When I was a volunteer in the Junior League of San Antonio, we hosted the American Girl Party at the Ole Market’s fundraiser. My son was about 3 years old at the time and I didn’t have daughters yet. I just loved watching all the little girls walk in with their dolls in their arms. A lot of them had clothes on that matched the dolls. It was set up like a big tea party with an educational presentation featuring the doll of the year. They usually served finger foods and punch and lots of candy.
I didn’t have an American Doll growing up so I was unaware that each doll came with a book. Each book provides the background of each doll so the owner can get some great insight into their individual personalities. I would probably see the same presentation about four times during the weekend of my Ole Market shifts. I would learn something new every single time. It always made me feel like a little girl again and the leftover candy didn’t hurt either!
Since then the American Girl brand was sold to a big toy company and they no longer let non- profits host these types of parties.
When we were in Dallas earlier this summer, we got an opportunity to visit the American Girl store with Nana (aka Grandma) She gave the twins their very own dolls last Christmas. She wanted to buy them when she first heard the news that we were having girls, but I talked her out of it! There is just something about grandmas and American Girl dolls; they go together like peanut butter and jelly!
The store is located right outside of the Galleria in Dallas. It was really crowded in the retail part of the store. One of the twins was sick and couldn’t make it which ended up being a good thing. The bottom floor is huge, loud and very overwhelming. All of which my daughter Catherine doesn’t enjoy and neither do I.
I walked around and took pictures while Nana and Savannah shared some special time together.
It is pretty rare in a family of three kids that each child has one on one time with their grandma or their mom or dad for that matter.
It was day full of making precious memories.
It took us about an hour to see the whole store. We had to pick out the perfect item.
After Savannah made her purchase we headed upstairs for an extra special lunch.
We called ahead and made reservations to eat in the restaurant.
It is highly recommended because it is usually booked solid,especially on the weekends.
The atmosphere is much more quiet upstairs, almost relaxing for a specialty toy store!
As you are seated, you can’t help but feel like you are seven years old again. It was very whimsical.
These are some people we met while we waited for our table.
They drove down from Oklahoma for their daughter’s birthday celebration.
There were many birthday celebrations while we were there.
Don’t you just love these place settings?
The box on the table holds slips of paper with questions to ask your table members.
Emily Post would be proud.
The art of conversation, indeed.
Although Julie was kind of quiet!
They have special doll chairs.
Doesn’t her hair look cute?
They even have a doll hair salon.
I wish I would have taken a picture to share.
They were teaching girls how to keep their doll’s hair shiny.
We need lessons on how to keep gum out of it too!
There is a fixed price for the meals.
You order an appetizer and entree which for $15 per person which seemed kind of high but you do get fresh food.
The kid price is $7.50 but it is for 4 years old and under and includes the drink.
I ordered the salmon and it was delicious.
They even have pink food!
Here is the fruit tray with yogurt dipping sauce.
Our server was delightful and made the experience for Nana and Savannah very special.
It just made my heart sing to watch these two together. They are a lot alike in so many ways.
Let’s just say I didn’t get a word in, they love to chat and chat……..
And just be together.
Stay Sassy Y’all.
Well, Miss Savannah, you looked like you were having such a great time. What a wonderful day!
I wish I had a recording of their conversations at the table! They were loving every bit of the restaurant and I was too although I can’t afford that place very often!