with a doll could bring so much happiness to a grownup’s heart? I had promised my daughter, Autumn (age 7), a special trip to visit the American Girl Place (www.AmericanGirl.com) in Chicago. She began feeling special the moment she arrived at the Sheraton Hotel & Tower (www.SheratonChicago.com). The hotel gave her an American Girl bed just for her doll.

That night, I looked at Autumn sleeping in the hotel room. There was my precious little girl smiling in her sleep. And, sitting next to her was the doll bed, with her doll tucked under its own blanket. It was one of those moments that tugs at a mommy’s heart.

The first impression of the American Girl Place was a bit overwhelming – two floors of doll stuff. Our personal shopper, Cheryl, was a great help. Yes, the store had shoppers for the dolls! They’re available by appointment.

This day was all for Autumn, and she was allowed to make all the choices. By the end of the day, we were joking that she was tired of deciding!

We began our adventure by taking “Little Autumn” (my daughter’s “Just Like Me” doll) to the Hair Salon. There were at least 20 hair style options. Autumn made a selection, and we watched the stylist work her magic. The stylist also gave us good pointers on maintaining the doll’s hair.

We looked at the “Just Like Me” items (matching clothes and accessories for the doll and Autumn). What fun! At home, I’m always in a hurry when shopping. I dash in, buy what I need, and dash out – alone. I can dash faster without the kids. This time, it was a treat to hear Autumn’s comments on the clothes, as we leisurely walked around.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at the café – having spent too much time at mouse-themed children’s restaurants, with over-priced souvenirs, yucky food, and screaming kids. Thankfully, the American Girl Café wasn’t any of those things.

The hostess seated us at a lovely table and placed “Little Autumn” in her own high chair. She received a lovely black and white checked plate and matching cup. My favorite treat was the mini cinnamon bun appetizer. I wasn’t too sad when Autumn didn’t like hers, because that meant I was able to eat two. Hey, don’t label me selfish until you’ve tasted those buns yourself.

The servers were very attentive. In fact, I know some grown-up restaurants that could take a few lessons on how to treat customers. Best of all? The price was only $21 per person. Trust me – in Chicago, that’s down right cheap!

We ended the day with a photo session. The two Autumns had their picture taken and pasted on the cover of an American Girl magazine for a take-home souvenir.

Apparently, we weren’t the only ones with dolls on our minds. Throughout the weekend, I saw lots of little girls walking around the hotel lobby with their American Girl dolls. Why not? The Sheraton’s location was great, and they offer an American Girl Package that includes a doll bed (to keep), a complimentary upgrade (when available), and complimentary valet parking.

Okay, it’s confession time. I couldn’t spend an entire weekend in Chicago and not do something educational. However, we had so much fun at the museums, the kids didn’t even care that they were learning. Yes, we did allow my son, Ethan (age 10), and my husband, Ross, to tag along for the rest of the weekend.

At the Museum of Science & Industry (www.MSIChicago.org), Autumn and I loved the Fairy Castle. The miniature castle, which contained chandeliers with real diamonds and murals painted by Walt Disney, was approximately 8 ½ feet by 8 feet by 7 ½ feet. Because the castle sat atop a table, I was too petite to see into the attic, but not quite petite enough to sit on Ross’ shoulders, like Autumn did. Yet, she had fun describing the contents to me.

Ethan loved the large-scale LEGO® models of the world’s tallest buildings. My favorite was the Burj Dubai, since I’ve spent so much time in Dubai and have watched the building being constructed.

Ross’ favorite exhibit was the submarine – which is inside the museum. Even more impressive was the story of how the US captured the sub. I had goose bumps just listening to the tale. The museum did a great job of designing the display to share the drama.

After being cooped up all day, eating outside at Riva’s Café (312.644.7482) on Navy Pier was great. The Pier itself was too crowded and too touristy for my taste. But, once we arrived at Riva’s, there was a perfect view of Lake Michigan. I enjoyed watching a four-mast sail boat leave the pier – even though she managed to “sail” out without her sails unfurled. I could’ve sat there for hours, but the kids had reached “that point.” As a parent, you know what I mean – it’s time to go. Now.

I was hoping the 20-minute walk back to the Sheraton would wear them out. But when we reached the hotel, Ethan insisted on going to the lower level and walking outside to the Chicago River. I hate it when the kids are right, but he was right. Watching the boats was a great way to wrap up the evening. The best part? It was only five steps from the river back into the hotel.

The next day, we went to Shedd Aquarium (www.SheddAquarium.org). I didn’t think Ethan would ever leave the Amazon River display. He was determined to locate every animal mentioned in every display’s plaque. We both loved the cool (and huge!) anaconda. However, while Ethan thought the tarantula was amazing, awesome, and astounding – I thought it was hairy, scary, and yucky!

Autumn enjoyed the “Polar Play Zone,” where she dressed up as a penguin and ran around with other kids in a faux Antarctic environment. They resembled real penguins, but with one big difference. I’ve been to Antarctica, so I can tell you. Those children didn’t smell nearly as bad as the real thing!

Even though we let the boys join us later, the highlight of the trip was spending one-on-one time with Autumn. I don’t get to do that very often. It might have been Autumn’s special day, but it was my joy.

Autumn’s Perspective (as told to Mom)

At the American Girl Place, I got to make all the decisions! I had to make a huge decision about purses. I liked the purple one with the stars best, but there was no purse for my doll. I also looked at the red purse. It wasn’t as cute, but it had a matching purse. In the end, I chose the red ones, because then my doll and I would look good together.

At lunch, I chose the Tic-Tac-Toe pizza. My best decision at lunch was the hot chocolate. It was even hard to decide what my favorite activity was – either the hair salon or getting my picture taken with my doll.

Kelly Watkins’ speaking and consulting services have taken her all over the planet – to all 7 continents. Kelly loves to write about her traveling adventures. kelly@keepcustomers.com or www.KeepCustomers.com.