Kanani

American Girl launched their newest "Girl of the Year" today for 2011.  Her name is Kanani and she is a "cheerful girl who helps others by sharing the aloha spirit. Whether she's greeting visitors at her family's shaved ice shop or protecting endangered monk seals, Kanani loves lending a hand."

Finally, a Polynesian AG doll!  June and I have been very excited about this news since we found out last week!  In our house we are huge fans of the AG books, movies, and catalogs, but we don't actually own any of the dolls because they're ridiculously expensive and their accessories cost more than MINE! (Kanani's starter set comes with a tropical dress, a beach outfit, a paddle board, a pretend camera, a beach bag, and a cuddly dog...all for $179!)  
But since there happens to be an AG store, oops, I mean an AG Boutique and Bistro, right here in Dallas, June and I thought we'd check out the launch party.  

This place is an event all by itself!  The oceans of little girls dressed up to look just like their dolls is a little bit of a sensory overload.  It's alarming and adorable all at the same time...like that show Toddlers and Tiaras.  But June and I managed to snake our way through the masses to see Kanani up close.  And it was totally worth it.  She really is a cute doll.  I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed that she didn't look a thing like me or June, but she does look remarkably like June's BFF, who is also Polynesian, so that made us happy.  Kanani has LOTS of accessory options (luau clothes, hula clothes, a lounge chair, a monk seal...one of the many she has saved apparently), but I managed to stay strong and just kept saying "no" when June begged to buy something...anything!  But I was almost tempted...for a second...when I saw Kanani's shave ice stand!  (seriously cute)

After we felt we had given Kanani enough of our admiration, we wandered up to the second floor.  Did you know that they have actual American Girl Doll Styling Salons!!??  (they do)  There was a sign announcing a 2 hour wait...and right behind it there were no less than 20 little girls lined up with their dolls in desperate need of a makeover!  

Thankfully we didn't have a doll with unruly hair, so we were able to move on to the AG Bistro. It's really cute.  They also have chairs that pull up to the table for your dolls, and pretend food for them that is identical to the menu items offered.  (cute or creepy, I'm not sure...)  

It was super crazy busy today, so it was easy to convince June that we should just have lunch somewhere else.  We opted for salad and pasta at Corner Bakery in the Galleria.   And we watched the ice skaters while we ate!

 

Overall, it was a great experience...eye opening, for sure!  We are excited to read Kanani's book, and we had a great day together!