It was part of Kassie and Kelsey's 9th birthday gift from Gramaw, but I think I had just as much fun (maybe more!) than they did. 

Adding to the treat was an overnight at the plush, snazzy Hilton Hotel in downtown Columbus.

Kassie was living her best life. This girl was born to be a princess!

After supper at PF Chang's just across the street from the hotel, the girls and Dana took a dip in the hotel pool while Gramaw chilled in the room.

They dressed Courtney and Joss in jammies that matched their own.

We ate breakfast in the hotel. But afterwards we just about gagged when this giant Buckeye greeted us in the lobby. Ohio State Buckeyes are NOT among our favorite teams. At. All.

The girls brought along their own American Girl dolls for an appointment at the salon.

Yes, there is a salon for dolls. Papaw was speechless when I told him the dolls had hair appointments.

I didn't even mention the nail-painting and ear-piercing.

Papaw can only take so much...

Courtney and Joss in their "Before" photo...

All ready for a morning at the AG store!

Just across the street was the Lego store...with a Lego giraffe that would be hard to miss!

And the Lego "Friends"...the girls have done several of the Friends Lego sets so they knew all of their names.

It had been raining and the seat was wet...in case you were wondering why they weren't sitting down.

We had to wait a few minutes for it to open...

WOW!!! This is the doll salon!

Yes, Courtney even had her own cape to wear.

While Dana and the girls watched the transformation...

...I was oogling over the doll displays, especially this one which I've adored since she came out a few years ago.

Kaya. From the year 1764. My favorite period of history to learn about.

Kassie and Kelsey with Courtney and Joss after their makeovers.

New hairstyle, painted nails, and pierced ears.

Go big or go home.

Oh yes...we did do some shopping too. I'll take one of each...

It's just overwhelming. Truly an American girl's dream come true!

After we were done shopping, we waited a few minutes outside before our American Girl Bistro table was ready.

And you thought I was kidding when I said, "one of each"! I sure hope my granddaughters like American Girl dolls...

Time for an American Girl birthday party! In honor of our 9-year-olds!

The dolls had their own seats, crowns, and dinnerware.

Our server/party coordinator was named Abby. She was wearing a '70s-inspired outfit, much like the doll "Julie" would wear.

What a fun job, pretending to be an American Girl and surrounded by such a magical place!

The girls did a simple craft...

...and played AG Plinko.

Kassie is imitating a rabbit for Charades...

A delicious-but-seriously-overpriced pizza lunch...

...and then birthday cake, complete with 9 candles.

Both girls were all smiles the entire morning!

And the "big" girls (Dana and me) were smiling a lot too!

So. Much. FUN! With my favorite 9-year-old...

...American girls.

(Oh yeah...Gramaw couldn't resist! My very own American Girl doll!!! Is 64 too old for a doll?!)