As a dad I enjoy doing things that other dads won't do. For instance, last year I started a new Bentley tradition by taking my daughter to nearby downtown Chicago for a daddy/daughter day out. My daughter had saved enough to get her dolly a new outfit and she asked me to take her to the American Girl Doll Place.
The basement of the American Girl Doll Place has a museum like setting where different depictions of American history are brought to life using the dolls and their accessories. Behind glass no less, you see recreations of what life would have been like for kids in the Great Depression, 50s, 70's and other eras. All of the dresses that American Girl offer's were presented behind glass. You could either see the dress by itself or on a doll.
It turns out that while Hannah's dolls had several outfits, she felt there was something missing from their pajama collection. Since the basement had what we were looking for, that's where we headed.
Usually we have Hannah's four year old brother Alan with us, but not this time. When we all go downtown and stop in at American Girl Doll we can only stay for 15 minutes as that's all that Al's patience will allow for. He does remarkably well considering that he's inside a place selling dolls! Nonetheless, today was our day and nothing would take away from it.
In the end Hannah's choice was easy: a pair of warm, snuggly pajamas for the cold winter weather that we were having in Chicago.
As a surprise ending to such a great day, I decided to take Hannah and her doll to The Drake Hotel which is just a few blocks away from American Girl Doll across from beautiful Lake Michigan. What were we there for? Well high tea no less!
Hannah and I sat in big, red velvet chairs seemingly meant for royalty while we waited for our tea, sandwiches and pastries (Do you need any other food groups?) Right next to her was her dolly and the new pajamas. I asked her if she was going to put the pajamas on the doll but Hannah laughed. It isn't bedtime Daddy! I smiled, sipped my tea and just enjoyed the moment.
My daughter can't wait to go again and not a week goes by when she doesn't ask when we'll be going back. It was a simple gesture but I made her feel special by taking some time just for her. I learned a lot from that and make sure that I spend exclusive time with my son also. My wife and I also make sure to have time to ourselves without the kids around. Anyone dedicated to making their relationships rock solid would do well to do the same.
