The Duggar family is continuing their trip out west with a visit to Los Angeles. Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo have lived there since June. The group went to the American Girl store, where Mackynzie picked out a doll as a 10th birthday gift from Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (aka Pops and Lollie). The other girls were also able to pick out a small item. They have visited other places, as well, including the spot on the cement where Shirley Temple left her handprints and footprints in 1935.
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com
Yay LA! I hope they enjoy the big city. It’s so much fun
ReplyDeleteWith all the trash? Ya great fun
DeleteAmerican Girl has a thrift store in LA?
ReplyDeletelol
DeleteSo. Were they out there for a pregnancy reveal??? Guess we'll find out.
ReplyDeleteI think Jinger sort of addressed this a few months ago when she talked about enjoying Felicity while she’s small. I see them having two, three at the most. I’ve watched Jinger grow up and have never heard her talk about lots of kids like Jill and Jessa.....or were you suggesting Michelle was planning an announcement? Those are the only two who could 🤷🏻♀️🤪
DeleteI could see Jinger spacing all of her kids out two to three years, but I still think they’ll have four or five children.
DeleteWhat happened to "buy used and save the difference"? Those dolls are pricey.
ReplyDeleteIt's a birthday present,you can't buy used for a birthday present,it's the only time apart from Christmas that you get to splurge out,show your loved one how much they mean to you,and as for buying for the other girls many families do that as small children tend to get gelous and throw tantrums,that way everyone's happy and the birthday girl got the most expensive gift judging by the larger bag so she still got to feel special and loved,amd that's all that matters.
DeleteSo you're saying a little girl should get a used doll for her birthday? Really?
DeleteIt's called spoiling your grandchild because you can.
DeleteSo what? MacKenzie is happy with her doll.... What a unfriendly comment. Just be happy for a young girl on her birtbday...
DeleteYou do that for the majority of things and then you can afford to buy some new items! They never said that they didn’t buy anything brand new.
DeleteIn the past the Duggars have certainly bought used for Birthday and Christmas gifts; FYI.
Delete@5:38-what’s wring with receiving a used doll for your birthday??? Some families truly cannot afford a new doll; especially a new AG doll!!!
Delete7:36, exactly, so since the Duggars CAN afford a new one, why wouldn’t they buy a new one instead of searching in a thrift store for one that isn’t new, but is still in good shape, when there could be a family who CANT afford to buy a new one also searching at thrift stores?
Deletejealous.....
Deleteseriously tho what’s wrong with spoiling your granddaughter and plus mackynzzie is the first grand daughter for jim bob and michelle duggar I am 15 and I am still getting spoiled by my grandparents so
DeleteNo, Unknowing, nobody is jealous.
DeleteThose dolls are expensive.. they have another version of the dolls that are not so pricey
DeleteWow, some people can't afford a new doll for their child, the Duggars can. Why begrudge a child who's grandparents can well afford it a new doll. Save the used doll for a family who can't afford it.
DeleteIt looks like a good time was had by all at the American Girl store. Enjoy your birthday gift doll Mackynzie. Hope every one enjoys their purchases at the American Girl store. Glad you all got to visit with Jinger and family.
ReplyDeleteJoan, Marion and Marilyn
Mackenzie isn’t a little Old for AG dolls? I think my daughter who received her first AG doll at 3 or 4 lost interest by 10.
ReplyDeleteI know. Most kids her age no longer play with dolls.
DeleteDon't you have anything better to do than police what toys a child likes?
DeleteWhy does it matter? Mackynzie looks happy with her gift. Just be happy for her.
DeleteMaybe this doll will be a collector's item and won't be played with.
Deletethere is nothing wrong with 10-year old girls playing with dolls, on the contrary it is a wonderful thing. Keep kids kids as long as you can.
DeleteI know grandmothers who have a doll collection.Mackenzie probably won't play with it like a 4 yr.old would.She will take good care of it so it will still look nice when she gets older.
DeleteYou "know?" Just stop.
DeleteI played with dolls into middle school. Let the kids be kids. Having imaginary play is good for them. Better then doing makeup and hair on YouTube!
DeleteDepends on how you are bringing up your child. My 10 year old still plays with dolls.
Delete4:25 Actually, I think American Girl Dolls are kind of expensive for a 3 or 4 year old. They are nice enough that even 12 or 14 year olds like them.
DeleteI think I was still playing with dolls at 12, but with my younger sisters of course.
