Tuesday, March 11, 2008

A pilgrimage of sorts

It all started in December. Somehow in the past 3 months, I have been to the American Girl store in Atlanta three times. Our first visit was on December 23 for a birthday party. Being in a mall on the 23rd of December was interesting. I am sure that you can guess the percentage of male shoppers in the mall that day. Now, in the American Girl store…there were all the moms and their girls with ginormous bows in their hair…and the poor (emphasis on poor) hapless dads and brothers that were obviously dragged into this haven of feminity. After witnessing one grandfather tell a tiny girl that she could pick out whatever she wanted…I am so curious to know what the store brought in that day. Why oh why did I not invent The Pleasant company?

After the party…Katie decided that she needed an American Girl doll. She had always loved the books, but had never shown an interest in the dolls. Neither of my girls has ever been interested in dolls. They like stuffed animals, but barbies, babies and dolls have been outside of their preferences. Until now. My mom decided that she would let Katie pick out a doll for her birthday (which is on New Year’s Eve). I tried to make reservations to have lunch while we were there – but they were booked. Ahhh…all those poor dads and brothers.

We headed for the mall on that cold, last day of December. Madalyn was cautioned in advance that it was NOT her birthday…but she did have some Christmas money to spend. Katie picked out Kirsten and a few outfits. Madalyn got a mini Addy with her money. On the way home Madalyn quizzed my mom on when exactly she would get her own doll. Answer: on her birthday if that is still what she wanted.

So…yesterday we made the pilgrimage once again - bringing Katie's friend Audrey with us. Madalyn’s birthday is not until April…but Madalyn wanted to have her doll to bring with us on our cruise over Spring Break. So…because schools were out here yesterday for a teacher workday, it seemed like a good time (meaning less crowded) to go. Madalyn has been vacillating between several dolls – first it was Josephina, then Addy, then Felicity…and I think it changed four more times in the car on the way. When we got there, we rounded the circuit…and then Madalyn settled on Felicity. Oh, wait, nope…it’s Elizabeth.


Madalyn picked out a few outfits…Katie picked out another outfit for Kirsten...we found back packs to store the dolls...I plunked down their college savings…and then we had an American girl fashion show.

Now we are all worn out, and a quick repast at the bistro seems to be the ticket.

The dolls had a challenge picking out what they wanted for lunch.

Get a load of that chocolate milk. Don't think we make it quite like that at home.

Here Madalyn is carbo loading just in case she decides to run a marathon later in the day.


We had a lovely pilgrimage...now we just need to head to New York or Chicago where they have stores, restaurants, and theatres...right after we get that second mortgage on the house...
post signature

14 comments:

GBK Gwyneth said...

I'd like to see the backpacks that you got! The dolls are a pain to haul around...

I've been to the stores in NYC and Chicago with my girls, and they went with my mom to the Atlanta Boutique. We haven't gone to a show yet. I think that there was an age limit holding us back, but maybe Chloe is old enough now? I'll have to check.

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

The backpacks are great. There is a pocket with straps to secure the dolls - so they stand with their heads sticking out. My friends say they are easier to deal with than the "purses." The insides are huge. I rationalized spending almost $100 on two backbacks because they would be great for our cruise. They could keep thier dolls - a bathing suit - some toys and whatever else they desire - and then they could be in charge of it themselves. Madalyn actually used it today for school - but I think I am going to have her put it away until after vacation (just in case!). Katie is using hers for LEAD...so when you get back you can check it out.

Rhea said...

American Girl? No such thing in my home. The only other female in my house is the dog!! It's all baseball, soccer, basketball, legos and action figures. :o)

Those dolls look cute, but I'm glad I don't have to put a second morgage on the house for them. lol

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

My poor husband - him and the cat are the only males...and if you wanted to get particular, the cat is not quite intact :-) We joke that DH lives in the sorority house. Isn't that every guys dream?

Do boys have expensive habits like girls? All I can think of is wii or gamecube or the like. But still...those dolls are a hundred bucks a pop...and there are 12 of them...and new ones every year...yep...need to win the lottery...take over a small country or something!

Rhea said...

Lego kits can get expensive, and I remember Thomas the Tank Engine being a little expensive as well (especially when you end up buying every engine and track and building and bridge possible). Those dolls are pricey, wow, but very pretty!

Lisa~ said...

Oh my! I will show RyLee this later... I want to take her to the one in Cali.... before shes 30!

What a fun time!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

I just told Courtney the other day that I'm glad that I only have 1 daughter b/c I didn't want to think about having to buy at least 2 AG dolls. She has the Just like me doll and has played with it for 2 years which really surprised me.

We also found a unit study on the American Girls and we enjoyed what we've done so far. I told her that I'm going to get Addy for myself and she's not going to be allowed to play with my Addy.

Oh, I'm loving your blogspot, I'll come back when I have more time.

Rhonda

amy said...

Ahh, American girls! we went to the place in Chicago for Rachel's 11th birthday and I was truly stunned by the crazy consumerism aptly demonstrated by such small younglings. But hey! High tea was big fun, and Rachel's beloved eBay Kirsten got a new hairdo. Good times!Thanks for bringing back that memory. =)

Nissa said...

I had NO idea there was an American store here. Where is it??? I must go there!

Nissa said...

er- American Girl store! lol

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Nissa--I am so glad that I just recently changed my blogger settings to email me when I got comments...or I would not have realized that you went back this far!

The American Girl store is at North Point Mall. Go...it's a lot of fun!

Unknown said...

My girls would LOVE to go there... Kiersten is the oppular one around here... for some reason.. wink wink

Unknown said...

We are deprived in this area. No American Girl store!!!!

I need to start a petition ...

Talking about stores, I'm off to shop for the swap thingy....TWMA :-)

Tiffany said...

We have accumulated so much American Girl stuff from birthdays and Christmases that I converted a linen closet to an American Girl closet for all of the doll stuff. It's SO expensive but my two really do love playing with them. We love the stories as well.