I’m still glad we made that decision, because our server ended up bringing them a birthday cupcake at the end of the meal anyway (we gave her a great tip! ).

We chose to forego the party option since it was just family that day, and I brought my own candles and lighter so we could sing to the girls, which worked out great. I was so thankful that my mom, sister, and her daughter could come join the party. I made advance reservations at the American Girl Bistro (I almost waited too late- call as much in advance as you can!) for brunch, and we headed to the store first thing that morning. They ended up looking pretty cute! Quick photo with Dad before heading to the girls-only party. I let the girls pick out a special outfit at Target to wear, and of course they found the glitter unicorn headbands 😂. So, this year for their birthdays, we did just that! Liv and Lucy’s birthdays are 1 day apart, so it was the perfect opportunity to head to the Dallas store and celebrate! My niece Hayden Kate’s birthday is a few days before my girls’, so it worked out perfectly to celebrate all 3. Every piece was special, and I loved reading the books that accompanied Samantha and told about her life growing up in the Victorian era.Ī year or so ago, my daughters discovered my doll, which I am still a little possessive over, haha! They loved playing with her and all her special things- and I knew I wanted to get them a doll of their own from the American Girl store. She had a school desk, a watercolor set, and a beautiful party dress. I received my Samantha doll the first year, and for many years after, my grandmother would add to her collection. Inside was a sweet memory- my Samantha doll, and all her accessories I used to love playing with years ago. It looks like an old Victorian chest- woven taupe fabric edged with leather and gold buckles. A few years ago my mom arrived at my house with a very special box I hadn’t seen in a long time.

American doll store birthday party