We spent a good portion of the day to today at American Girl Place Chicago. 
If you click and look closely, you can see us.
Wow, I wish they had something like this when I was a kid. It is the Disneyland of dolls! This place is amazing. It is a 3 story building dedicated to dolls and girls. (and of course mom and dad's wallet!) My girls were introduced to the American Girls about 4 years ago, when my husband returned home from a business trip in Chicago with the dolls. They are beautiful dolls, extremely well made and will be passed on to future generations. You can buy a doll to look like you (pick the hair, eye and skin colour) and they also have dolls that are "historical" in nature covering different periods in American history. You can buy clothes for your dolls and some outfits have matching outfits for the girls. We have been ordering online ever since the dolls came home.
Today, we got to go to American Girl Place and have lunch with the dolls. Each of my daughter's brought one of their dolls. The restaurant has chairs that attach to the table so the dolls have lunch with you. And then a 4 course meal was served (delicious!)
Then it was off to the hair salon, where the dolls get a new hair do.
Once everyone was beautiful it was over to the photo studio where they got their picture on a "magazine cover" with their doll.
Looking around and deciding what to buy. The bottom floor is all the period dolls with their clothes, accessories etc. The next floor is the book store area and the studio and the theatre (there wasn't a show today). And the top floor is the restaurant and the American Girl Today lines where you can buy clothes for the girls and the dolls and all kinds of accessories, doll furniture etc. The place is huge!
At this point you are probably thinking I'm nuts and yes, you already knew that! But as long as my girls still want to play with dolls (and not grow up as fast as the world wants them to sometimes), I'm all for it! This was a day they won't forget. The American girl philosophy sends out strong messages to girls about who they are and what they can be and I think it is great.
Watch tomorrow as I start to give scrapbooking updates again. Kate arrived tonight (and couldn't believe the heat!) We have some surprises for you hopefully tomorrow (actually today now as its late!) Talk to you soon.
Michele
Thanks for the updates Michele
{{HI KATE}}!! Looking forward to the CHA pics!!!
Posted by: Wendy Gibson | July 18, 2006 at 05:24 PM
Whoa! hot stuff. Hang in there ladies! We're counting on you to beat the heat and bring back some smokin' good stuff!
Can't wait! Have fun and see you soon :)
Posted by: Jo Price | July 19, 2006 at 12:43 AM
Glad you like the updates. Having a great time and yes Jo, smokin' good stuff is coming your way!
Posted by: Michele | July 20, 2006 at 11:34 PM
Oh my goodness!!!! Great stuff. can;t believe you went to the American Girl Place. My girls have the books when they first came out. They will be so envious, even though they think they are all grown up!!!!
Stay cool! Have fun, see you soon
Posted by: Rose | July 21, 2006 at 12:18 AM