merriest christmas season with american girl and my little

we had a whirlwind of a holiday around here - I'm sure like most families.  this year I had a blast finding gifts for everly; she just seems to be at an age where everything is so mature and fun.  and it was truly an american girl holiday.

I'm at the age where I just missed having my own american girl doll, but my younger sister had molly, and I always remember how special she was for her as a kid.  but I did have the books. in fact, I realized that reading the books for felicity and addy may have really sparked my love of history.  it turned into my favorite genre to read as a kid and young adult, and might even be a reason why I love teaching history.

everly and I have been watching so many of the american girl movies over winter break.  if you have girls and haven't checked them out, I highly suggest them.  there are three new movies featuring maryellen, melody, and julie streaming on amazon prime.  also, everly was gifted the dvd's of the earlier movies, also very enjoyable to watch.  I love all of the messages and themes.  very female forward and I love all of the historical connections.  they have been such conversation starters for everly and I.  we've talked the gamut; everything from polio to WW2, children working in factories to the civil rights movement.  she loves the stories and even loves to state what the 'big idea' was at the end of each movie.  after watching the one about samantha at the turn of the century, she turned to me and stated, "so, that one was about factory workers and how it was bad for kids".  talk about a happy moment for this history teacher mama who has many middle schoolers that have no idea that children ever had to work, or do still today.

santa brought everly the airstream trailer - part of maryellen's collection.  it has been so cute to see everly take her time picking the perfect doll.  and the perfect doll for her was tenney grant.  however, I guess this little apple doesn't fall far from the vintage loving tree, because she really loves all of the 50's accessories that come with their midcentury doll, maryellen.

all of the attention to detail has not been lost on my little organizer.  she loves getting all of tenney's outfits just right in their wardrobe, and setting the plates and accessories in all of the little compartments of the airstream.  what an amazing way to spend some time away from the classroom [for both of us].

merry holidays to you and yours. 


movie suggestions:

streaming on amazon prime video -
An American Girl Story - Melody
An American Girl Story - Maryellen
An American Girl Story - Ivy & Julie

available for purchase/dvd -
An American Girl Story - Kit, Samantha, Molly, & Felicity