Sep 2, 2003/ FW/ --- Building upon the cherished connection between girls and their grandparents, Mattel is introducing grandparents to its popular line of family-themed dolls, Happy Family™, allowing girls to play out three generations of family dynamics just in time for Grandparents Day on September 7.

"Families really don't begin or end simply with the parent-child relationship," said Dr. Michael Shore, consumer insight specialist and child psychologist, Mattel. "Grandparents play a bigger role in the lives of many children today, whether taking care of them while mom and dad are away or even assuming primary responsibility, and now the Happy Family™ line reflects that in a way that is interactive and engaging for girls."

Created in recognition of the important role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren, Happy Family™ Grandparents provide girls with a natural extension to nurturing family play that encourages fun, imagination and caring. With the entire Happy Family™ collection, girls can create a myriad of engaging stories. As Grandparents Day is all about recognizing and celebrating the connection between grandparents and their grandkids, it marks the perfect time to introduce the Happy Family™ Grandparent dolls.

The original line, launched early this year, includes Midge®, her husband Alan®, their toddler son Ryan™, and a baby on the way. Barbie® extended her friendship with Midge® to act as the couple's baby doctor for the newest member of the family. With the addition of the Midge® doll's parents as the Happy Family™ Grandparents, Midge® and Alan® can now take the kids on special visits to their grandparents, building upon the nurturing play patterns girls already enjoy through the line.

Happy Family™ Grandma's Kitchen™ Giftset

When dinnertime rolls around, the Happy Family™ is sure to be found in grandma and grandpa's kitchen preparing for a delicious meal. The Happy Family™ Grandma's Kitchen™ Giftset has everything needed to make a delicious meal, including an oven, a refrigerator that really opens and a "working" blender. There is even a "turkey," fresh-baked "cookies" and a "pie" for the family to enjoy that all change colors when they are "cooked."

Midge® can feed the baby at the table while Grandma helps toddler Ryan™ with a glass of "milk" to enjoy with his "cookies." The dining room table has enough room to seat everyone, and the entire kitchen folds up and has a handle for easy carrying.

The play set comes complete with Happy Family™ grandma and grandpa dolls. Suggested retail price is $47.00 and will be available in September 2003 at retailers nationwide.

The Happy Family™ Story

Nine years ago, Mattel's fashion dolls Midge® and Alan® were married - with Midge® doll's best friend, Barbie® doll, by her side as her maid of honor. Today, they are a loving family with their toddler son, Ryan™. Soon to be joined by a new member of the family, Midge® is expecting their second child.

(Photo courtesy of Mattel)