Kate's 6th Birthday & Party

For Kate's birthday (almost a month ago!), Mark and I had a big plan to take her to American Girl after school.  She isn't the type of kid who gets attached to things (dolls, Barbies, etc.), but she has been talking about getting an American Girl doll for over a year.  She was even saving up her own money for one.  

We finally felt like she was ready for one (they are quite the investment), and let me tell you... she loves this doll.  

We didn't tell her where we were going, so she was super surprised when we pulled up to American Girl.  She chose a "My American Girl doll" (a doll that has characteristics similar to her... blonde hair, blue eyes, etc.)  

We let her choose an extra outfit for the doll, as well.  Since then, we have been back with gift cards, her own money she had saved up, and she got a lot of American Girl stuff at her birthday party.  She named her doll "Rileigh", and she is one well dressed doll.  My best friend, Megan, even made Kate and her doll matching pajamas. So cute! 

After getting her doll, we had her birthday dinner in the American Girl Bistro.  It was a really fun experience!

Kate had decided a couple weeks before her birthday that she wanted to get her ears pierced. I wasn't quite sure if she would actually go through with it.  So, after dinner, we ventured into the mall.  She picked out a pair of Hello Kitty earrings, but was very clearly freaked out by the whole thing.  (I had prepared her a lot in advance and told her that she could wait until she was older if she wanted to.)  

She started crying in the chair and then just kinda lost it.  She jumped out of the chair and was crying saying she didn't want to do it.  We took her out of the store for a bit and talked to her.  She wanted to do it so bad, but was so scared.  After some coercing, she sat on my lap and went through with it! 

Her tears turned to a smile after she saw her new earrings in the mirror.  (But, it was a little traumatizing.)  

The next day, we had a Rock Star party for the second year in a row. Ha! She wanted to do that theme again and since we were inviting her school friends who had not been at her party last year, we went with it.  Tons of giggly (and loud) girls, lots of fun! 

All in all, I'd say she had a WONDERFUL 6th birthday!!