Santa and Build-A-Bear

We took Lindsey and Ryland to the mall to take pictures with Santa. I think this is the first time neither of them cried about sitting on Santa's lap! (Although Ryland wasn't too sure about it ...) Afterwards, we decided to walk around the mall for a little bit. The first (and only) store we went into was Build-A-Bear. Chuck and I were feeling really generous and decided to let each of them pick out one of the $10 bears. Lindsey had gotten to go through the whole process for her 7th birthday, but this was Ryland's first time. Both of them were so excited and really enjoyed picking out their animals and being able to help stuff them. It was worth it just to watch their faces! Also, they both told Chuck and I repeatedly that we are the best parents in the whole wide world! A little bribery will work wonders!

Lindsey and Ryland posing with Santa

Ryland displaying his "bear skin"

Lindsey chose to make the dog

Lindsey helping to stuff her dog (the foot pedal powers the machine)

Ryland using the blow dryer to clean off any stray stuffing (look at how serious he is about doing a good job!)

Lindsey clearing off stray pieces of stuffing ...

Ryland is dressing his bear in the outfit he carefully chose for it (no suprises that he chose a motorcycle shirt!)

Ryland proudly displaying his finished bear!

Lindsey and Ryland completing the "birth certificates" for their new friends (Lindsey chose to name her dog "Mutt". Ryland heard her and decided to name his bear "Indiana Jones")

Lindsey chose not to get an outfit for her dog. She didn't see anything that she liked in the budget range we gave them and instead let Ryland have her half of the clothing money so that he could get the outfit he wanted. Lindsey is such a great big sister!