Our Family of 3 Date

This weekend, Jack and I wanted to do something really special with Grace since it was her last weekend as an only child. We had the best time!We went to the mall and the first thing we saw was a little electronic playground. Luckily Grace doesn't know you are supposed to put money in the machines (when did they change the price to 75 cents a ride?!) so she had a great time just climbing around.Next, we took her to the food court where we let her pick whatever food she wanted. Of course she wanted french fries but we talked her into some chicken too ;o) She enjoyed watching the Carousel but really didn't have an interest in riding. So- off to the Disney store we went.

We don't get to the mall very often so she had never been to the Disney Store. She was so amazed! She had the best time just looking at everything and playing with the animals and pointing out all her favorite characters. And she actually didn't ask for anything- she just enjoyed looking.

Then we were off to Build A Bear. We had never been so we weren't quite sure what to expect. And really not sure that Grace would like it. She has several stuffed animals but has never really taken a liking to them.

We started out by choosing the bear. They arrange them by price so I was showing her the $10 bears. Sweet Jack who doesn't really pay close attention, instead pointed her to the more expensive colorful bears. So, the pink mid-price bear was chosen and we were off.

Grace got to choose a heart, kiss it, put it on her ear so it could hear, put it on her head so it was smart and put it on her eyes so it could see. Then she pushed the lever with her foot to fill up the stuffing. Once it was almost full, the heart was placed inside. After a snuggle test, we were off to the bathing station.The bathing station was a loud burst of air, which she wasn't too thrilled with but we got the job done.
Next, we were off to dressing the bear. Grace picked out a pink Disney Princess shirt and some "princess shoes" to match. She was insistent the shoes be hot pink.We went to the naming station next where we learned the name of this pink bear- Pumpkin. I have a strong feeling the name came from a leftover pumpkin costume hanging on the wall but the reason isn't important ;o) Pumpkin was placed in her "house" and ready to leave the store. Jack and I asked numerous times to help carry Pumpkin, but Grace was determined to carry her herself and she did.Dessert at Grace's insistence was next. We had a coupon for a cookie but she said "No, I have a cookie later, ice cream now." After we ordered the ice cream and sorbet for Jack, Grace and I found a table for three while Jack went to get a peppermint shake for me (latest craving). Grace put Pumpkin on one of the chairs and climbed up an another. I grabbed the box containing Pumpkin and put it on the table. Grace got very upset and told me "No, that Pumpkin seat- not on table!" I asked where I should sit and I was told "on the floor." I told her I would not and she said "then you stand." Apparently Pumpkin had already earned quite a place in her heart...Jack got us another chair.Pumpkin is Grace's new best friend. She sleeps with her (and the dollys), eats with her, rides in the car with her and since all the baby stuff is out, treats her like a baby and constantly pushes her in the swing and puts her in the play mat. It's too funny- especially since she has never taken to anything like this.We had such a great night and we'll always have Pumpkin to help us remember!