Silly Saturday: Build-A-Bear...err....Wolf

I am a huge fan of stuffed animals. I have collected them for as long as I can remember. This is what makes a place like Build-A-Bear such a great place! I get to build my own stuffed animal and as a collector of these furry creatures, that is an unforgettable experience - no matter how many times you've been. The following photo story (with captions) recounts our latest escapade to create a new furry friend.

The day started off by picking out our animals. Crystal and I were both going for the new wolf that was recently released. I received an email about it's release last week and that is what spurred this spontaneous Build-A-Bear trip (including an hour and a half car ride). I had wanted a wolf stuffed animal ever since we finished Dancing beneath the Moon but they are not easy to come by.

Here is a shot of Crystal holding an unstuffed Madison. I didn't get a shot of me with the unstuffed Aiden.

After picking out an animal, you must have it stuffed. What is a "stuffed" animal without the stuffing? Build-A-Bear has this giant turning machine filled with stuffing that they use to fill the flat animals. A store worker helps you fill the animal, which makes it very uncomplicated.

Then, you head over to the bathtub to give your new friend a "bath." The bathtub has shower heads that blow air out onto your animal. There are also brushes that you can use to get loose fur off of your new furry friend. Here's a shot of Madison getting a bath and a good brushing. Doesn't she look like she's being pampered?

Next, you get to dress your little friend. There are lots of outfits to choose from - from baby clothes to costumes to everday outfits. We looked around the store and finally settled on a princess dress for Madison and a Knight in Shining Armour outfit for Aiden. We decided he'd be the closest to a knight out of all of our male characters anyways. Here's a shot of them holding their clothes.

Of course, the next step is to dress them! It took a few minutes, but we finally squeezed them into their outfits. As we were taking this picture, one of the workers commented on how adorable they looked. I was really pleased with our outfit selections for them!

Next, you get to name your furry friend at the computer. A birth certificate prints out at the counter and you can pick it up when you pay. It's the final step before you head for that counter...

And last but not least, you get to take your furry friend with you! If you ever get the chance, you should head to Build-A-Bear and make yourself a furry little friend!