Wednesday, June 16, 2010

California Trip: part 3

American Girl Store

Libby has always wanted to go to an American Girl Store. So we thought, we'll be in California for a whole week, we can go to LA one of the days. Let's just say it turned into a WHOLE day & it went into the night when we got lost on the way there & on the way back to the beach house...oh, the memories we'll have!

It started with our stupid GPS we were using, it kept winding us through neighborhoods instead of staying on the freeway. Let's just say we were pretty glad it wasn't dark when we went through the one. This was the neighborhood where I saw a sign that said, "kids safe zone" If you commit a crime in this area you'll get some huge fine. Well, we are driving along & there are these guys jay walking across the street right in front of our big van. So Steve decides to honk at the last guy when he's almost across, lets just say I got the big glare as we passed by & his friends didn't look too nice either. I asked Steve to please not honk at the gangsters as I'm on the side of the car where they will shoot! Unfortunately, that was just one of the many arguments Steve & I would have in the car that day!

We did FINALLY find the store & Libby was very happy!



It front of the entrance

The Cafe....
There wasn't anyone in there, so we took a few pictures.

It was decorated really cute!

Libby & her doll Morgan at the table

The waiting area for the cafe

They have a theater where they have plays.


Here she is in front of the doll's of the year.

Tyler was having fun, but it was torture for poor Zack.
I had to keep reminding him that he got to do the Star Wars thing the day before.

Tyler found a stroller & took his dog Gigi for a ride.

Libby has wanted the doll of the year, Lanie for a long time. She even tried to win her in a contest where she had to take photographs & write an essay. She didn't win one, but if you can tell by her smile she bought Lanie!! She used her allowance that she had been saving for months & early birthday money from us & my mom. Her birthday came a month early this year!

All the contention in the car on the way there & on the way back was worth it! Libby is such a good kid! It's amazing how her sweetness does stand out. It happened twice on the trip where complete strangers were amazed by her.

The first time, we were eating lunch at a McDonald's that had a playland. As we were leaving, I went to refill my drink & a man asked me if that little girl in the pink was my daughter. I said, it was and he said, "She is so sweet! I was so amazed how she treated her little brother. She was so good to him, she treated him like he was her own child!" I said, She really is a good girl & he was still so amazed by her. I think that was quite a complement to have a complete stranger notice her actions.

Then the day we were leaving, we were killing time waiting to go to the airport and we found a street craft fair. We were at a stand where they made beaded jewlery & bookmarks. We were talking to the ladies that made them & It came up that her name was Liberty & that she was born on the 4th of July. We bought a few things & as we were leaving the lady wrapped up a bookmark that Libby had really liked and gave it to her. She said, that this was a birthday present from her grandaughter who's birthday is on July 12th. So to think of them on the 4th of July. Libby was so surprised that she even got a little teary eyed. What a great example of kindness they were to Libby too! Now if only Steve & I could work on being a good example while driving in the car ;)!


Let's just hope she stays this sweet!!

4 comments:

Shelly said...

Those thugs weren't jay walking they were in the cross walk- you would have been shot for nothing lol----We had so many good and bad angels when we drove that van!!!!

Marilyn said...

Sorry life is full of contentions. I guess we all need to work on the important things. In an eternal perspective, is it that important.

The Peterson 5 said...

Luckily, our life doesn't involve too much contention. The only contention that day was from being stuck in a car all day...other than that, it will be a great memory!! Although you are definitely right about the angels Shelly! LOL

pan x 8 said...

First... I am with you on the honking at strangers!

Second... How awesome for Libby to get the American Doll she's always wanted. And she paid for it all herself!

And.. you are right! Libby is such a sweet girl! I don't think that ~ she'll ever lose!