The AGP Experience

With Miss E turning five years of age, there came a promise: we would take her to choose an

American Girl doll (her choice of which one) at the Place (should be named Palace instead of Place in my opinion).  Part of the whole experience included lunch out beforehand

 and transportation via train.

And her sparkly, sequined headband was also part of the experience.  This girl loves her sparkle!

Once we arrived, she checked all the American Girls out. Her decision had been made and she was sticking to it!  She chose CAROLINE.  Some thought she might choose Kit because they have the same haircut.  I was sort of hoping for Julie because she's from the decade of my awakening self.   (Groovy, man. Far out!!)  I suspect she likes Caroline mostly because of her long, curling tresses, pink dress and exaggerated "girly" qualities. Her story of being the only child of a shipbuilder who lives near Lake Ontario (1812) with the dream of one day having her own ship is

 probably less of a draw.

However, beyond her lovely blonde locks, Caroline has heroic tendencies as she sets 

out to save her father as his ship is captured.

The theme of "bravery, family and making wise decisions" is not too shabby, either.  I suspect Miss E relates more to the pretty ice skating outfit presently, though.

No visit to AGP is complete without going to see the doll hospital, hair salon, candy shop 

and all the other ways to spend more money upstairs.  We opted out of activites going on in

 the dining room.  This time, anyway.

After checking the whole Place/Palace out, Miss E announced

 it was time to go and get her Girl.

                             It was love!!!!

It was also a little tricky because she wanted to have a closer look once Caroline was out of the box.

With a slushy, cold Michigan Avenue and a train full of people something bad could have happened to her new best friend.  We had Plan B:  they could meet each other in the comfort of Water Tower mall!

We found a cozy little nook with a table and chairs and sat back to watch as girl and doll

 started their special friendship.

First they sat together, then Miss E got up and started a twirling dance.

Both of us agreed that seeing this pure joy and love was worth every penny we paid in this coming-of-age milestone in our Grand-daughters life. Ah, how uncomplicated life is when you are five!

Happy Birthday, Miss E!