Having our own sleeper car was a great luxury, and we both enjoyed the hours of reading, chocolate-eating, and crocheting afforded by the quiet privacy,
My lovely, urbane friend Elyse was the world's best hostess. She has the good sense to live right in the thick of things, over a book shop, and across the street from an irresistable patisserie. So we didn't resist.
Sustained by whipped cream, we set off to see Chicago's most important offerings. Fabric. Big buildings. Museums.
American Girl dolls.
Bella came home with Felicity and it's been non-stop dolls here ever since.
Lovely times. She is this close to being grown up. But not yet!
Looks like you two had fun...yummy fun! Two thumbs up for pastry shops - I bet that was pretty inspiring for Miss Bella.
ReplyDeletexoxo KB
Yes - will Bella be trying out some of these delectable pastries on you folks?
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
How fun!! I'm 22, but even so I would still love to go the American Girl Place. My mom just gave me my old Felicity doll yesterday when I went to visit. Such memories come back when I hold her! Your trip sounds and looks like it was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a dream trip! I love the picture of Bella with foam on her nose! I'm hoping to do the trip idea with my children. It's such a wonderful idea. Got my frog in the mail! My husband wanted to keep it here, so a different stuffed bunny is making her way to my niece for Easter!
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Dawn
What a lovely young lady and a lovely sounding trip! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful time. What a great memory for both you and Bella :)
ReplyDeleteI have Felicity! Well, she's back at home, in my old bedroom. And she's still lovely. Just saw her when I was there a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteFun trip, huh?!
What fun! The pastries are making me hungry. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd my goodness, what a young lady Bella is turning into!
Sounds like a dream :) Felicity was my favorite American Girl doll when I was young; good choice, Bella!
ReplyDelete~Bethany
Trips with my daughters still bring a smile when I think back.One of my girls was also a Felcity mummy.Pastry shops yum.I will be going to N.Y.city in a few weeks and I think I 'll have to head up to Lexington st. for a visit to Payard's.Welcome back to both of you.
ReplyDeleteHow fun!! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious time you shared with Bella!
ReplyDeleteBella looks so sophisticated and grown up, taking it all in. Looks like she ordered and received a wonderful trip. All the best!
ReplyDeleteI like you.
ReplyDeleteI didn't used to - thinking "she's too good to be true." (Just being honest.)
But this post made me think: "She's admitting a true feeling."
That feeling?
"You're sure going to miss her when when she's grown."
No, not yet!
ReplyDeleteA train trip sounds perfect. What great memories.
oh, i loved this entry. makes me miss chicago and look forward to trips with my little girl as she gets bigger!
ReplyDeleteI'm 23...and I don't think I'll EVER get tired of beautiful dolls!
ReplyDeleteHello Anna,
ReplyDeleteHere is a laugh for you and Bella. I assumed that Felicity was Elyse's daughter and that Bella had brought her to your place for a few days. I see from the comments I was a little mixed. Rose from Oz
It sounds like you two had a marvellous time away together. I think I could try and reach through the computer for that Fruit Custard Tart!
ReplyDelete*sigh* Why must they grow up? :) I know that the adolescent and adult years will bring their own joys, but these young years are so fleeting. My sisters reminded me today that there's a lot more older years than young years.
ReplyDeleteI would love a Bella of my own!! She must be a sweet thing for sure, especially with the whip cream on her pretty little nose! :)
ReplyDeleteMissed ya!
Anna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the photos. I especially like the whipped cream on Bella's nose -- cute!
It looks like you had a marvelous time. Our 12 yog wanted a bed for her doll this year, I thought she was all grown up, too. Ooooh, the train, what a great idea.
Welcome home!
I am so glad you had a good time:)
ReplyDeleteMy 15 year old daughter has started www.americangirlfan.com
she would love for Bella to stop by.....
Renee
It sounds like a wonderful adventure. Think of the amazing memories you're creating!
ReplyDeleteOur apron strings are connected to our heart.
ReplyDeleteYou've tied yours & Bella's together beautifully.
She'll live strong and confident.
Your Bella is beautiful! What a lovely trip.
ReplyDeleteThough I now live in MI, I grew up outside of Chicago. I'm a fairly new sewer, and just recently found a love for fabric too. I would be very interested to know what fabric stores are included on your must-visit-list when in Chicago, for the next time I'm down there! I'm glad you had a great visit.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest is just starting to get into American Girls. Someday I want to take her to Chicago too. I know she would love it.
ReplyDeleteYour girl is adorable! It is such a bittersweet time when they are on the verge of growing up,isn't it?
What a fun time it looks like you guys had. This post kind of made my day and I don't even know you guys! Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteI remember having tea at the American Girl museum with our daughter...these are such special times! I hope you continue to enjoy your sweet children.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter chose Felicity also. She is now 24 years old and we still have Felicity! Last week we spent a day in Williamsburg, VA together, living in the era of her old doll! My prayers to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteYay for dollies! I think everyone should have one :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like every little girls dream come true. You do such a good job of making these special memories for your children Anna.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad she still loves dolls!
My daughter's first AG doll was Felicity as well! She spent many, many hours with Felicity and Addy. Sounds like you both had a wonderful time! (I have been busy cutting lots of 3" squares of fabric scraps!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely time! My husband and I traveled by rail from Seattle to Colorado as part of our honeymoon last autumn. It's a pleasant way to travel if one has their own private sleeper, as you & Bella and my husband & I did. Although my darling husband would rather admire the scenery than crochet! I'm glad you had a good trip.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you two had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteIn your "about me" section, Bella is 11 years old. She look like she's at least 18 in her photos! Truly a beautiful girl!
sounds like such a wonderful trip...i am always so glad to hear about older girls that love to still play with American Girls, my daughter is 7 and i hope it goes on and on for years
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling girl! My daughter is 12 and loves to bake - she says she wants to be a pastry chef when she grows up. I'll bet she'd love to be friends with Bella!
ReplyDeleteI am heading to Chicago for a trip with my husband (leaving two little girls home with friends). I'd love to hit some fantastic fabric shops, do you have any suggestions? I've got Vogue on my list. . . anything else?
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds like great fun. I think I could get my two guys into the pastry shop but no way will they go to American Girls with me.
ReplyDeleteHow fun...I enjoyed the American Girl Place when we went last year...Felicity is one of my favorite dolls. Is she first one of your family to get a doll?
ReplyDelete