Downton Abbey

I thought I couldn't love Downtown Abbey any more, and then I saw these gorgeous pics.  I wish I could pull off Mary's lovely porcelain skin.  {Sigh.....}

Happy MLK Day

I'm so happy to have a kid that has no concept of "different" skin colors. Race makes no difference to her. The beautiful innocence of a child. I love that we live in a place that gives her plenty of exposure to all kinds of people and I'm so thankful that we live in a time that crazy laws and crazy people don't prevent these friendships.

Girl Heaven

I don't know who was more excited that AJ got an American Girl doll for Christmas, me or her.  We got her the doll and a few accessories and her grandparents gave her a gift certificate so she could pick out the rest.  So off we went to Dallas yesterday to the Mecca of girly delight.

It was CRA-ZY!  Because they were introducing the new 2012 doll (McKenna - she is really cute!) they had a scavenger hunt-type challenge set up where she would stop at different stations and complete a craft or activity.  When she completed them all she got a little prize (a gym bag for her doll, a mirror and a poster).

Then, we headed upstairs to the doll salon so she could get her doll's ears pierced.  In contrast to AJ's ear piercing, there was very little anxiety and no tears.  :)

Everything was a bit overwhelming, but it was a wonderful day - especially for AJ.  She got lots of great stuff, including some matching clothes and pajamas for her and her doll,  a pet dog and some sunglasses.  Thanks again Grandma and Grandpa!   She was still so excited when we got home that she couldn't sleep.  She said "I just can't stop thinking about the American Girl Store!"  She started back to school today and needless to say, it was hard for her to get out of bed and even harder to have to leave her doll behind.  It's gonna be a long day for her...