Party with An American Girl: McKenna Shoots For The Stars {Review and Giveaway} CLOSED

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This past year Danica became aware of American Girl dolls.  She received a catalog in the mail and fell instantly in love with McKenna, the 2012 American Girl of the Year.  Danica was so thrilled at our recent opportunity to have a viewing party for the new movie An American Girl: McKenna Shoots For The Stars starring Nia Vardalos, Jade Pettyjohn as McKenna™, Ian Ziering, Kerris Dorsey, and former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby.

We decided to go with a Shoot for the Stars themed screening party and decorated the house with stars.  Danica helped me make star shaped cookies which we covered with Aqua colored frosting in honor of McKenna’s theme colors of lavender and aqua and star shaped sprinkles.  I purchased aqua colored napkins and plates to continue the theme and we served popcorn with red, white and blue M and M’s during the movie (I thought the red, white and blue would be fun to honor the USA gymnastics team in the upcoming olympics).

Danica picked 6 friends to invite to the party with their American Girl dolls.  Unfortunately 2 were unable to make it, but we still had a great viewing party with Danica, Kurtis and 4 of their friends.

Even McKenna herself (brought by one of our guests) was able to join us for the party!

The girls loved the movie and so did I.  I had never previously watched any of the American Girl movies and I thought this was fabulous.  It shows good family values, good sportsmanship, the importance of school and good grades, and acceptance for people with handicaps.  Danica and the other girls at the party were all able to relate to the movie as they are all involved in activities such as gymnastics and dance.

Synopsis:

Meet McKenna Brooks^™, a determined and confident young gymnast, in this all-new modern-day adventure. McKenna^™ is on track to make the regional competitive gymnastics team but off-track in school, where she’s suddenly struggling to keep up.  When her teacher suggests a tutor, she’s embarrassed and desperate to keep it a secret from her friends. Then a bad fall at the gym sidetracks her from her favorite sport.  Will she recover in time to make the team? Can she succeed in school, too?  McKenna^™ needs to focus on her strengths to overcome her challenges – and, with the help of family and friends, find a way to believe in herself again.

When the movie was over the girls (and Kurtis) gathered around the table for cookies and milk and we handed out activity sheets and rubber bracelets that were provided to us with the movie.  I also gave out some lip glosses to each of the girls as I know my daughter can never get enough.

Once the party was over and it was time for the girls to be picked up they all talked about how much they loved the movie and how they couldn’t wait to see it again.  They will hopefully get the chance as it is scheduled to air on Saturday July 14, 2012 at 8/7c on NBC.

BUY IT:

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots For The Stars is now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital Download sold exclusively at Wal-Mart, American Girl Stores, and AmericanGirl.com

WIN IT:

One lucky winner will receive An American Girl: McKenna Shoots For THe Stars Blu-ray Combo Pack (with DVD Digital Copy)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received materials in which to host a party including gift card and movie copy for the purpose of this post. All thoughts remain 100% my own.