Special Visitors

The one big advantage of living in Texas, far from family, is that we occasionally get visitors.  We love having visitors.  Not only is it wonderful to wake up to new faces in the house, but it provides the opportunity to see our home anew as we give tours and show our guests the ropes of life in Texas.

My parents were last week's special visitors.  And though we truly enjoy our time with them in Woodstock every summer, we also love to host them.  I have a lot of photos of their visit--the highlight was Madeleine's Confirmation.  Today's batch is from our trip to Build a Bear where we bought them each a birthday friend--I mean--gift.

 Paka appears to be debating between a bear and Hello Kitty

Mia was one of his consultants.  I assigned two girls to each grandparent which worked well.

 These bears have more wardrobe options than Paka himself.

What to choose?

 Selecting a sound

The girls sang a song to go with each bear.  Paka got "Almost Heaven" and Grandma's sang, "We love you Grandma, oh yes we do..."  We always go for the personalized sounds.

 Paka's choice

 and Grandma's

Mia ended up doing dual-consulting as her sisters did their own wishful shopping

 Time to stuff the bears

 and add a little heart--or a lot (here, hearts for Paka's bear)

and Grandma's

 Mia makes a wish on her heart before adding it to Grandma's bear

 "Choose these Grandma!"

 Grandma takes great care in dressing her baby

 Paka's bear--Louie

 and, she matches--Serena

(The bears were named for the characters in Trumpet of the Swan by EB White)

Making the birth certificates

The rest of the story?  Louie and Serena are living happily ever after.  I bought them a tent for when my parents take their camper on the road.  I also bought them underwear.  Neither of my parents prioritized that article of clothing and I was, frankly, quite shocked.  Because as everyone knows, no one wants to be in an accident wearing dirty underwear.  Or worse--no underwear.

This outing was truly a blast.  Build a Bear gets high marks from me.  They were terrific all the way around.  We took our time and left very happy with our purchases.  Now, the only one without a bear of his own is Chris.  And he has a birthday coming up.......hmmm....

More about our week with Grandma and Paka coming soon!