Happy Birthday Samantha!

Samantha turned SEVEN the day after Thanksgiving and we packed up the car with the family and headed to The Grove. 

We first had to make a stop to Samantha's friend, Abigail's house. Her American Girl doll was in need of some new legs and needed a ride to the hospital. You can't make this stuff up. 

You also can't make up that we have a carseat for our dog. 

She looks seven, don't ya think?

Thank goodness the hospital wasn't crowded and Abigail's doll got right in. 

The "doctor" filling out admissions paperwork. 

I handed the "doctor" the $40 Abigail's mom gave me and they put the doll in a hospital gown. They said she would be shipped to Santa Barbara with new legs in 3 weeks. Bizarre. Which reminds me that if you haven't seen Conan O'Brien visiting The American Girl Store you have to watch it here, now. 

Okay, back to the birthday girl. 

Grandma Cathy and Papa Ron met us here to get Samantha her second American Girl Doll.

Would she get Samantha? 

Nope, she wanted the long-haired, blonde, hippy girl, Julie. 

One year ago.

Thanks Grandma!

One year ago.

Papa and Lollipop 

Next stop, Santa! Thatcher was a little more hesitant than Samantha and couldn't remember a thing he wanted when Santa asked him. He has since made the list of all lists!

I purposely avoid the Santa's in Santa Barbara because the one at The Grove IS REAL! 

Exactly one year ago at The Grove. 

See, REAL Santa! 

Thatcher was kind of nervous on Santa's lap but loosened up after the fact when he was able to replay the whole experience and watch/listen to the video. 

One year ago.

I spied both kids going back for seconds and thirds of candy samples at Dylan's Candy Bar

Thatcher may have had fourths. 

Birthday lunch at Marmalade Cafe 

Then back to Dylan's Candy Bar for MORE treats!

Here's what breakfast looks like now, 2 kids and 2 American Girl dolls. 

Happy Happy Birthday Sammy!

P.S. Abigail's mom called me and said not only did her daughter's doll arrive with new legs, they reimbursed her for the leg fee saying they'd take care of her hospital bill. How's that for good customer service/doll health insurance?!