"Sweet Caroline, good times never seemed so good..."

And she's finally here! Let's give a big "ahoy there" to the newest American Girl historical character! Miss Caroline Abbott honors the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. I'm not into the time period, but her story - her father is captured by the British, and she and her mother have to run his shipyard in his absence - sounds absolutely facinating.

And while I'm no great fan of empire waists or Jane Austen, some of her outfits are quite lovely, too, including her beautiful purple holiday gown and that amazing wine-colored Travel Outfit bonnet.

Meet Caroline Abbott!