DeleteI can’t believe I am responding to this inane argument, but the OP’s condescending tone made me really angry. Kids try to grow up faster than we like. It’s refreshing seeing a young lady excited about American Girl dolls. I would rather a 10 year old play with dolls than on the social sites of computers and cell phones. American Girl dolls seem to lend themselves to a more mature play. They are pricier and need being taking care of. It’s a child’s choice to play with what they choose, with adult guidance. I think the Duggar’s made a good decision.
DeleteMy younger sister asked for an American girl doll for her 11th birthday because she still played dolls with our youngest sister and one of her friends (who was also 11) Who are you to decide when a kid stops playing with toys?
DeleteI was thinking the same thing, that 10 is reaching the upper limit for when most girls are still interested in dolls. Of course, without public school and all the other music and sports and social activities that brings, she may be a little sheltered and still playing with dolls to pass her time. This is kinda rural Arkansas, too - not a lot of big city things to do.
DeleteAll kids are different. My daughter never played with dolls right from the get go. Even when she was 2 years old, she loved stuff animals instead. But my nieces played with American Girl dolls until they were 13.
DeleteI played with dolls into middle school, but of course each child is different! My mother would not buy my sister or I an American Girl doll until we were at least 8 or 9 years old, and knew how to play with them nicely/without destroying them, since they are so expensive a gift.
DeleteI'm a kid who got one of the original Felicity American Girl dolls-- 10 isn't too old! She's especially be able to treasure it, and maybe enjoy/display it when she's older. Or give it to her own kids to play with!
DeleteNO, age 10 isn't too young for dolls in our family.
DeletePretty sad if your 10 yr old has to give up playing. I played with dolls til 14 yr then kept them on display and changed the outfits every so often through my teens. I know several ladies 50-85 who never stopped loving dolls and have wonderful collections. Why force children to grow up too quickly?
DeleteWhen Pleasant Rowland established The American Girl Co., she stated that the original dolls and the books about them were meant for girls from ages 8 - 12. The Bitty Baby dolls, and now the Wellie Wishers are for the younger girls. So, no, a 10 year old is not too old to enjoy an American Girl doll!
DeleteMattel doesn't care. More money for them to use to expand their line of gender-neutral dolls. I'm guessing those will never show up as gifts for Duggar grandchildren.
DeleteAmen 9:46.
DeleteMy daughter is 10 and very much enjoys playing with her Felicity doll. Girls always like playing dress up - changing outfits is fun at any age! And practicing doing hair.She even sews clothes for her - which is a skill worth learning, and this makes it fun. I'm sure when she is 16 she won't still be playing with it, but she will have the fun memories...
DeleteWill that trip to the American Girl store be on the new season of the TV show?
ReplyDeleteIt seems very likely that this trip was for the show. The Duggars only visit silver dollar city as a family. when not filming. Their world is very small, despite what it appears on the show. They don't seem to have any other ideas for family vacations.
DeleteOf course. This whole trip is for the show. Jana who had never traveled anywhere without her family is let out of her cage and is driving around the country, next the rest of them join her at the Grand Canyon and then head to LA to visit Jinger.
DeleteThe shows start this week....that means they finished filming for this season awhile ago. Most likely that trip could appear as a special or next season.
DeleteOnly Mackynzie got the doll?
ReplyDeleteThey all are holding bags from the Americal Doll, hope they all got something :).
It was Mackynzie ‘s Birthday so why should anyone else receive gifts?
DeleteIt was a birthday gift for Mackynzie. Looks like the others weren't left out, even if it wasn't their birthdays.
DeleteThe others might have used their own money to buy something there.
DeleteThe Duggars said the other girls got things too, just not one of the big dolls like McKenzie got.
DeleteThat's like the participation trophy generation..
DeleteThe American Girl doll is a very nice birthday present for Mackynzie. I'm sure that she'll treasure it always.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very long and tiring trip for someone at Anna's stage of pregnancy. I hope she comes to no harm from it.
ReplyDeletethats a nice birthday gift
ReplyDeleteWould you please explain why Michelle is called Lollie. I understand Jim Bob as Pops. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLollipops, of course! It's being cute.
DeleteIt is a very common grandparent combination. It’s taken from lollipops...like the candy.
DeleteI wonder which doll she picked!
ReplyDeleteTime 9:46PM Tues 10/8/19
ReplyDeleteI never knew they much younger Duggar girls love American girl dolls. Happy birthday Mackenzie. My mom's birthday is this Friday.
Neddy: Happy Birthday to your mom on friday.
