Do you know who Gavin is? He’s Mazzy’s boyfriend, as she has let me know on more than one occasion. You’ve seen Gavin making eyes at Mazzy on the top of the Empire State Building, dropping his jaw at Mazzy’s Frozen birthday party and inserting himself in the middle of our family photo when Harlow turned two.
This summer, Mazzy announced she and Gavin got married at camp.
“Oh really?” I said. “What does getting married mean?”
“Getting married means kissing on the lips.”
This makes perfect sense if you think about how all the Disney princess books end. “And then they got married and lived happily ever after” next to a picture of Cinderella and Prince Handsome in an embrace.
“Did you and Gavin kiss on the lips?”
BIG SMILE.
Uh-oh.
Let’s just say, Gavin is on Mike’s radar. That’s for sure. (Sleep with one eye open, Gavin.)
When we are not worried they are growing up too fast, Gavin’s mom and I think their relationship is absolutely adorable, so when Gymboree reached out about a collaboration to show off their Valentine’s Day line, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
We were going to take Mazzy and Gavin on a date! I mean, a play date, but also kinda like a date date.
But first, we had to pick their outfits. Let’s start with Mazzy, which was pretty easy because almost everything was pink.
I chose the colorblock skirt, the words of love tee and the heart zip cardigan. Then we accessorized with the hearts loafers, hearts tights, hearts headband, and heart purse. Yes, I know that’s a lot of hearts. We completed the outfit with a Janie and Jack coat, scarf and mittens— it’s cold in NYC!
When I first told Seri she had to pick out Valentine’s Day clothes for Gavin, I could tell she didn’t think she was going to find much in Gavin’s boyish style. But she was pleasantly surprised to find ninjas and robots featured in the selection along with the most awesome monster socks ever.
Gavin wore a plaid shirt, a Valentine’s Ninja long sleeve tee, monster heart socks, grey skinny jeans and black lace-up sneakers. He completed his look with a navy quilted vest from Janie and Jack.
Next, we got children’s lifestyle photographer Dave Robbins to make sure we captured Mazzy and Gavin’s first date just perfectly. You know, because they’ll want to use the photos at their wedding, I AM SURE.
Are you ready for the cutest date ever?
When Mazzy stepped out on the street, she turned to me in her fancy coat, purse dangling from her arm and said, “I feel like a lady.”
Oh my goodness, this was just too much.
We met Gavin at Very Special Flowers, a flower shop in the West Village. Gavin got there first and surprised Mazzy with a small bouquet of pink roses.
Then we headed to Jeffrey’s Grocery for a bite to eat.
“How do you guys feel about sitting at your own table?”
“Like grown-ups???”
“We’ll be at a table right next to you.”
“YEAH!!!!!”
Maybe we should eat at separate tables all the time.
It was early and Jeffrey’s wasn’t serving dinner just yet, but they were very nice and let the kids sit down for a glass of orange juice. Otherwise, how would we have gotten shots like this?
Next, we were off to Magnolia Bakery for the city’s most popular cupcakes.
Mazzy and Gavin went nuts selecting sugary treats and trying to convince us they could handle more than one. Since they hadn’t eaten dinner yet, the answer was a firm “maybe later”.
They looked so cute, Magnolia sent us out with a box of six and two pints of their famously delicious Banana Bread Pudding. Thanks, Magnolia!
Since the kids were hopped up on sugar with no real substance (I do not recommend this at home), Seri and I roamed around the neighborhood looking for a place to eat a real dinner.
Roaming, at the very least, provided lots of picture taking opportunities.
We even passed a pet shop with puppies in the windows. Try dragging two kids away from something like that.
Finally, we decided on Morandi, a pasta place on Waverly Place. It was too dark for good pics but the best way to end a date, especially a date between two five-year-olds is with a big bowl of spaghetti. I also give Morandi big points for supplying crayons. At the restaurant, Mazzy put a napkin on her lap and used a fork. Whoa. Maybe pretending to be a grown-up is not such a bad thing?
