Build-a Bear Birthday

Paeton had several wishes. One was to go to Build-a-Bear and the other was to touch snow. I will write about the latter on another day.

We found a Build-a-Bear Store in Coquitlam Center. It is a concept first introduced to us when Tehya was born and her uncle Shaun sent her a bear with a special message from California. At that time we had not heard of this store in Canada.

Once inside the store, a friendly assistant showed us the line-up of potential critters to be stuffed. Actually, Paet had already done a little tour, but we went back and he carefully looked each skinny shell over. The potential stuffies really had no idea of the love that was waiting for them. I remember several dogs, a cat, a monkey and owl . . . but there were lots more.

He made his choice and we headed to the cotton machine.

This is where the bear got stuffed.

He also got a heart and a growl . . . and a name.

The hardest part was probably the dressing room. There were endless arrays of choices from everyday wear, to biking clothes, to army gear or Disney favorites . . . to sports jerseys and the gear that goes with them.

Paet's Bear ... whom he named Ben ... got dressed in a football uniform. I just realized he took his helmet off for the picture.

He was checked into the computer and received his Birth Certificate.

Papa Bear, Grammy Bear, Paeton and Ben left the workshop feeling very satisfied with the morning's events.