Chicago: You’re Only 13 Once!

You’re Only 13 Once!
Eleanor Catherine Drake
Chicago
February 4, 2012

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!
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
and the conductors to come out singing and dancing
holding silver trays of never ending hot chocolate,
 a la Polar Express,
the conductors are very friendly in a non-singy, non-dancey sort of way,
the cars do provide wide, comfortable seats with leg rests and
outlets to plug in your electrical device of choice
(phone, iPad, laptop, game, etc…)
and,
there are no pre-boarding stripping and pat-downs required.
LOVE THIS!
If you bring a thermos of tea and a few breakfast baked goods,
you’re all set!

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)
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!!!
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.
Apparently they take good notes and keep them a while,
as we, plant-based milk loving,
Drakes have not visited in a while.

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!)
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!

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!)
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.
Chicago Fog
The John Hancock Center
was engulfed in fog,
as we shopped the Magnificent Mile.
Karyn’s Raw
I was not feeling well,
so we decided to start our dinner off
with a wheatgrass shot.
Heavenly Raw Italian Bruschetta
One piece each.
Raw Tamales
Only room for one and NO room for the dessert I bought.
Raw food is so filling!
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.
Bobbi Brown for a Makeup Lesson!
Bobbi Brown
“After”
We shopped
and tried on ridiculous things we would never buy!

(Real Fur=Real NO!)
Tea at the Four!
A fabulous finish…
Lite Bites
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
(LOVE the presentation!)
Lite Bites
Vegetarian Sushi
Happy 13th Birthday Eleanor!
I’m so glad we just left,
TOGETHER!!!
(Dress-Bloomingdales, Gloves-Sermoneta Gloves)

Comments

  1. The Shade Shop, Inc.

    February 25, 2012

    What a precious and delightful excursion!!! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us!!!

  2. Margaux Drake

    February 28, 2012

    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:)