American Girl!!!

The girls at the store, Lauren showing off Rebecca's pierced ears, and her big purchase

After a sickness scare, threatening our trip, we made it to Chicago.  Although we were not able to ride up on the train like we had hoped (we delayed our departure date by a night to make sure Lauren wouldn't get what Blake had) we still made it and had an awesome time celebrating Lauren's 7th birthday at the American Girl cafe.  Lauren's cousins Addison and Brenna went with us along with Grandma Marcia and Aunt Brekin.  The girls had not seen each other since Thanksgiving so it was very exciting for them to be together again. 

Aunt Brekin, Addie, and Brenna gave Lauren a new outfit to wear to the store which had a matching doll outfit.  The girls looked adorable. Grandma Marcia surprised the girls with sleeping bags for their dolls that she made.

Lauren had saved up her birthday money so she could get her doll Rebecca's ears pierced and purchase a new doll McKenna.  All the girls enjoyed browsing around the store displays and picking out new outfits for their dolls.  After two hours of shopping, we made it to the cafe for our lunch.

Birthday party at American Girl cafe

As a surprise to Lauren I had not just booked lunch, but an actual birthday party celebration for her and the girls.  Lauren got a birthday tiara and the dolls each got one too.  The dolls even got their own cup and saucer and special chair to dine in.  The lunch was lovely and the highlight was the wait staff singing Happy Birthday to Lauren!  Each of the girls got a goodie bag and a lifetime of memories. 

I have to say that it was just as much fun for me as it was the girls.  It was like I was a little girl again too having fun with my doll.  American Girl wasn't around when I was a youngster but I would have loved it all just like Lauren does. 

Hershey store, Hotel, and Museum of Science and Industry

After we left AG, we headed to the Lego store where the girls had lots of fun playing with the new Lego Friends exhibit.  Then off to the Hershey's store to "fill the bucket."  Then we checked in to our hotel, and set out to do some shopping and then had an early dinner at Buca di beppo Italian restaurant.  Then we headed back to the hotel for some swimming. 

On Sunday we explored the Museum of Science and Industry which the girls loved.  Then we headed back home!  It was an awesome "girls" trip.