Everywhere we went, people stopped to ogle the two of them in their Gymboree outfits. They looked insanely adorable. Everything was comfortable and suited for play, but with it all coordinating so well, they made quite a statement.
“Are those kids famous?” a waiter asked me at Jeffrey’s Grocery.
“Only to their moms,” I answered.
Ack! Don’t show that picture to Mike.
Gymboree is offering Mommy Shorts readers $25 off any $100 purchase in-store or online, by using the special code MOMMYVDAY, offer valid 1/30/15-2/6/15.
Plus, this month I will be a featured pinner for Gymboree, pinning my favorite playdate spots in NYC on their Pinterest Playdate Map.
I’m also giving away an $100 Gymboree gift card to one lucky reader.
To enter, just check out Gymboree’s Valentine’s Day collection (boy and girl) and tell me the one thing you would pick for your kid’s first date in the comments.
For a second entry, tweet about the giveaway and leave a second comment saying you did so.
I just entered to win an $100 @Gymboree gift card from @mommyshorts! http://bit.ly/162Hv4R #ValentinesDay
Good luck!
UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS TO ELIZABETH ADMCPHERSON! PLEASE EMAIL ABBY@MOMMYSHORTS.COM TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!
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This post was sponsored by Gymboree but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well…maggie will be thirty before her dad lets her date! Jk. But we love the entire collection. I especially like the dress and heart sweater.
let’s just be clear that when my children have their first dates they better be long past the day of shopping at Gymboree! hahaha
My daughter would totally want it all. She has a major thing for hearts. But that hearts soft headband would be top of her list.
I’m actually quite disappointed in the boys selection… it’s all a little drab, no? But the checkered shirts and hooded sweatshirt are things my son would definitely wear.
Super adorable pictures!
For my son, I would definitely get the Valentine’s ninja shirt. He would be pumped. For my daughter, I can’t decide between the Heart Sweater Dress and the Heart Rain boots. I’m a sucker for sweater dresses AND rain boots.
The long sleeve tee would be just my son’s style!
I swear those are there engagement photos! Definitely going in their wedding video. OMG. Can’t stand it. And Mazzy, a guy who can make you laugh like that is a keeper. Don’t let that one go. xoxo
Oh, crud! *their*
I would choose the heart sweater dress for my daughter.
The heart sweater dress is super cute. But my 2 yo, Hannah, would probably prefer the heart zip cardigan. She loves cardigans.
The Valentine red check shirt is where it’s at! My son is SO CUTE in red, and I’m still hanging on to the 90s for dear life 😉
heart ponte dress
And I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/SquirrelSammich/status/561262499002347520
I would definitely pick the grey skinny jeans (for boys) because little boys in skinny jeans are just too cute!
Tweeted!: https://twitter.com/eluellwitz/status/561265667308261376
I would pick the heart sweater dress for my daughter. She loves dresses and loves the color pink!!
I love your pictures. I would pick the Hearts Ponte Dress and if my daughter would wear them, the heart clips.
For my boy, the love bandit tee, he’s obsessed with pirates. And for my girl the heart print dress, but the owl always love you tee is so cute, too.
For my little guy I would have to pick the red checked shirt. He looks adorable in clothes like that!
Oh wow I totally love the heart to heart outfit for my little princess! With that adorable heart purse it’s too cute!
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/crystalpierre23/status/561273890413219840
I would totally pick the Love Bandit outfit for my son. Their date was so cute. I’m just glad I have a son because my husband would totally freak out over kisses as innocent as they may be
It’s on the valentine’s collection page for boys, but doesn’t look visibly “valentine” so hope it counts. I would choose the colorblock sneakers for my oldest son! My youngest can grow into them 🙂
This is the cutest a date EVER. Mazzy is kind of famous. Thousands of people follow her every adorable move 🙂
My son would choose the love bandit tee for sure. Pirates are his favorite! It’s a great way to sneak the valentine’s theme into something he already loves.
Definitely the heart sweater dress and the buckle strap booties – for both my girls (can’t help it, love to match them!)!!!
