Last year, Story’s birthday party was the worst day of our lives. This year I knew for her birthday we would get away and do something distracting and special. An American Girl Doll Store Birthday would be perfect!
On the morning of her birthday, I woke her up and told her to hurry and get dressed because we had a plane to catch. These are always some of my favorite words to say to my kiddos… surprising them never gets old.
We picked up 2 of her best friends + their mamas (who are 2 of my best friends), and headed for the airport!
On the plane we overheard them tell the flight attendant, “Excuse me, ma’am? We’ll have three hot chocolates please” 😉 They carpe diem’ed this trip from start to finish.
When we got to Dallas (a quick 30 minute flight from where we live), we got adjoining rooms so the girls could have their very own hotel room to themselves.
Then we crossed the street to our destination: The American Girl store.
Story did not want a doll that looked like her. She insisted on getting one that looks like her sissy. She decided on Nanea, the beautiful Hawaiian doll.
Upstairs, there was a beauty salon and bistro.
We left with 3 happy little girls.
The Galleria in Dallas has ice skating, so the girls had to have the ice skating ensembles for their dolls and go try it out.
Then we spotted a “Dragon’s Breath” kiosk… which I guess is just cold nitrogen ice cream? Still not entirely sure! But it makes you breathe smoke and is probably pretty dang unhealthy 😉 YOLO though, I guess — right? They laughed hard but were ultimately pretty weirded out by it (as were the moms!)
When we returned to our room at the Westin, the girls had a big surprise waiting for them. Cupcakes and milk, and complete little robe and slipper sets for their dolls, plus beds. They were SO excited. We had bought them matching jammies, so they changed into those and watched a movie with their dolls.
The next morning, we grabbed breakfast, shopped around a little at the Galleria, and hopped our flight home, simultaneously exhausted and refreshed.
I am so grateful for the wonderful friends in Story’s life.
Also, we have learned that every day we are given with our children is a gift we never ever had to receive. Each one is something to be incredibly fall-on-our-face thankful for. I am so grateful for these 7 years. I am so so grateful for Story.
Happy birthday, Sissy.
XO
M
PS. If you’re looking for a perfect birthday spot I fully recommend and American Girl Doll Store Birthday!