DeleteHey Neddy! It’s always good to see your kind and caring words in the blog. Wish your mom a Happy Birthday from another Duggar fan on Friday!
Deleteglad to see your family again and I really enjoy watching the programs that comes on Tv and watching your children as they get married and bring you Grandchildren..May God continue to bless your family
ReplyDeleteThe five youngest and the three oldest. And the sixth oldest Jinger.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Jackson always grouped with the youngest girls? If it was the 2 or 3 youngest boys it wouldn’t be as bad, but always Jackson and the girls. At least It gives Tyler someone to hang with. (Jackson is 15. Tyler is 11)
There is only one more boy left 17 or younger and that is Justin. Not sure why he wasn't there but the others probably had to work.
DeleteWhy are people so obsessed with the sex of a child?
DeleteI played with dolls until I was 14, just didn't have as much time for it. It's not necessary for everyone to be exactly the same.
DeleteSounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that they are able to spend time together as a family and make memories together while travelling. I am happy for Jinger that she can show her parents where and how she lives in Los Angeles. Being able to do that for real instead of via video is a big difference. Suzanne from Holland.
ReplyDeleteI'm very surprised that Pops and Lollie would give any of their money to Mattel, especially after Mattel's most recent headlines. Do the Duggars put their values aside when it would inconvenience the family, or are they a family of firm moral convictions, like they first said they were? Role models usually don't waiver like this. Comments please.
ReplyDelete@OP I know. I find it very hard to believe the Duggars would give any financial support to the company who just unveiled their newest line of dolls, which should be very much against what the Duggars believe in.
DeleteI've never been in favor of these boycotts based on religious belief. Toys are just toys and there's no logical reason not to purchase one as a gift for a child.
DeleteAs a Christian, I never put aside my moral convictions, but we do have to shop. I go to Publix for groceries even though they sell alcohol. There isn’t a grocery store in our area that doesn’t. I don’t buy it and don’t like that it is sold.... but we have to have food. Mattel may make decisions that we don’t agree with, but their American girl line is wonderful. Should we avoid buying anything because the manufacturer makes other things we don’t agree with? We would pretty much have to stay home and create our own products to avoid all of the companies who make decisions against our Biblical principles.
DeleteBiblical principals don't allow for alcohol to be sold?
DeleteGood reasoning 10:05. I totally agree.
DeleteThe Duggars sure do give their financial support to religious-based businesses, so it really is surprising to see them spend money with a company that's so open-minded and were recently in the news about it.
DeleteBusinesses these days are responding to customers and there should be no problem finding companies that embrace your same values. "Social consciousness" is the industry term that's used for this. It's a big part of many businesses, one way or the other. It shows exactly what's important to these companies - the dollar at any cost, or the values. I think that as a consumer, you should "vote" with your dollars. Do you stand up for what you believe in or not when it's time to shop? Do you go the extra mile to research who's taking your money or not? Are you strong enough to put values before wants? Questions to ponder.
Please lighten up. The Duggars have this one right. A company doesn't need to pass some sort of religious litmus test in order for them to purchase a product the company makes. Companies make a wide variety of products to appeal to a wide variety of people. Not everyone is an evangelical Christian.
DeleteGreat point 10:05, McDonalds makes beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, and salads, meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans can all find something to eat there. Toys are the same way, a company makes all kinds of toys we just have to steer our children in the direction of the values we want our children to learn.
DeleteWell I'm on the side of not supporting a company whose practices don't align with my way of thinking. That's why I won't eat at a certain chicken sandwich place or buy craft merchandise from a certain craft store chain. That's why I will buy from places that donate to worthy causes, have good employee diversity, and act responsibly to their community and to the planet. It's easy to find out which companies are good citizens and which are close-minded. You know the Duggars would never buy the newest line of dolls from the same company who owns American Girl. But by buying American Girl, they are supporting that other line of dolls, too. It makes little sense to pick and choose which products you approve of and which you don't, when the same parent company makes both. You can't approve and disapprove at the same time.
DeleteI agree that sometimes a company has some stands or products that can cause you to not purchase from them as a principle. However, each situation is different and depriving a child a good wholesome gift because a company does something you don't like is hard. Sometimes it's worth it to take a stand but it's a case by case situation. They clearly make a lot of principled stands by not just following popular culture. They shouldn't lose their conservative cred just because they want to make their grandchild and kids happy in this instance.
