It's just like it says.. a day to Remember! I can not believe how big and over-the-top this place is! The girls were so excited, I think it's a top 10 day for sure. Maybe top 2!! It was so fun watching them and witness their faces all day. It was seriously magical and I'm so happy they were able to do all of this!
Last year, when we went to NYC, we did not tell the girls that an American Girl Store was a thing. Up until then, they called target dolls American Girl dolls. They had no idea there was a difference. And I was honestly kind of conflicted to let them know! We had planned to take them to the store but we weren't going to make a big deal out of it. One night, on the way back to our hotel, we casually walked by the store (when it was closed) and Emily went wild. She was so happy, so excited and even formed tiny tears. That girl loves her babies.
She wanted to go immediately. We lied and told her that it was closed on Sunday to buy us more time. And we also used it as a.. well, if you're good. When we finally went to the store, she was overwhelmed. I didn't think she would ever pick a doll. Both girls had the time of their lives. And they also learned that another store was in Chicago. Maybe why they were so pro Chicago summer trip?!
Of course they wanted to go in Chicago. They wanted to go to the salon, eat with their dolls, the whole thing. Kate wanted her ears pierced, etc, etc. I finally told them we could do one thing. And my sweet Kate couldn't decide. So I scheduled one. The next week I started thinking about how Kate will turn 9 this year and might not even care about dolls next year. Through my tears, I immediately booked both experiences! ..sans Brian because I knew he would be miserable. And that's how we scheduled three hours at the AG Place.
Headed down Michigan Ave to the day of their lives.
Before we were close, they spotted the store and took off running. Also, like how cute are they?
It's the shrugged up shoulders, the all teeth smiles. The best!
We walked through the bottom level and were trying to decide everything we would buy. This time I told them, no dolls.. just accessories. And I gave them a budget. Which ended up changing time and time again. I'm a sucker.
Paused our shopping to have lunch at the American Girl Cafe! And let me say, they thought of everything. I just booked the reservation. Not sure that I read anything about the experience.
We sit down and learn that the bow on the silverware is actually a hair bow for you to keep.. use on your doll or self! The dolls get these precious little chairs that hook on to the table to sit right next to you. Your doll also gets a little cup and saucer so she can eat (and drink!) right along with you. And you know what else?! Right when you sit down, they deliver hot and gooey cinnamon rolls as an appetizer. Yes, even for lunch!
The girls faces as all of this was spoken and done was priceless. I will forever remember Emmy's face. It was one of my favorite memories.
Also, because I'm a sucker, the girls ordered the girl of the year drink. It was the glittery fizz! Which was sprite with a glitter bomb that bubbled, fizzed, and released silver candy stars. It was served with a strawberry straw you can eat! Talk about extra. OH and a sprinkle/sugar rim.
The girls were very attentive to their dolls. Always making sure they had plenty to eat. Heling them eat and drink and just generally checking on them.
Summer is actually holding her cup here. Seriously, how much more precious can a photo get?!
Second course! Hummus and Boursin mousse cucumber bites, carrot sticks, ranch dipping sauce, cantaloupe and honeydew, strawberry-and-grape fruit skewer, pizza crunchers, fried cheese ravioli, and marinara dipping sauce. On a three-tier serving platter. It was soo much food really.
Just glancing over and seeing them filling their girls plates made my heart swell.
They also had cute little cards on the table for you to read while you waited. American Girl doll history or questions to get you talking about something. It was a nice add!
Both girls got the cheeseburger and mac and cheese combo. They loved the mac and cheese!! Seriously, we were not lacking for food. There was so much!
...and then they brought out dessert. And to quote Emily, "we didn't even have to ask for it!!!!" Emily didn't eat it cause she wanted lunch to be over so she could go shop! It was some kind of chocolate mousse with an edible flower.
Kate loved it. There was so much pink. Seriously, they thought of everything. Even the bathrooms were precious. I googled and learned that this is the flagship store. I'm not sure if all of them are this big but it was super impressive.
Feeding Summer.
Finished at the Cafe and ready (SO READY) to shop.
took this picture for Lucy Hall.
"Not today mom but will you add this to my birthday list!"
The whole Summer setup! Also, who knew we had to have so many AG pets?!
We went through the entire store, up and down and loaded our bag with everything we thought we wanted. Then we sat down and sorted our things with highest priority. Then we took these pictures!!
Look above them. Isn't this insane?!
OK back to prioritizing our finds. She really really wanted a mini doll. Both girls did. I don't get it!! But whatever. This was a must. I also saw these precious PJs and told them those were on me, outside of their "budget" for girls and dolls.
Photo ops everywhere!
..and now back to shopping. We narrowed it down then we decided we needed to do one more walk through on the way to the salon.
basketball girls.. send to daddy!
Softball outfit.. for the birthday list.
And salon time! My goodness! Ya'll. The catalog of styles was so overwhelming. Kate picked quick and decided to match her doll. They did your hair while someone, in front of you, did your dolls hair. It was again sooo... extra. But so amazing.
Poor Emily just couldn't decide. She really just wanted pig-tails. But that wasn't an option. Everything was too "fancy." So said Emily. She kinda freaked out and decided to just have her dolls hair done. Then she couldn't pick a style. Ultimately went with the same one that Kate did. And if you know Emily, you are surprised by none of this.
The stylists gave them tips for their dolls as they did it. Wire brush, water spray bottle.. they remind me all the time.
Name something cuter. I'll wait.
They got to pick what color ribbons. It was heaven on earth!
And by this point, I was ready! We went through our choices, one. more. time!!!! And we decided and checked out. The clerk bagged their things separately so they both got to carry their own bag. The smiles say it all. They also got the little Chicago patch for their bags. Now they have Chicago and NYC... they can't wait to add more :)
This pose makes me grin so big!! And we had to take the picture in the area of Courtney. Cause Kate's fav doll is Courtney :) She just didn't bring her this time because she got to go to NYC and it's only fair that Summer got to come on this trip. Emmy did not care! Rebecca all the way!
They wanted to talk every single picture on the way out. And I was all for it. They are only little so long. And I honestly don't think they wanted the experience to end.
Picture with Courtney
Picture with Summer
Picture with Lila. Which she was not happy, they are phasing out the Lila things and hardly had anything!!
Picture with "Rebecca." Her truly me.. or so we think :)
It was such a fun afternoon. One that none of us will ever forget. It's excessive and over-the-top but again, they are only little so long. I never thought anything like this would bring me so much happiness but experiencing this through my precious little girls eyes, was beautiful.
XOXO
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