This weekend was an exciting one for Seattle as the first Holland America Line cruise ship of the season arrived, kicking off the cruising season. This year is especially exciting because Holland America is celebrating 70 years of Alaska explorations this year and the ms Eurodam is the first of five HAL ships that will be cruising into Seattle throughout the season, with 58 Seattle calls in total. 
And, the weekend was specifically exciting for me because I got to do something I have day dreamed about my whole life. I was so excited when I was invited to the media day to welcome the ms Eurodam, tour the ship and learn about the company, and I was even more excited when I walked aboard a cruise ship for the very first time.
line
Hey Seattle, it’s officially cruising season!
American Girl for everyone
My oldest fell in love with American Girl when she was only 1 year old, so we’ve been American Girl crazy for years and years now. But, that love is even stronger now that we officially have a doll for everyone, thanks to the newest American Girl contemporary dolls. 
Like most families, we start with the Bitty Baby line and then we ease in slowly to the American Girl Wellie Wisher, BeForever, Truly Me, and Contemporary lines. That transition is always a big deal when they go from baby to adolescent and with that comes doll books, movies, accessories, and more to immerse them further into the world of American Girl.
But, until this month, there was nowhere for my son to go after he outgrew his Bitty Baby boy {which thankfully hasn’t happened yet}. I dreaded the day my son would be done with babies and his love of American Girl would slowly fade while his sisters continued to play. I don’t need to worry about that anymore, because his love has only deepened with the introduction of Tenney Grant and Logan Everett.
You can make a difference if you Lift Your Voice
When I think of my biggest wishes for my daughters, at the top of that list is that they always understand that their voices are powerful. Their voices unfortunately have the power to hurt others, but they can have the power to make someone feel loved and special. It’s up to them to use their voices for good. And, just like they can choose whether to use their voices to hurt or to help, their voices also have the ability to make a real difference in the world. 
Melody Ellison™, the newest BeForever™ doll from American Girl, is learning the power of her voice and has arrived just in time for my daughters to really learn from her unique story. Her story is full of life lessons that give us a glimpse back into our past as well as ways to empower our girls to make a difference in the future.
Continue the tradition with the new BeForever line from American Girl
Have you checked out American Girl recently? They just debuted their BeForever line this fall in stores nationwide as well as online and it has girls everywhere excited. We were at the Seattle store the day BeForever was announced to check the line out in person and do one of their many in-store crafts thanks to a recommendation from our personal shopper. I honestly had no idea what to expect and was just going for the craft and event aspect, but I was thrilled when I realized what exactly the new line included.
It’s no secret that we love American Girl and I always talk about how we end up at the Seattle store whenever my daughter gets to choose what we do for the day. But what you don’t know is that we spend most of our time checking out the historical collection and looking at anything and everything that’s new for each of their historical girls.
This time we were met at the store by one of our favorite American Girl employees and told that the line was replaced, and I’m sure I didn’t hide my disappointment very well. She quickly went on to explain that the BeForever line still had many of the dolls we adore as well as a new addition she knew we would be thrilled about.
Friends, welcome back Samantha Parkington. 
New Barbie Apparel Line Available at Kmart {Our Barbie Fashion Show}
Recently Barbie has become a very big deal at our house. Maybe this is because many of my old Barbie’s are making their way from Nana’s house or maybe it’s because the charm and ageless allure of Barbie is one that appeals to nearly every little girl. But, whatever the reason, I’m thrilled that Barbie … Read more
Lazoo Children’s Line Introduces New App
I’ve always had a thing for rubber rain boots. Not only are they totally practical for our rainy spring and fall here in the Northwest, they are also adorable on little kiddos and, even better, they love wearing them. Because we love them so much, we have a tradition every year that we go out … Read more
Kelty Big Dipper Junior Sleeping Bag “Grows” With Your Child
Get Out and PLAY – Day 14 Getting our kids excited about the great outdoors is something that is a huge priority for us. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and miles of forests to explore, enjoying nature is just a way of life here in the Pacific Northwest. However, loving the great outdoors isn’t easy if … Read more