On several occasions Marina now asks, "Can we go to a mall?" "Can we go shopping today?" A true girl in the making. This is not because we frequent the mall. I think it has stemmed from the one time (the day before Esaias was born) we went to the Colorado Mills Mall to walk. She got to go with us with her money in hand and she got to shop at the very "girlie" store "Justice." She decided that was one of her favorite things to do. Yikes! Anyway getting back to her question, I usually respond, "Are you buying?" and "No!" Occasionally I will get the urge to walk a mall for fun, but because I don't have free money to spend, that's not my favorite thing to do.Well, Marina got her wish, my mother-in-law has been wanting to take the bigger girls to the new "American Girl" doll store at Park Meadows Mall. I agreed to help her in this adventure. I have to say I wasn't very excited about going initially. However, after watching the girls (Marina and her cousin Jade - who are about 4 months apart in age) get so excited when Grandma was letting them pick out their own doll, I was glad to have been a part of such a fun "girlie" day. If you haven't been to the store and you have little girls who like dolls, this is the place. I felt like I was in a doll museum of sorts. There are dolls in display cases showcasing all the amazing scenes and accessories available to play (and buy). The history buff that I am enjoyed all the "period" scenes and accessories.
Jade quickly assessed and new exactly which doll she wanted to make her own. "Rebecca" the doll who most resembled Jade with brown hair with golden highlights and green eyes was her prize.
Marina who often has difficulty deciding what to settle on for a purchase, knew that a doll with straight very long hair was a prerequisite. She frustratedly exclaimed, "I don't know which one to choose, they are all so beautiful!" After long deliberation she chose "Julie" who represents the 1970's with her bell bottom jeans, and of course straight long blonde hair. Marina had her heart set on the accessories containing a pair of crutches and casts. And Grandma Chris was sweet enough or sucker enough to indulge.
When the cashiers asked the girls if they wanted their dolls out of the box, they literally jumped up and down grinning. Marina proclaiming, "This is the best day ever!" Nevertheless, we have officially met Marina's goal for the summer. "Having a girl day at the mall." The only thing left is a promised "girls night" with her other cousins watching "Mama Mia" and eating popcorn. I guess one could argue Marina is the true "American Girl!"
