Build A Bear

Maddie had a birthday party this morning at Build-A-Bear. It was ---well - it was interesting to say the least. It was our first time there, and she went home with a pink monkey (see photo).

The problem was that there are a gazillion other animals there that Maddie wanted. She particularly wanted a stuffed doggy that had roller skates. I have to admit, that the dog was kind of cute and the fact that he was on roller skates was even cuter. However, the dog did not fall in the category of what could be picked from the birthday party choices.

The party choices included 2 bears, a monkey, a puppy and a kitty. Maddie couldn't understand why she couldn't have the roller-skate doggy. As much as I tried to explain why she couldn't have roller-doggy, she was not having it. Because of this, my daughter's party experience was quickly turning into a disaster and I was becoming more and more frustrated because I was wondering why the HELL they had to put all the "good" stuffed animals in a place where kids were going to want them.

Of course, I know why. They want parents to spend more money. But - Maddie needs to learn that she can't have everything she wants, when she wants it. So - I told her she needed to choose from the choices that we were given. She ended up with the pink monkey that she is now carrying around the house and seems to love. However, during party time, there was no love for the monkey.

Needless to say, it was a stressful experience. I was ready for the party to end and secretly wondering if I should get the roller doggy for her Easter basket. But, quite honestly, the last thing we need is another stuffed animal - even if it is on roller skates.