Holiday Traditions

I love them, and one tradition we have come to have is going to Build-a-Bear when we're in Louisville to make their holiday friend for the year. As I said a few posts back, I was excited because I thought Jaggar would want to participate. Um, I thought wrong. He could have cared less about anything other than running through that store. We tried to make him care. Then I thought, "What is wrong with me? Take this moment while you CAN! ONLY buy one because, right now, you can get away with it because he doesn't care." And he really didn't.

It was so fun. We had our lunch at 5 Guys, which is next door to Build-a-Bear. And then we had Build-a-Bear completely to ourselves. Last year, we made the mistake of going the day before Thanksgiving, and it was crazy busy. But because of having it to ourselves, we were able to take our time. Sage thought that she would want to make Hello Kitty, and that was okay with me. We do this once a year, so that's fine. But then (as I KNEW she would), she saw Clarice from Rudolph and fell in love. She talks, she lights up, and she was Sage's choice. I secretly wanted to make Rudolph too...but I refrained. Build-a-Bear is an indulgence, and you don't get out of there for under $50 PER item that you make: another reason that I didn't "persuade" Jaggar to make one. So, here's some pictures from the annual event.

He was thrilled to be FREE.Love at first sight. She couldn't resist. If you look back 2 years ago, she made Clarice on our first visit here, but THAT one doesn't talk. This isn't the one that Sage made though. This was one of their displays that sold Sage on Clarice.
Making her. When they turned the machine on, Jaggar screamed because it scared him. It may have been because he was behind it at the time. He had to come out and see for himself.
And still not so sure about it....
Rubbing Clarice's heart to her head. They have them do several things with the heart so the animal will be a particular way. Like, rub the heart on your head so she'll be creative like you. Rub it on your ears so she can hear your secrets. Oh, and we didn't just get the complimentary stuffed heart. No, we got the beating heart, which can be your's too...for 6 more dollars.
This is her favorite part: giving her a bath. It's air that comes out when you step on the pedal. Jaggar did it accidentally later, and he freaked out.
Making sure that she is COMPLETELY clean.
And trying to decide on that PERFECT outfit. We tried on about 3 or 4 different things over the course of 30 minutes or so. We ended up going with the sequined snowflake dress, but oh, it was tough to get there. :) But EVERYONE left satisfied, even Clarice.