Tourists In Our Own Town

 We love showing off Chicago to out-of town visitors. 

We almost always stick around the neighborhoods, 

but this time when Mommy's best friend Lindsay 

and her sweet 6 year old daughter Ava came to visit, 

we spent our time hitting up all the toursity places little girls adore...

When it comes to restaurants, most downtown spots are not our first choice...

but friends, we can let you in on a little secret: Bar Toma.

We all enjoyed our meal, complete with what Mila and Mommy

think is the best chocolate gelato in the city, before 

heading to the American Girl Store.

The next morning we spent a few hours at 

Lincoln Park Zoo. 

The weather was perfect and many of the animals were out.

The carousel is always Mila's favorite part. 

 Next, we shot down Lake Shore Drive to Navy Pier

where we had lunch at Riva's. 

When faced with all the junk food, chain restaurants, 

and overpriced options at Navy Pier, Riva's is one of the better bets. 

The girls enjoyed checking out Build-A-Bear and the candy store,

but for a special treat, we rode the famous ferris wheel. 

The girls were not the least bit afraid.

Tickets were $6 each,

but the line went very quick and the view from 

the top was spectacular.

Visit us again soon, Lindsay and Ava!