BeForever Launch and AGP Meet Up!

Some of the keepsake items from the tea party.

On August 30, SPEF's American Girls convened at the BeForever launch at American Girl Place in Los Angeles!  At the scavenger hunt station, each girl received a box containing a notebook in which to jot down the answers to questions found on placards hidden throughout the store. They also received stickers and a bookmark. Upstairs, you could contribute a message to the Legacy Board.

The girls enjoyed exploring the new BeForever displays, which include new interactive elements. Look into a mirror and see yourself as one of the historical characters.  Sit in Julie's egg chair. Take a quiz on the tablets and find out more about each character.  Imagine you are the star of a Broadway show in Rebecca's dressing room.

Finally, we headed to the Cafe for our 4pm tea seating.  After picking up a seat for their dolls (and a doll, if they didn't bring their own), every girl received a gift of a charm bracelet kit and a doll-sized teacup and saucer, as well as the pink bow ponytail holder used as a napkin ring.  The craft kit was a surprise, as we had never received this at tea before.  Also, the teacups used to be lent to the girls and collected with the rest of the dishes at the end of tea.  Once we placed our drink orders, they brought out the warm welcome, cinnamon buns, followed by the trays of food.  The Cafe accommodates food allergies/requests, so do call and ask to speak with the chef if you have any concerns.  While dining, you can use the provided table talkers to spark conversation.  Dessert was a strawberry mousse in a flower pot (go ahead and keep those daisies), a heart shaped brownie, and a fruit tart.

This year, thanks to the BeForever launch, I was able to give each girl a certificate for a free BeForever book from the AGP bookstore.  The "Journey" books are all-new "choose your own adventure" type stories.  You may be aware that each historical character originally had 6 books, and sometimes they have been sold as a single collection.  The BeForever version combines those 6 books into 2 volumes, so if you already have the 6 book sets, you should pick up a "Journey" book!

All in all, I think this was a fun event for all the girls!  They love seeing the friends they made over the summer and who doesn't love a tea party?  Have a great year and see you next summer!

American Girl Place Meet Up!

Cafe Place Setting

Back this year, by popular demand, is our American Girl Place Meet Up!  At the end of summer, the girls and their families and friends are invited to join me at the American Girl Place for a fun day of activities.

This year, we are meeting on August 30 for the Be Forever launch event and afternoon tea.  Be Forever is what they are calling the revamped historical dolls.  I've seen some of the new designs and they are colorful and cheery. 

Details will be emailed to those families who have RSVP'd.  Unfortunately, due to the reservations policy, only those who have pre-paid will be able to attend afternoon tea.  However, the store is hosting numerous free activities from 1-3pm that day.

Week 4: School's Out for Summer!

Camp Half-Blood Treats

Summer School has finally come to an end.  Be sure to check out the final pictures in the flickr gallery!

For the last week, Camp American Girl learned from gymnast (and struggling reader) McKenna that you shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to seek help.   The All American Girls learned about women's suffrage and child labor in the turn of the century from Samantha Parkington. 

In Camp Half-Blood, we finished up the summer with a new camp bead, laurels, and of course, a photo shoot featuring our latest creations from the forge.  Pictured, at left, are some of the Percy Jackson related foods enjoyed by the campers: blue foods, grapes, cheese, and Double-Stuffed Oreos (courtesy of Ares, God of War). 

Finally, our little chefs in Book Cooks whipped up some Chili Dogs for the Pigeon and Banana Splits with Curious George.  Passport to Cuisine students learned how to make the Hawaiian classic, Spam Musubi as well as Pico de Gallo for all your favorite Mexican dishes. 

Well, that's it folks!  Good luck in the fall and hope to see some of you back next summer!

Week 3 Wrap-Up!

4th of July cupcakes from Week 2

I'm happy to say that I got a new card reader and the pictures from both Week 2 and 3 are now all posted on flickr.  Click the hyperlink to go to the albums.  As a reminder to browse the pictures, I have sent home a note with a little job for the students.  Simply look up the album for your class/es (American Girl, Camp Half-Blood, or Cooking) and fill in the blank with the number of pictures in the album/set.  Have a parent initial it and bring it back next week for a bonus point.  Parents, look for the blue half-sheet.

