It was school vacation and so on Friday, we took them for a special treat to the American Girl Doll Store. This would be a first time visit for Jocelyn. With their dolls in tow, off we went.
We had a grand time as the store truly knows how to do it up right for little girls. Parents with their children are conversing about history as the dolls cover different time periods. There are books and videos to be discovered and explored. And the entire time, everyone greets each other as they comment on the varied dolls each may be toting. Politics, race, and status are completely cast aside as everyone alike is focused on the enjoyment of their children.
In conversation one dad, a stranger, commented to me, “It’s beautiful to see little girls being little girls. They are only little once.”
And it is true.
Lunch was an experience with booster seats provided for the dolls along with cups and saucers. It brought me such joy to watch both girls interacting with each other and their dolls. But my heart melted on the ride home.
One glance into the back seat found the older one quietly sitting, holding her doll, happy but tired out. The younger was totally smitten, the smile and joy on her face indescribable. She was singing to the worship song playing aloud and she was making her doll move and dance.
When she discovered I was watching, she was not inhibited but said, “My girl is happy! She’s singing and dancing!”
Indeed she was!
In case, you want to know their dancing song, I will share it. May it set your feet to tapping today 🙂
And so today I pray for my grandchildren … Lord, I thank You for these moments in our lives which bring us sheer joy. I thank You for every good and perfect gift which comes from Your hand. May my grandchildren have joy all of their days, for Your joy is not dependent on circumstances but on relationship with You. May their souls sing praises to You, in the good and not so good days. May You fill them with joyful dancing that they may not be silent but always give You thanks. Amen.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:12, NLT)
Today I am joining … #SmallWonder and Me, Coffee & Jesus and Inspire Me Monday .
Joanne, this is precious! Thanks for sharing this beautiful time with your granddaughters! As a fellow grandmother I think grandchildren are wonderful! Blessings to you!
Much appreciated, Gayl. You are right, grandchildren ARE wonderful! It is such a special relationship. Even more special is watching these two interact with my own parents, their great grandparents. Just amazing!
Loving every word of this post — and looking forward to my Friday date with my little grandboy. Bubbles and a mother’s day craft are on the agenda! Can’t wait!
Michele, your Friday date sounds like it will be such for you both! It’s wonderful to build memories.
My daughter and I just went to Charlotte over the weekend to the AG Doll store there. It was a two hour drive for us but it was a great weekend together. Sophie had been saving her money for MaryEllen – the 50’s doll and was able to finally get it. It’s such a fun place. So glad you and your granddaughters had a great time.
Melody, how fun that you went as well recently! It is wonderful that Sophie was able to save her money to make her prized purchase. She will always remember being able to accomplish that for herself. Glad you stopped here today!
Thanks for sharing this. My girl was never really into dolls, but I was just thinking today I need to make and keep a list of things we enjoy doing together – she’s getting old so quickly. I took the twins for a rare lunch out at a local diner today – they start school in the fall and I’m beginning to understand how much I will miss these precious moments together.