Truth, Justice, and the American (Girl) Way

We made a pilgrimage to an American Girl store on this day, fulfilling a promise we’d made to Olivia when Kit Kittredge joined our family last Christmas. We’d vowed then that we’d make a trip around Olivia's birthday to the place of awestruck children, where girls stare wide-eyed at the museum-like displays of dolls and doll accessories – and parents stare wide-eyed at the costs of said dolls and doll accessories. Kids are encouraged to bring in their own dolls for services such as hair appointments, photo shoots, and afternoon tea.

Thanks to the generosity of G and Grandma Moose, Olivia’s doll Kit – a Depression-era child – came away with pierced ears and an earring set, clothing accessories, school supplies, a homemade scooter, and her dog Grace. (I guess the Depression wasn’t hard-hitting for everyone.) And as parents, we came away with the sure-to-be lasting images of the expressions of sheer joy and wonderment on our daughter’s face from the moment we entered the store to the time we checked out.