A Trip to the American Girl Doll Store

Our youngest turns 8 next month, something I'm still shaking my head about.  She's such a fun little girl, but for some reason has never really been "into" dolls, seldom playing with the few she has over the years.  Imagine our surprise when a few months ago she started pulling out her dolls, along with the doll bed, swing, etc. to play house, salon, school - toting them back and forth in the car wherever we would go.  It's been so fun to watch.

Somehow we ended up on the catalog list for American Girl several years ago.  I have to admit the stuff is amazingly cute, they think of every little detail.  But...cough, cough...the prices!   Wow, you could spend a small fortune.  Elise would look at the catalogs when they arrived, but then that was that.  I'm pretty sure I enjoyed looking through each one more than she did.  However, the last few catalogs she looked through, she REALLY looked through, and each page had something circled.  Then she declared she knew what she wanted to spend her swap-money on.

You know, swap-money?!  For the past few months she has been going through her toys, books and clothes and with my help, has been selling them on one of the Facebook "buy/sell/trade" groups.  The deal was that anything she sold, she could keep the money - and her little pile of cash grew pretty quick!

We had a long discussion on the price of AG dolls, comparing them to the off-brand line of dolls at other stores, how she could get more accessories if she chose the cheaper doll, etc.  Ultimately she made the decision to purchase Julie Albright from American Girl.  It was big afternoon!

As soon as we walked in the store she found Julie's section and picked up her girl.   

Her little face makes me smile.

There is so much to see - a little girls fantasy store.

She wasn't letting go of her doll once she had her!

The gymnastics set is incredible.

Love this sign.

More of Julie's accessories.

At check-out they will take your doll out of the box so you can walk out with them.  Yes, please!

Of course the obligatory last picture as we left - even though it was 10 degrees outside!

I am so very proud of her, this was a big purchase.  Of course she walked out with a list of many, many other items she wants and is already thinking of ways to make more money for them.  Plus, she knows her birthday is coming up - smart girl.   :-)

Catching Up - Once Again

It seems another month has gone by and I'm once again playing catch up with my blog.  I'll just give myself some grace and move forward from here.  The summer was intentionally low-key in an effort to soak up as much family time as possible and recharge a bit.  Now we have moved right into Back To School and the fall schedule is just about full with sessions, so it's a good thing I'm recharged!

Here are some highlights from the last month - I warn you there are a LOT of images!  Scroll, scroll, scroll.   :-)

Finished up Jake's senior session at his high school.

Here are a few from earlier in the summer when we met up at a local park.  You would never guess how hot it was by looking at these!  Not one complaint from him.

My beautiful niece was in town for a few days....again, it was SO hot out, but she hardly complained at all (maybe just a tiny bit).  Smoothie King did the trick when we finished up.  Thanks for being such a great sport Kristen!

I've always wished I could dance like this....

Then I met little Sophia for her 4 year birthday shoot.  It's been such an honor photographing her milestones over the years!  Look at this amazing location - the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, MO.  It was worth the drive!

Four is so fun - and so energetic!  I just love her personality and cute little face.

And then it was time for gorgeous little Macie's 3 year shoot - just look at her sweet face....how do her parents ever say No to that?  They are in big trouble, I tell you!

Get your dance on!

Last, but certainly not least, my handsome little grandson turned 8 months old.  He is such serious little guy, just like his Daddy, sitting back and taking everything in, then MAYBE cracking a little smile if you're lucky.  Oy!  We were practically standing on our heads, but yet, still Mr. Serious-Face.

That little foot.  I may have a slight obsession with tiny little feet.  :-)

Growling at his little bear....

 
But wait, there's a SMILE - woo hoo!

Thank you for stopping by today.  Next up a fun, personal post.

xoxox

Kathi

Wentzville Family Photographer | Gracie is Three

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of my favorite families for their little curly, blonde-haired cutie's 3rd birthday shoot.  She's a 4th of July baby, so usually the weather is a bit, ummmm - WARM when we do these, but not this year.  It turned out to be a gorgeous spring-like evening.  Just perfect for walking around the property behind their home for these.  We decided to play it low-key - no big props, just catching her cute personality in action!

I'm pretty sure we accomplished that.  *Warning - many adorable pictures in this post!*

Those perfect little curls!

Deep in thought.

Okay, we had a small prop, but come-on - we couldn't pass up a chance to use this adorable patriotic phone!  It was perfect.

The leaf - just floating by...

Mommy & Daddy jumped in for a few too, such a stunning family!

Haha - love her little "cheeeese" face!

And just look how she adores her Mommy.

Thanks so much Reeves family!

xoxoxo
Kathi