Day Two of Tess's Ten Year-Old Trip and we finally got to the point: shopping and theater! Plus, not nearly as much walking (only 13,560 steps for 7 miles), so everyone was happy as clams.

Because Tess takes after her mama, the day started slowly. Sleeping in, reading in bed, and a slow, leisurely pace getting ready had us exiting the hotel at 10 am. And although I said we were getting down to business with the shopping, of course we had to eat.

Day Two and we're picking up where we left off: food!

Next time you're in Chicago, hit up the Eggsperience Cafe. Delicious omelets, eggs benedict, and chocolate chip pancakes as big as your head!

Tess asked the waitress, "Which is bigger: the pancakes or the waffles? Pancakes? Okay, I'll take that."

It was a dreary day in Chicago, so some of our sightseeing plans were put on hold. The day was spent on the Magnificent Mile going shop-by-shop. Tess recently stated she hopes to become a personal shopper and if Day Two's six-hour jaunt is any indication, she's well on her way.

First stop along the Magnificent Mile was Macy’s for some Frango Mints. While originating in Seattle, they were made popular by Chicago's Marshall Field’s department store dating back to 1929. But since Marshall Field’s closed, Macy’s picked up the mint-chocolate slack for all of our sakes. Thank you, Macy’s!

Frango Mints got Michael through his American Girl store experience.

Next stop, the American Girl store. This was Tess’s second time visiting an AG store, the first time at the Mall of America. But, being in the Chicago store brought me back to 2009 when my bestie, myself, and our husbands spent a few days in Chicago. Besides seeing U2 live at Soldier Field (bucket list!), we shopped along Michigan Avenue and explored the American Girl store for the first time. Our daughters were only 1 ½ at the time, so the whole AG world was new frontier for us.

Now, six-and-a-half years later, I’m still amazed at the experience. Visiting the AG store is a whole thing. Dolls, books, videos, accessories, not to mention the various adventures you can have within the store with your doll. No surprise we spent over an hour in there.

Tess on tv in the 1950s, Mary Ellen doll display.

The number of man hours to construct this is mind-blowing. The number of Lego blocks I could accidentally, but inevitably, step on is soul-crushing.

In honor of her brothers, Tess graced the Lego store next door. How amazing is this Chicago skyline made completely out of Lego blocks? The Willis Tower, Hancock Building, and Buckingham Fountain made completely out of Legos. Unreal! We sent this photo to the boys and they were both impressed.

We didn’t expect to wander into the treat that was the Dr. Seuss art exhibit. Sketches, paintings and prints by Dr. Seuss stemming from noteworthy works like The Cat In The Hat and Hop On Pop to obscure cartoons from political magazines during World War II.

After all that a girl is famished, so Italian gelato is required, clearly.

And how can you be around all of this amazing architecture and not give this move a whirl? Nailed it.

She can almost reach the top of the Hancock Building!

How many times did Tess pretend to be trapped in the revolving door? Answer: all the times. Every single one. She averaged 2.8 trips around each door and is convinced the world needs these in every store, office, and home.

Help!! One time Michael actually thought she was stuck. Alas, fooled by her acting.

Whew! What a relief! She emerges - dizzy, but alive!

We shot a few more hours in Bath & Body Works (Tess’s favorite store in the whole world) and H&M before making our way back to the hotel swinging by the Hershey’s store and Tiffany’s & Co. along the way.

Keep in mind for the chocolate-lover in your life. A 5 lb. Hershey's bar can be yours for only $50.

"Tess, little turquoise boxes with white bows are your friends."

Then, it was theater time! Look at this lovely thespian about to spend time in a world she adores. She lights up the stage and our world.

We ran into friends on our way. Because why wouldn’t you run into people you know in a city filled with millions? This happened twice, actually!

The Quaid family!! We drove a collective 12 hours to hang out.

We emerged from underground after riding the L Train to be greeted and dazzled by the lighted marquees. The Broadway show 42nd Street was playing in the Cadillac Palace, a 90 year-old, gorgeous theater that seats 2,344. The architecture was ornate, opulent, and wonderful and Tess was in heaven.

Dancing feet is right - wow! The tap-dancing numbers were incredible!

The show was amazing, a true throwback to the Broadway world of the 1930s, filled with outstanding vocals and show-stopping tap numbers. The story is about a small-town, chorus girl who gets cast in the leading role of her first Broadway show. It made us all smile.

We walked some of the way back to the hotel so we could see some of the other theaters along Randolph Street, including the iconic Chicago Theater. And, of course, rock the same tall-building photo move!

Tess wasn’t sure if she’d be able to sleep after all the excitement, but she crashed within minutes having had the Best. Day. Ever.