I love the Little Heartbreaker Long Sleeve Tee, heart tutu skirt, Velvety Hearts Tights and silver hearts flats for my 10 month old. I don’t think she is ready for a date yet but she sure would be cute on Valentine’s Day in that outfit.
Hearts Ponte Dress with Heart Tights and Purse..her date would where the Checked Shirt
I would pick the red checkered shirt for my 16 month old son. He’s such a handsome boy in a button up!
I’d pick the heart rain boots for my sweetie. She was born on valentine’s day and she loves stomping in mud puddles. They would be perfect.
I loved that Gavin gave flowers, what a charmer! I would pick the heart purse, it completed Mazzy’s outfit.
Hearts and kittens shirt because my daughter loves kitties!
I’ve got twins, so my son would have to have the Love Bandit long-sleeved tee, and my daughter would look adorable in the Hearts Ponte Dress!
My son and I would both love the Love Bandit shirt. And I embarrassingly squeed at those pictures.
This is beyond adorable! I wish I had your job! I would kill to dress my kid up for Gymboree. My girls already have the heart leggings so, I would definately get the heart cardigan if I won!!! Obsessed with Valentine’s Day!
I LOVE the whole outfit,but if I had to pick just one thing it would be the Gray skinny jeans. They would look so cute on my little man’s chunky little legs!
i would choose The long sleeved love bandit tee. Perfect for my boys!
I would pick the ‘Hearts Ponte Dress,’ the Heart clips, the white dot tights, and the rain boots because I love my girl in red, and the rain boots would add just the right amount of childish nostalgia . Valentine’s Day is one of my faves!
Cupid cutie! My little girl loves boots and all things pink!
Such a cute date! My daughter would love the heart print dress and those TIGHTS! Soooo cute!
Just tweeted:
https://twitter.com/travelmommy/status/561359364246614016
The love bandit long sleeve tee. Either my son or my nephew would look adorable in it, and still feel cool!
For my ZoBug- heart print dress, heart loafers and at the heart purse. She insists on her accessories.
For my Fisher- the button up beau outfit would look adorable
The Heart Print Dress is a must have! Too adorable!!
I wud buy wat my daughter wud b obssesed with- the brown boots and cardigan with heart colour block skirt with denim jacket.
I really enjoy reading your website but boy, this post feels pretty disappointing to me.
Lots of perpetuation of gender stereotypes going on here. I want my daughter to have more choices and options available to her. While these may have been your daughter’s choices, the whole presentation of little kids on a date and that a daddy has to defend his daughter’s honor just feels dated, stereotyped, limiting and a little antiquated.
Welcome to 2015, where girls can wear twirly dresses but also want to be ninjas. Why do we need to perpetuate such strict gender stereotypes??
The Love Bandit shirt for my 7 year old. We already bought the ninja shirt which is perfect for my karate kid. WHERE is Mazzy’s purse from? I honestly want one for myself 😉
I love the hearts ponte dress! So cute!
I tweeted @emilyjanz
The hearts ponte dress with the metallic shoes is what I would choose! Tweeted also!
I would definately get my sons both the Heart Breaker long sleeved shirt and the Red Checkered button up to wear over it!! Too cute!
The Heart Cut Out Ponte pants were so cute! My daughter would look adorable in those.
Love the Robot Love shirts for my boys with the adorable red plaid button-down shirts!
Tweeted! @laurs126
The pictures of Mazzy & Gavin on the street laughing are so cute! As far as the clothes go, they’re all adorable. I’d have to go with the rain boots for my daughter.
The metallic heart ballet flats are adorable!
Heart ponte dress for sure!! It’s super cute.
That Heart Print Dress iand Red Eyelet Cardigan are going to look great on my daughter.
Hearts and arrows chambray top and the hearts soft headband.
The heart print dress for my daughter definitely! She just came home from school telling me she now has a boyfriend in third grade (she is in kindergarten lol)
Just tweeted!
