An American Girl

One of our fun family activities while Stace has been off work was to "wow" Violet (and ourselves) with the wonder that is the American Girl Store near Hollywood.

We started our L.A. day by hitting a Starbucks on Melrose that was giving out free tall drinks as part of a special promotion. Can't beat free, and the threw in cookies, too.

The American Girl Store, at the Grove shopping center, was less than two miles away.

Violet walked in on Wednesday wide-eyed, taking in the sheer number of dolls and doll-related items for sale in the huge multi-story shop. Everywhere were girls just like her, clutching their special friends.

Violet eagerly perused everything, with Christmas money in her purse from Auntie Doreen and Uncle Pete.

In the end, she decided to pay to have Joy's ears pierced - this came with four additional sets of earrings. She also bought a dress for Joy.

So stylish.

Perhaps this is the year the girls will follow Joy's lead, and get their ears pierced, too.

The AG Store was really an amazing experience. It shows how much money our society has when we will pay loads to have our dolls' hair styled and ears pierced.

On the other hand, Violet's eyes lit up so brightly as she walked around the store - you could sense her excitement. And that has to be worth something, too.

Violet's new goal is to save up and purchase a "Just Like Me" American Girl doll - they have dozens of dolls with various skin tones, hair and eye color, hair styles, etc,

The doll Violet is holding is the one most similar to herself, and this is what she wants to save toward - they cost $115, so she will be saving a long time. Violet also is eager to return to have lunch at the upstairs cafe for her birthday.