BIG & Tattoos

In anticipation of our New York visit, we rented BIG a few weekends ago.  Not only is it a great movie, but I wanted the girls to see the piano scene from FAO Schwarz, to see if they recognized it (which they did).  So many things about FAO are exactly the same as they were 25 years ago, it is really amazing.  We spent a good hour in FAO, including some time on the piano, and the girls really enjoyed themselves!

Two years ago, Elizabeth got a tattoo at FAO and was extremely disappointed last year when she found that they did not offer them.  Well, there is now an entire area dedicated to face painting and tattooing and the girls were so excited to each get a tattoo.

American Girl Cafe

When we make our trip to New York, I always try to find a unique or special place to have lunch.  This year, Denise and I decided that we should give the Cafe at American Girl Place a try.  When we told the girls that we were having lunch in the store, Emily literally almost exploded she was so happy - she knocked me over with her hug!!  Felecity and Emily were seated at the table with us and were given their own plate and tea cup, which really made the girls' day.  Much to the surprise of Denise and I, the food was very, very good.  All four of us cleaned our lunch plates, from appetizer to dessert.  I think that we would return to the Cafe, although next time we will probably try breakfast or tea.

Nothing made the girls - especially Emily - happier than the fact that their dolls could sit at the table with us.

No detail is too small at AGD - the napkin holders are actually hair ties that we could bring home with us.

We dined in the Daisy Room.

Checking out the menu.

Cinnamon buns for appetizers!

The dolls were each given their own tea cup and plate.

American Girl Extravaganza!!

Last week, the girls, Aunt Denise and I made our annual trek to New York City and it was so much fun.  We started our day at American Girl Place and spent almost four hours there, including lunch.  Felecity and Emily had their hair done at the salon and were lucky enough to also get their ears pierced.  Then, starting on the first floor, we worked our way through all four stories of AG Place, looking at each and every outfit and accessory they had to offer.  We broke for lunch, which gave the girls some time to think over what they wanted to purchase, and then picked up a shopping bag and went through the very painful process of picking and choosing what to buy.  The girls each had an AG gift card, some money that they had saved for the trip, and the money that Aunt Denise gives them every year - but even with a healthy amount to spend, they had a very difficult time making decisions.  At times, they were completely overwhelmed.  Needless to say, one of the first things they did after we got home was update their Christmas lists!!

Our first stop was the salon, so the dolls could get their ears pierced and have their hair done.

Emily (AGD) got this cute hair style - which is how our Emily often wears her hair.

The stylist worked on bringing back Felicity's curls.

Happy Emilys.

Felicity's new hair do.

The Emily and Molly collection.

Checking out every single item....

Elizabeth spent some of her money on this chemise and crinoline (which she just cannot pronouce); she loves how it puffs out all of Felicity's long dresses.

Posing with McKenna.

Elizabeth is completely overwhelmed in this photo - clutching Felicity tightly as she tries to make the incredibly difficult decision about what items to spend her money on.

Old Sturbridge Village

August is a really long month at our house - vacation has come and gone, camp is over and school doesn't begin until September.  Although the girls have amazing imaginations and their pretend play can carry Lee through most days, each week I try to think of something new and/or interesting to do with them.  Since our visit to Plimoth Plantation in April was such a success, I have been thinking about taking the girls to Old Sturbridge Village.  When LivingSocial offered half off adult admission last week, I decided to jump on it and the four of us made the trip there today.  We spent a pleasant day, touring the Village and taking in the sights.  I am continually amazed at how the girls get so into the different trades from back in the day - we could have stayed at the Blacksmith shop and the the Carding mill for at least a half hour, they were so interested in what was going on.

For some reason, they were fascinated with all of these - and Elizabeth made a serious look whenever she played the "man". 

When we laid eyes on Fenno Farm, Emily immediately spotted this little lamb among the larger sheep. 

I have to say, the fur on this poor little lamb is almost in worse shape than the Lambie she sleeps with!

Center Meetinghouse, which was originally a Quaker meetinghouse. 

We watched many skillful women spin wool into thread and then work on different patterns in their huge looms. 

There was an entire building dedicated to glassmaking, as well as historical glass pieces from all over New England. 

Another entire building was dedicated to exhibits on fire arms and ammunition. 

This stunningly beautiful cradle was in the master bedroom of the Salem Towne House.  This house was large and quite beautiful, with lovely furnishings. 

Pumping water on the town green. 

Dummerston covered bridge. 

The Blacksmith Shop. 

I picked up a brochure during the day that mentioned the school vacation camps run by Old Sturbridge Village and was intrigued. Then I saw these walking around with their "counselor" - wearing historically accurate clothing on an 85 degree day and quickly realized that we would never put the girls through that!!