Chicago, Chicago

Some fantastic pics from our brief weekend in the Windy City. Part of our excitement over going to Chicago was to visit the original American Girl store. Erin and I both had American Girl dolls as children and continue to love many aspects of this company (though we love it less now that it is a branch of the Mattel tree). Anyway, I had decided Annie needed a Bitty Baby of her very own. Bitty Baby is a baby doll that has many adorable outfits and accessories and is, in general, the cutest baby doll you can buy your daughter. No batteries necessary for any of it; just a beautiful little baby for your child to nurture and imagine with. (Grandparents and aunties, click here for 5 years worth of birthday and Christmas gifts.)
As part of their customer service, the clerk unpacked Annie's doll from the box so she could hold it as we left. Erin captured her excited face!

Friday continued as we went to campus to meet up with Todd and his parents for dinner. Annie wanted to walk most of the time ("I wuk" she says) But to keep up with the rest of the non-pregnant, non-toddler-toting crowd she got a few rides on Opa's shoulders. Pretty good view up there!
Anne roamed the courtyard in front of Todd's building while we waited for Jon and Faye. She had lots of practice going up and down the little stairs and enjoyed checking out the flowers.
Saturday was much colder and windier than Friday, so we wore our sweaters and attended the commencement. Anne was very well-behaved, though she and I did wander the halls during most of the ceremony. I heard the speaker and got to see Erin and Todd both walk across the stage, so that's all that matters. Anne continued to stretch her legs afterward as we meandered around campus.
Oh, what's that? You want a picture of the actual graduate? Okay. Apparently Annie moved in this one--blurry face!
We made it home late Saturday night, but overall it was a good trip. Good baby, good food, good company, and lots of good help from Oma and Opa in wrangling the kid.