I love the Heart Tights : ) G’s GMA
I’d pick Button-Up Beau, soo cute!!
the headbands! Start from the top and work your way down:)
I tweeted. Thank you
The ONE thing I would pick for my daughter’s first date would be a Chaperone! lol
Ok, in all seriousness, I would pick the Hearts Ponte dress. It’s adorable.
We’d go with the Hearts Pointe dress as long as it has twirl factor. Any any tights with pink are good for my girlie girl!!
Those heart loafers, ♡ First date must have! It’s hard to pick just one thing, I’d like each complete outfit for my boy & girl please!
I would choose that long sleeve Love Bandit. That thing is adorable, I think I’m gonna order now! ❤️
The heart leggings and heart headband, for sure!
I HEART the ‘Hearts Ponte Dress’. Also, those leggings are pretty dang cute!
My 5-year-old has been ‘married’ to her best boy friend for a year and a half now. She’s adamant that it’s real and will last forever.
We love the quality of Gymboree items! I’d choose the striped dress from the Bonjour Bright collection for my girl. She’s finally almost out of the toddler section and graduating to size 4s. 🙂
I would definitely choose the Checked Flannel Shirt in Heather Gray! Too Adorable!!
My daughter would love the heart ponte dress with white tights and the denim jacket. So adorable!
Heart and arrow shirt – too cute!
tweeted!
Love the Hearts Ponte Dress!!
I would choose the red hooded pullover for my Valentine. <3
I would choose the Hearts Print Dress for my sweet girl (3 1/2) who keeps telling me she is going to marry the neighbor boy (6).
My son has the love bandit t shirt with pirate skull, he loves everything pirates, I just hope he doesn’t ask for her booty at the end of the date. Wouldn’t want to explain that to her dad!
Tweeted! @kelimey29
They are the new Corey and Topanga. Seriously, these two are adorable and I’m totally convinced they’ll end up together. It’s so nice to see the pure joy and love in kid’s eyes. Adult couples love each other too, but there is just something so whimsical about child emotions.
For my son, I would definitely get the love bandit. He is big into skulls and rock n roll right now… just like his mama taught him.
My second grader has her first valentines dance at school! She would love the hearts dress and tights. It is her favortie holiday. Absolutely adorable first date photos!
i tweeted about the give away! @jenifferphd
I love the heart sweater dress for my 3 year old. If I had a boy I would choose the love bandit long sleeve tee!
I would choose the hearts print dress for my daughter.
Totally the monster heart socks! Amazing!
http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_item.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446053870&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306289268&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395917465&bmUID=kJ4_Jdj&productSizeSelected=0&fit_type=
Such a cute post and uh oh!!
My daughter is Mazzy’s age and she would love the heart sweater dress. Also the words of love tee since she is learning to read: )
Um those adorable heart rain boots!!! Of course then it would have to be a rainy day but how adorable are those!
Love this- makes me want a girl to dress up. But i want to see what my son looks like in some grey skinny jeans! Too cute! – now off to tweet it!!! @crystalita_r
love the hearts ponte dress
I would definitely choose the cargo pocket jacket!
I tweeted at @hazelnut0609. 🙂
I really love the Heartbreaker tee. I would choose that for my boy.
I love those monster socks! Especially since my boys play monsters all the time.
Ooh! the heart print dress is pretty dang cute 🙂
Everything is just too cute! But I would have to pick the heart Ponte dress, paired with the heart tights of course!
The entire collection is so cute! I know my little lady would love the cardigan and shoes! Her favorite color is pink as well, everything has to be pink:)
I love the Checked Shirt Gavin is wearing. My 6 year old already knows who is he going to marry so I will have him wear this on his next date with Natalie. 🙂
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/Spaceshot3000/status/562311111006232576
monster heart socks for sure!
the chambray top & the heart rain boots…
So cute! I love the Heart Print dress. And when I was Mazzy’s age, I didn’t know anything about kissing however, I DID know that I was destined to marry a boy in my class because we both wore glasses and HAD THE SAME BIRTHDAY. lol Michael Crighton was his name I think.
The love bandit shirt and the monster socks (because they are amazing!)