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player ready...What does it cost to be the best aunt/godmother ever? One fine Sunday, I tested the limits with my nieces Zaria, 12, and Allison, 5.
Afternoon
We began at Allison’s hip-hop dance class at Danza Viva Dance (46 Lake St., Oak Park; 708-386-8681). Although Allison was distracted with Zaria and me looking on, she did a good job following the routine. I clapped and cooed.
That encouragement prompted encore performances over and over … and over again throughout the day.
Late afternoon
The girls wanted to go to the mall, a place I try to avoid. But, what the nieces want … so, there we were at North Riverside Park Mall (7501 W. Cermak Rd., North Riverside; 708-442-1111).
A little sustenance was first on the agenda. At Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Zaria and I got a garlic, a cinnamon raisin for Allison, and lemonade and slushees to have with our pretzels.
Zaria wanted to get candles. We tried Bath and Body Works, but had to flee from the overload of fragrances that made our eyes water. “Let’s get out of here,” Allison said.
The candle section at Sears had an assortment without the overpowering scents. Mission accomplished. And, Allison rarely misses an opportunity to shoe shop, so a pair of casual brown slip-ons with pink criss-cross straps was her choice.
Next to Sears was a confection heaven called Candy Junction. Bins and bins of my favorites: Blow Pops, Air Heads, Pixy Stix, Rainblo bubble gum and more. My nieces were more interested in the Disney-character stuffed animals. Because they both have big graduations this year — from kindergarten and from elementary school — they each got to choose a special gift (Eeyore and Daisy Duck). I scored a half-quart bag of goodness. I may have to reconsider this mall thing.
Next up was Claire’s, the one-stop accessory shop for tweenies. Here, I discovered another gem.
Outside the entrance to Claire’s is a play area with foamlike creatures and obstacle bars for children to run around and jump upon. The encircled area is bordered by seating. I sat while the girls shopped. Then, Allison played in the play area; Zaria shopped at KB Toys, next door to Claire’s. I sat some more and enjoyed nuggets from my Candy Junction purchases.
Love the mall!
Evening
Zaria suggested going to Wildfire (1250 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg; 847-995-0100) for dinner. She lives in Hanover Park, and the restaurant is a favorite with her and my sister Vivian. I had a New York strip steak; Zaria ordered scallops; and Allison ate baby back ribs. No kiddie meals for these girls.
The day’s tally: Shopping at the mall: $85. Dinner at Wildfire: $120. Spending the day with my nieces: priceless.