DeleteI would use it as a teaching moment to tell the child that we can't support that company (here's why), so let's look around online and do some reading about other companies we can agree with, and make our purchase from them. You don't need to deprive a child, you need to be true to your convictions if they really are your convictions and you don't intend to be an prime example of wavering. Most 10 year olds would understand, if that's what you want to teach them.
DeleteIt doesn't make any sense to speak out about a topic and then turn around and buy from a company that's promoting that very topic with which you disagree.
6:46, That’s a bit absurd, but you may think however you’d like.
Delete10:40, no that is just a belief held by a few people. The Bible simply says not to get drunk.
DeleteAnon 9:44. "teaching moment"? Yeah the kid who is being deprived of a doll she really wants is going to buy into that one. I've had a few too many of those. Your scruples are lost on kids.
Delete@10:59 One thing wrong with this country of mindless consumers (and the greedy companies that go after their money) is that most people won't bother to do the homework. Nothing will ever change until they do. There's nothing "absurd" about being an informed consumer.
DeleteJesus turned water into wine for people to drink!
DeleteAnonymous 5:29-LOL! If you studied history and the culture, you'd know why he turned the water into wine! Please don't try to link the two-it's not the same thing.
Delete@ 1:21 So when is the right age to start teaching the next generation? The Duggars sure don't seem to have a minimum age to teach their family values to their children. But it's OK to overlook those values if a 10 year old really really wants something?
DeleteAwww look at Felicity peeking around the corner.Have fun on the West Coast Duggar family!!
ReplyDeleteThe doll was a nice birthday present.
ReplyDeleteWait, now I get Michelle's Lollie nickname no one understood before...Lollie and Pops...Lollipops! Get it?! Sort of cute, actually. Late in the game, maybe, but cute!
ReplyDeleteLollie is a nick name for Michelle where they are from. I think they said in an episode her family use to call her that.
Delete@10:05 Jesus'first miracle that we read about is turning water to wine, wine is alcohol.
DeleteIsn't 10 a little old for American Girl Dolls? Most of the kids I know had outgrown that type of stuff by that age.
ReplyDeleteTime 4:10PM Wed 10/9/19
DeleteAnonymous No in my opinion I think 12 is a little to old for American girl dolls.
@ anon 11:48, Why does it matter what age she is? She should be able to play with dolls no matter her age. Whenever she wants to be done playing with dolls then that’s when she’ll be done with them. I don’t understand why people have to put an age limit on a toy...
DeleteWhy begrudge anyone of ANY age for buying a doll?? I know adult women who collect dolls. Sometimes I can't believe how judgemental people are.
DeleteGive it a rest 11:48. You are so petty and mean. Dolls don’t come with an age limitation. I know grown women who collect dolls. They use dolls as therapy in care centers.
DeleteMy sister played with barbies and American girl dolls until she was 14, it really isn’t a big deal....
DeleteIn my opinion, kids today, grow-up too fast. If a ten year old, still gets enjoyment, out of playing with a doll, then I am fine with that.
DeleteIf she enjoys it this year and then puts it aside she has two sisters to hand it down to (one due next month).
DeleteMaybe 10 year olds in your family wear tube tops and makeup, but here in California, even 10 year olds still love dolls.
DeleteIf you go on IG, you can find literally dozens of teenage girls and girls in their 20s who love American Girl dolls. They play with them, knit for them, sew for them, write stories. They are a great inspiration for creativity.
DeleteMO- What do Josh and John do for a living? All the guys work for Jim Bob just doesn't cut it. They have wives who are expecting and it looks like life is a vacation. And where is Anna? Taking the picture I'm sure so Josh can be standing on a box in the center! This is why a lot of people have had enough of this family. :o(
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling she is with her family due to the recent death they experienced.
DeleteNot sure why you say people have had enough of this family. Because they go on vacation? Because their wives are expecting babies? Because Josh is standing on a box? I don't think I quite understand.
DeleteKmurray: They have said in every post that Anna is on this family trip. She may not be in this picture but she's with her husband and children.
DeleteBuy used and save the difference?
ReplyDeleteIt was a birthday gift so she got a NEW doll that she picked out herself.
DeleteThey don't watch TV, have phones or iPads. They are probably not as mature as some 10 year olds but that is OK.
DeleteThey had to buy used and save the difference when there were so many children to take care of on the money that they earned in their businesses. Now that they have children who have married and moved out, along with the money that is earned from their series, they can afford new things and vacations. We should be happy for them, not jealous because we don't have what they have. I'm sure they struggled a lot before the TV show came. I pray for blessings on everyone who reads this. May God prepare you for what he has in store for you and that you are wise enough to allow him to work.