In Week 3, Camp American Girl continued with the Isabelle series, reading Designs by Isabelle.  We made tiaras and tutus for our dolls as well.  All American Girls read Meet Addy, about a young girl who escapes slavery during the Civil War, after her father and brother are sold to another plantation, tearing their family apart.  A girl like Addy would have had few toys, perhaps a doll made of scraps.  We used scrap pieces of paper to create our own "Ida Bean" dolls.

Camp Half-Blood opened up its armory to allow students to forge their own swords and shields.  We are just about at the 300 page mark in The Lightning Thief, and still going strong!  In our spare time, we might practice our Greek or study the Gods.  A note went home regarding permission to watch the Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief movie, please review the Parental Guide and return the permission slip as soon as possible.

In Book Cooks, we made a variety of dishes, from Stone Soup to On Top of Spaghetti (and Meatballs), and even Festive Fried Rice in a Runaway Wok.  Passport to Cuisine traveled to Asia this week, whipping up such exotic fare as Es Chendol from Indonesia and a refreshing Mango Lassi from India.

Stay tuned next week for more adventures!  Three weeks down, one to go!  Friday is the last day of summer school, get ready for the end of session celebrations.

Meet Laurence Yep

American Girls!  Here's your chance to meet the author of 2014 Girl of the Year Isabelle's book series!  Laurence Yep will be signing Isabelle books at the American Girl Place at The Grove on Saturday, August 9, from 11:00am-1:00pm.  Mr. Yep is a well-known children's book author, having written over 60 books.  The signing is free, and they have books available for purchase.  Before you go, think of some questions you might like to ask about the books!

I Need a New Card Reader

Unfortunately, my camera's memory card reader decided to stop working this weekend, but I have ordered a new one, so it'll be a few days before I can post pictures of Week 2.  Check back next week!

In Camp American Girl, we started reading about Isabelle, 2014 Girl of the Year.  Isabelle is an aspiring ballerina and designer who is adjusting to a new arts school as well as living in her older sister's shadow.  The All American Girls experienced immigration and the pioneer movement via the story of Kirsten Larson, a girl who left behind her life in Sweden for a farm in Minnesota.  

In Camp Half-Blood, the quest is finally underway, with Percy and his trusted companions meeting "Aunty Em" on their way to the gates of the Underworld...Los Angeles.  

The Book Cooks whipped up all kinds of goodies, from deliciously plain buttercream to wormy spaghetti, and even crispy wasp stings on buttered toast!  Passport to Cuisine sampled food from Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.  I'm gonna guess that the Vegemite was their least favorite...at least we can say we've tried it!

We are now at the half way point and time is just flying by!  Hope everyone is enjoying the Independence Day holiday, see you all Monday!

Week 1 Photos Uploaded!

Week 1 is in the bag and all the pictures have been uploaded! 

This week, Camp American Girl learned about the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal and Hawaiian culture in Aloha, Kanani!  We even tried a traditional dessert, haupia (coconut gelatin).  The All American Girls studied the Colonial period in Meet Felicity and posed for portraits as Felicity and Ben.  Camp Half-Blood campers read over 100 pages in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, learning about Greek and Roman Gods in the process.  Finally, the chefs of Book Cooks and Passport to Cuisine prepared a variety of dishes, from George Washington's Breakfast (hoecakes) to Fettucine alla Pesto Genovese. 

Check out the week in pictures in our Flickr Album

It's almost that time again!  Monday marks the start of yet another session of Summer School at SPEF.  I am thrilled to be back with your favorite American Girl and Cooking classes, and am excited to introduce the latest class: Camp Half-Blood!  This class will focus on the first book of the Percy Jackson series, The Lightning Thief. 

Report to Room 13 for Cabin assignments!

If you're in any of the following classes, I can't wait to see you on Monday:
All American Girls
Camp American Girl
Camp Half-Blood
Book Cooks
Passport to Cuisine

Don't forget to have your parents sign your newsletter and bring it to class for an extra point!  Check back for updates and check the flickr (see links on left) for pictures every weekend.