Marie-Grace visits Caroline

 Beautiful day as Caroline waits for Marie-Grace to arrive.

 

 "There she is! I see her coming now!" Caroline says excitedly.

 "Hello Caroline! I'm so happy to see you!"

 Marie-Grace waits in the cool breeze while Caroline goes in for lemonade.

 "I'm so glad Marie-Grace is here. Now to get that lemonade."

AG Girl Of the Year Release Dates

Girl of the Year (GOTY)

Starting in 2001, American Girl began producing a "Girl of the Year" doll that was exclusive to that year. I made this chart to show all of the GOTY together. Lindsey was on sale from 2001-mid 2002 but a 2002 doll was not produced due to lack of sales. The "Girl of the Year" is available until December 31st or until supplies last which could happen at any time of the year.

• 2001 - Lindsey Bergman
• 2003 - Kailey Hopkins
• 2005 - Marisol Luna
• 2006 - Jess McConnell
• 2007 - Nicki Fleming
• 2008 - Mia St. Claire
• 2009 - Chrissa Maxwell and her friends Gwen Thompson and Sonali Matthews
• 2010 - Lanie Holland
• 2011 - Kanani Akina
• 2012 - McKenna Brooks
• 2013 - Saige Copeland
• 2014 - Isabelle Palmer 
• 2015 - Grace Thomas 
• 2016 - Lea Clark
• 2017 - Gabriela McBride
• 2018 - Luciana Vega
• 2019 - Blaire Wilson

AG Historical Dolls Release Dates

In 1986, Pleasant T. Rowland, a former educator founded Pleasant Company which is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin.

1986 Molly McIntire, Kirsten Larson and Samantha Parkington were the three original American Girls that launched the collection. These dolls had a white bodies.

1991 when Felicity Merriman was released, the bodies were changed from white to match skin color. 

1993 Addy Walker joined the American Girl collection.

1997 Josefina Montoya was introduced. 

2000 Kit Kittredge was launched. 

2002 Kaya'aton'my (Kaya) was released.  

2004 (June) Nellie O'Malley was added as the first Best Friend doll (to Samantha) followed by -

2005 (September) Elizabeth Cole (Best friend to Felicity). 

2006 (September) Emily Bennet (Best Friend to Molly) debuted.

2007 (September) both Julie Albright and her Best Friend Ivy.

2008 Ruthie Smithen (Kit's Best Friend).

2009 Rebecca Rubin launched in May.

2011 (August) both Marie Grace Gardner and Cecile Rey debut.
 
2012 Caroline Abbott was released in September. 

2014 Samantha Parkington was re-introduced out the AG archives with the Launch of BeForever.

2016 Melody Ellison released in August.

2017 Felicity Merriman out of the BF vault - released February 16. 

2018 Molly McIntire out of BF the vault - release February 19.

*On Location* Sam Visits the Train

I took Sam to see the vintage 1923 Baldwin Locomotive from Pennsylvania. It sits on a 27.5-acre facility that was established to preserve the history of ranching, pioneer life and the development of the livestock industry in North America.
We spent the early afternoon taking photos.

Behind the scenes VIDEO

 

 

  The railroad was essential to the growth of ranching, transporting cattle, settlers (some establishing businesses in the towns), manufactured goods, supplies and lumber to the plains.

The Ropes Depot held an office, receiving area, desk, chairs, ticket booth & window, scale for weighing packages, wood-burning stove, benches and a safe. 

The wood-frame Ropes Depot, built on land once owned by Isaac L. Ellwood, a manufacturer of barbed wire, opened on July 1, 1918. 

 

  We were happy to find these AG books inside the gift shop! (Kaya, Josefina and Kirsten.)

How To Make - Dog House for AG Pets

I had a VIDEO request for a dog house tutorial. 

 Its super easy! Just remember to accessorize your dog's house once you have constructed it. He/ she will need:

• Bedding / soft floor
• Dog food / water bowl
• Toys
• Sign for pet's name

This dog house was made from a 7x7x6" box. Trimmed in popsicle sticks with wood-like contact paper roof.

 

Saying Goodbye to Ruthie *Traveling Dolls*

Kit was very sad to see Ruthie go. The girls had so much fun during Spring Break week. Ruthie was sad to leave Kit, but in all honesty she was missing her family. And I know they missed her too.

 Here is Ruthie just before leaving our house.

 Kit gave her a big hug...

 "I'm going to miss you something awful." Kit told Ruthie. "Write to me as soon as you get home!"

Bye Ruthie, thanks for coming to stay with us. We will miss you.

Traveling Doll - Ruthie Day 5 - Botanical Gardens

The girls were already up and dressed this morning ready to go  downstairs for breakfast. They didn't want to waste a single minute of their last day together.

 Kit was making oatmeal and toast.

 While Ruthie set the table.

 The girls went to City Hall and to look at the Botanical Gardens.

 

 Unfortunately the winds blew away any blooms that may have been there.

 

 Back at home the girls ate fudge Popsicles then Kit had the idea to make paper flowers!

 They cut up paper grocery sacks and crinkled each one then Ruthie finger painted each for texture. 

 Kit made freshly squeezed lemonade.

Beautiful paper flowers!
VIDEO