Build a Bear Workshop

Austin and Olivia were so excited that Nana took them to the Build A Bear workshop yesterday. I have seen it many times and I have to admit I roll my eyes at the long lines of people standing there to get ripped off. I always thought, "Why don't you just go and buy a normal teddy bear?" What's the big deal if they stuff it in front of you and your kids gets to choose it? Well, I have to admit I was somewhat put in my place. We took the kids in b/c my mom wanted to do something special with them while we're here. They LOVED it! They couldn't even believe they got to pick their own stuffed animal. I was impressed at how quickly they chose. Austin went right for the koala. I was a bit annoyed by this for some reason, and started to attempt to sway him but then realized that I should support his choice even if I didn't like it (something I often battle as a mother). Olivia did vacillate for a moment then headed right for a mostly white but lightly tinted pink fluffy bear. They clung onto them as they waited for the 'stuffing machine'. Once we got to that step, they were a bit taken back by the overly enthusiastic employee who looked like she came out of a training video. She asked if they wanted to take part in the 'heart ceremony' and proceeded to ask them to swear to be the bear's best friend and love it forever, etc. etc. She held Olivia's bear out and said, "you'd better check to see if it's cuddly enough". Olivia gave it a squeeze and smiled at the lady. It was really cute. My mom was practically in tears. After we watched them sew up the backs, we headed to the computer to make the birth certificates. We entered all their info and they got to name the bears. Austin's is Kuku (I think that's Aboriginal... ha ha) and Olivia's is Suzy. So of course their birth dates were November 13th and all day Austin kept saying, "Mom, what day was Kuku born?" I thought it was really cute. I sometimes think he's past all that stuff but it's nice to know that he hasn't yet been hardened by the world. They both carried their bears around ALL day, ALL night, the next day. What a great gift, Mom. I think they will remember that for many years to come. So, I guess I am doing free advertising for Build A Bear. We loved it. (I won't, however, be spending $50 on a costume for each bear anytime soon!) Thanks Nana!