Delete8:49, watching tv or having a phone or iPad is NOT a sign of maturity. Knowing more about the world does not mean you are more mature, either.
Delete@8:49 Except they do watch TV and there are phones and iPads and computers all over the place in their house.
DeleteWhen do these children study? It seems they are constantly doing something other than school work.
ReplyDeleteOops sorry their
DeleteSupposedly they study while on the road. But at that age, would you have studied, or would you have been more interested in everything else that's happening around you and been very distracted? I remember school field trip days when we'd visit museums and factories and were supposed to be paying attention and learning... Ha! We were happy to be out of the classroom and not paying much attention to the teacher. Singing on the bus and buying junk food and cheap souvenirs was more like it!
DeleteBecause we constantly know what they are doing? Nope.
DeleteVacations to other parts of the country offer learning opportunities. “School” doesn’t have to always involve books and a desk.
Delete@3:55 What exactly do you learn at the American Girl doll store? Or at the Grand Canyon, where layers of plainly visible rock reveal a long history of what they think is a very young planet?
DeleteActually, they can get an excellent history lesson and exposure to diversity. "The dolls portray eight- to twelve-year-old girls of a variety of ethnicities, time periods of origin, faiths, and social classes . They are sold with accompanying books told from the viewpoint of the girls."
DeleteI somehow doubt the Duggars go after the most diverse dolls, or teach those lessons.
Delete6:52 -- God created the heavens and the earth in 6 days, as the Bible says. Either you believe the whole Bible or you don't. You don't get to pick and choose.
DeleteYes, these "field trips/road trips/speaking engagments/seminar trips" can all have educational elements, but the reality is that even in homeschooling, there has to be some actual textbook/computer program screen time to get the educational requirements in for testing or portfolios (or whatever combination your state requires). Home schooling does require a certain element of being home, staying home, and having some kind of schedule and children do better with a set schedule, knowing what to expect and when (Child Psychology 101-it gives them a sense of stability and security). Some states have more rigorous standards than others- a right guaranteed under the Constitution to them to set their own, independent standards. Some children are more academically gifted and learn more quickly than others, some need more time to practice and master concepts-Moms & Dads have to take that into account to when scheduling these trips and outings. It's really about doing what works best for your children, working with their individual gifts and learning styles. Having home schooled for 13 years, it always make me a little anxious when I see homeschooling families taking lots of trips because there's just daily responsibilities that come with homeschooling (grading, actual teaching if you want your student to actually master concepts & connections, being available to discussion material/problem-solving stategies, planning & progress changes when there's an illness, etc.). Having said that, Michelle isn't so much homeschooling these last Duggars- Jessa was in charge of making sure school got done before she married (per their show), Jana's friend Laura taught them for awhile, and now it's been Ben's job for some time. The vast majority of their schooling is being done with Switched on Schoolhouse (computer-based), per Michelle. Even so, it's still not easy to do in an RV on the road or in a hotel room.
DeleteBy now (8 pm EST on 10/11) Amy has probably had her baby.
ReplyDeleteShe did
DeleteFelicity is so cute looking over like that i can imagine her saying who's that. Wonder if they still use the nike code word i see legs and that low cut shirt in the background.
ReplyDeleteHow nice. What a great treat for them.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for the Duggar family. Why do people always have to leave mean comments. If you look at the reccomended age of American Girl Dolls,it starts at 8. The Bitty Baby is for younger girls. Parents now rush their children to grow up too fast. My daughter received her 1st AG doll for her 10th birthday. She knew how to take care of it and understood it's value. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your doll.
ReplyDeleteAll this to do over playing with dolls. It's simply a matter of tast and interest. I never played with dolls. I preferred my Lincoln logs, Tinker Toys, my Army men and the cowboy and Indian sets. IMO too much emphasis is placed on gender roles when it comes to toys.
ReplyDeleteI had both dolls and all those other things. Guess I was covering all bases. If it moved, stacked, or I could fiddle with it somehow, and changing doll clothes fell into that fiddling category, I liked it. I remember playing with the vice attached to my father's workbench, watching the mechanism move and seeing what I could crush in it. Got in a lot of trouble for that and for taking things apart to see what was inside, like the phone. That's why I made sure my own kids had lots of discarded or broken small appliances to explore, and the tools needed to dismantle them. Dolls are nice, but they don't exactly scratch that childhood curiosity itch. There's imaginative play but there should also be exploratory play.
DeleteShe LIKES dolls! Let her be
Delete