In an attempt to catch up on many missing 2011 posts I am going to do some "flashbacks." Eventually I will go back and put them in order, but they will be here for the time being.
Last August Mia was going to be celebrating her 5th birthday. About 2 years prior to that we began receiving the American Girl catalog at our house. Immediately Mia said she wanted one of those dolls. Thinking that a $100 doll was not in her future, I told her that those dolls were for girls who were at least 5 years old, thinking she would forget by then.
Well, she didn't. :) However, she has a wonderful Grammy who said that was a special gift she wanted to get for Mia (Thank you Grammy!!). In addition, her Gigi also chipped in so we could get her doll some clothes and accessories. So, for Mia's 5th birthday, we took a ride down to the city to American Girl Place.
What an experience! It was truly such a magical day for Mia and seeing the sparkle in her eyes and joy on her face was worth every penny. Here is a glimpse into the day.
Mia and Grammy on the car ride down to the store
On Michigan Avenue-so excited!
Mia knew ahead of time that she wanted Julie from reading her catalogs. Within 10 seconds of stepping in the store she spotted her.
We looked around and checked out all the displays (here she is in front of Julie's)
Posing with Grammy
With Mom
The display for the "Girl of the Year"
But finally it was time to buy Julie!!!
After buying her, the salesman asked if she wanted to carry her around the store (if you have never been to American Girl, there are young girls everywhere toting around their dolls. Mia said yes and this is the moment Julie was placed in her arms. :) I love the joy on her face.
We did some posing with Julie
Family pic-ha, ha!
We had to revisit the "Girl of the Year" booth with Julie
Next, we had lunch reservations in the dining room. This is an experience itself! It is a very fancy dining room (white tablecloths and all) and there are special seats for the dolls. We chose the birthday package for Mia, so she got a little goody bag and crown and birthday t-shirt for Julie. We had a little appetizer tray and then got to pick our entrees. Mia was just in heaven.
The waitress brought "tea" for Julie
As we were winding up our lunch Mia started noticing birthday cakes being brought out for other tables and singing for other birthday guests. She kept checking if any were heading her way. :)
All of a sudden she noticed one coming her way...
And soon she was serenaded by the waiters and waitresses
The perfect cake for a little girl
Mia and Julie-LOL!
Cort found this slightly odd, ha ha!
(I should add he was a great sport for putting up with all the American Girl craziness-he was a bit out of his element)
Group shot
Mia posing with her loot on Michigan Avenue
And the proof of a great outing
Thank you again Grammy for helping us make such wonderful memories. Not quite sure how to top this for Mia's 6th birthday!
(8.6.11)
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