The Saturday before Samantha's birthday we headed down to The Grove in Los Angeles. The plan was to meet up with my parents who were treating her to her first American Girl Doll.
We knew The Grove was very dog friendly so naturally Lollipop was all smiles.
The Grove was decked out for the holidays and my parents arrived before us and saved us a spot in line to see Santa.
The Grove Santa might actually be the REAL Santa.
Or else the casting call for Santa in LA was a little more competitive than we've seen elsewhere.
Next stop, The American Girl Store!
Samantha went through every part of the store searching for the perfect one.
Grandma also went through every part of the store helping Samantha find the right doll.
If you could read Lollipop's mind she would be saying, "This place is a gold mine! Why didn't I think of this?"
And these guys are saying, "When is it lunch time?" And also, "Why didn't I think of this?"
In all seriousness, this place is a total trip. While Samantha had heard of American Girl dolls before this, she didn't seem too interested in them nor did I push it on her. Fast forward to kindergarten and it is the talk of the playground. And this store is nuts. Girls of all ages were walking around with look-a-like dolls, dressed in matching outfits, getting their hair done at the doll salon, having lunch with them at the cafe, outfitting them in the latest wardrobes on display....And Samantha was loving every. single. moment.
And then suddenly she found "Sammy" and she was in love. She searched and searched for a blonde-haired, hazel-eyed girl but the one they had came with bangs and unless we were going to cut Samantha's bangs right then and there to match, that wouldn't work. So, we went with blue eyes because that seemed close enough to hazel in Sam's mind.
Thanks Grandma and Poppy!
Next up, lunch at Farmers Market
Pastrami sandwiches from Phil's Deli and Grill is a must!
Check out Lollipop. She's like, "Are you really going to eat that in front of me and not share?"
"No really, are you seriously eating a pastrami sandwich in front of me?"
Don't feel bad for the dog, several fries and pieces of sandwich accidentally made it into her mouth.
Soft serve for dessert!
A trolley ride through the mall.
Lots of kisses were exchanged between Lollipop and the bevy of Los Angeles small dogs wearing miniature sweaters.
We ended the afternoon watching the dancing fountain show.
A perfect date for our soon-to-be six year old with the grandparents.
Lollipop was OUT on the way home.
And then Thatch.
Not to be outdone by Sam.
Then Todd and I had a peaceful ride home with the most beautiful sunset.
Once home, Samantha was quickly reenergized after sifting through her American Girl loot.
I like to call this look, "Sammy in disguise."
After hours of dress-up, these two cuddled by the fire.
Then Samantha tucked Sammy in her coffin, I mean, bed.
And that my friends, was one special day for Samantha. Thanks Grandma and Poppy!
