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| You’re Only 13 Once! Eleanor Catherine Drake Chicago February 4, 2012 |
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| Chicago! We had no business going. Is it ever the right time to just take off? BUT, I was exactly 11 and 3/4 months over-due on a promised Chicago trip AND, I am trying to follow through on my New Year’s Resolutions (see #8). Good ol’ ONE on ONE time. JUST, PURE GIRL FUN! |
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| Waiting for the train! For under $100.00 round trip, one adult and one child can travel on the Amtrak, Pere Marquette from Grand Rapids to Chicago’s Union Station. Although Ellie was waiting for the music to start |
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| The View “I was laying in bed last night pinching myself thinking, am I really going to Chicago on a train tomorrow with my mom? I felt like I was dreaming! Too good to be true!”–Ellie Drake My heart melted. Why hadn’t I done this sooner? (bad, bad mom) I had no idea this trip meant so much to her. So glad we were on our way! (good mom) |
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| The Obligatory Elevator J.U.M.P! Upon arrival at the Four Seasons, we realized why we found such a great rate on-line. The lobby was under construction which didn’t bother us a bit. We still received the stellar Four Seasons’ service and the newly updated rooms and pool/spa were fully functional, in perfect working order! Game ON!!! |
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| So Many Cookies, So Little Time… Upon arrival, kids are welcomed with a tray of milk and cookies in their room. The spotted mug swirls the milk and chocolate together! In pure Four Seasons’ style they sent up soy milk. |
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| Happy Birthday Ellie! Upon making our reservations I mentioned that we were visiting for BOTH Ellie’s 13th Birthday AND that I was treating her to such a special stay at the Four because she just received straight A’s on her report card for the 1st, AND 2nd marking periods as well as the semester. Not one “A-“. Three columns of solid A’s. (proud mama!) |
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| Congratulations Ellie! Not only did the entire Four Seasons’ staff sign a CONGRATULATIONS card for her, which she received upon check-in, but the bellman, whom randomly ended up with us in the elevator, knew exactly WHO she was, WHY she was there AND congratulated her in person! That’s why I LOVE this place! |
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| The Four Seasons Spa Admittedly, after that reception, it was quite easy for her to talk me into a Teen O4U Facial at the Four Seasons Spa. (especially since she also scheduled a massage for me, obviously she’s no dummy!) |
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| The Spa “Is it perfect enough for you?” –massage therapist asking about our whole spa experience. I had to laugh, “perfect enough”? Indeed it is. |
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| Chicago Fog |
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| The John Hancock Center was engulfed in fog, as we shopped the Magnificent Mile. |
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| Karyn’s Raw I was not feeling well, so we decided to start our dinner off with a wheatgrass shot. |
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| Heavenly Raw Italian Bruschetta One piece each. |
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| Raw Tamales Only room for one and NO room for the dessert I bought. Raw food is so filling! |
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| Room Service! I felt like a new women after all of the great food the night before, so I headed to the treadmill, however Ellie had other plans. |
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| Bobbi Brown for a Makeup Lesson! |
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| Bobbi Brown “After” |
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| We shopped and tried on ridiculous things we would never buy! (Real Fur=Real NO!) |
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| Tea at the Four! A fabulous finish… |
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| Lite Bites Vegetarian Spring Rolls (LOVE the presentation!) |
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| Lite Bites Vegetarian Sushi |
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| Happy 13th Birthday Eleanor! I’m so glad we just left, TOGETHER!!! (Dress-Bloomingdales, Gloves-Sermoneta Gloves) |
The Shade Shop, Inc.
What a precious and delightful excursion!!! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us!!!
Margaux Drake
It was quite memorable! I am so glad that we just did it. Thank you for reading and thank you for all of your uplifting comments:)