Why Didn't I Think of That

Renee called and asked if I would like to bring Gwen and join her and Kendall on a little road trip to the new American Girl store in Tysons Corner, I was actually pretty excited about it. I have never been in a store, and wasn't quite sure what all the hoopla was all about. Gwen has an American Girl doll, but she's not really a doll kind of girl. She has a million stuffed animals and loves to play with them, cuddle with them, and sleep with them. But, she did have her doll's ears pierced in the New York City AG store and was looking forward to having her doll's hair done this time.

As you can see, the girls were so excited and very willing to wait in front of the "hair salon" until it was their dolls turn in the salon chair.

Yes, you did read that correctly. Salon chair. Complete with the cape to keep the dolls clothing from being saturated with water. The girls selected their hair styles and their dolls were carefully placed into the salon chair. Gwen's stylist, Tandy, was great, keeping up a running dialogue with Gwen. Gwen was able to pick the color of the rubber bands and the ribbon to hold the braids.



The outcome was a very happy little girl and a beautiful new hair-do for Belle....or Bella....Gwen hasn't quite decided. I'm sure it was worth the $20. Seriously? Why didn't I think of this money pit?

Okay, this was one of the coolest things. Yes, this is the inside of the bathroom stall, but honestly, these people thought of everything. Hooks on which to place the doll not only in the stalls, but also beside the sinks so the dolls were well taken care of in the restroom. Wow. Again, why didn't I think of this?

Then it was on to lunch. Again, quite an experience as we were seated and the dolls were given their own seats which hooked to the tables, just like those infant seats you often see. When the girls were given their drinks, the dolls were given a saucer and tea cup too. Hey, dolls get thirsty too....don't they?

Gwen, Kendall, and Abby pose with their dolls. These are 3 happy kids, and who wouldn't be happy? A $20 hair do, a $36 new outfit, a $22 doll carrier, and a $50 lunch. Whoever said there's a recession couldn't prove it by this experience. This store was absolutely packed, there was a line 20 dolls deep for hair styling, and long lines at the checkout counters.

Honestly? I had a marvelous time and it gave me such pleasure to do this with and for Gwen. I loved seeing her so excited and giggly with Kendall. And the best part was that Gwen was so appreciative of the whole day. She knew this was a costly outing, and when she hugged me and looked me in the eyes and said, "Thank you so much Grandma," my heart just melted.