Nash Bear

Continuing with the frugal weekend theme, Anden was invited to a Birthday Party at Build-a-Bear. We had never been there before. Something about paying $50 for a stuffed animal that would certainly be used as a death defying stunt man had deterred me from entering this cult. But upon realizing it was on another parent's dime, we quickly RSVP'd! We were one of the first to arrive so we mistakenly let Anden wander around the store on his own to search for the perfect bear. I stood there in awe of the plethora of outfit choices! My inner child wanted to run and grab every pair of leggings, shoes, dresses, hats and begin fashion consultations with each bear. My daydreams were abruptly interrupted when Anden returned beaming with excitement and holding two big stuffed overpriced motorcycles; one under each arm. "Mommy I found it! I want a motorcycle!" The birthday girl and her mom were standing next to me. So I smiled at him through gritted teeth and kindly told him "No honey, we're making a bear!". He wailed, "I don't want a bear!! I want a motorcycle!!" I knew this was a battle I was going to lose. Jeremy quickly drug him away as to not crush the birthday girl's bubble. After somehow managing to get the motorcycles out of Anden's grip, the party began! I have to admit, this really is a cute concept. Why didn't I think of this business idea? Guaranteed guilt for every parent to spend ridiculous amounts of money on their child all while quickly being inducted into the repeat offenders club by returning often.

First he selected his shell of a bear. Pretty creepy I thought. Looked like a dead animal that would soon be a nice throw rug. Then he had to get the heart working. Luckily our child knew placing the heart on your nose would in fact not kick start a heart beat.



Then he got to "stuff" the bear. He liked this part the best. Probably because it involved power tools.

Apparently our son is fond of obese animals because he was not about to release that foot pump. The patience dwindling lady kept saying "That's enough Anden, Ok stop Anden, Ok please pull away your foot!!" We quickly manhandled his foot away from the pedal while he pleaded "I want more snow in my bear!" However after she handed him the overweight finished product, he immediately forgot about the foot pedal and joyously embraced his new friend.

After that, he managed to scrub portions of the fur off of his bear. Great, now it's fat and bald.

Once the bear was properly scrubbed clean. The ominous task of selecting the perfect outfit began. Again we sent Anden out to wander. But this time Jeremy strategically placed himself blocking the motorcycles. I held my breath to see what attire he would select for his bear; considering 95% of the store is geared for girls. Luckily he proved his masculinity and came back with this outfit! We haven't brainwashed him at all!

Before we were done, we had to name the bear for his birth certificate. I asked Anden what he wanted. I started suggesting Shaqtus (one of his favorite names to say) and then he interrupted me and said "Steve Nash Bear". So I proudly smiled and typed Nash as his first name. My girlfriend leaned over laughing (knowing my love for Steve Nash) and said "Did your Mommy pick that or you?!"

The party crew with their finished products! It was definitely a good time! The kids loved it! Thank you Bailey for inviting Anden!

And not to forget our little girl...Taylee was bouncing with joy (literally) at the prospect of getting her own bear too. We told her she could inherit Anden's tomorrow when he had already forgotten about it. Luckily she doesn't understand the concept of "hand me downs" and was thrilled nonetheless.