Happy Easter!

Wendy's Build-a-Bear Birthday Party

Wendy invited some friends to help her celebrate her birthday (which was really a festival this year, as she had 2 weekends of family celebrations and then wrapped up with this friend event) at Build-a-Bear, a store at the mall where children can select a bear, stuff it, dress it and take it home. Part of me felt bad at enabling the rank American materialism and soulless mall culture that I hate, while the other part of me felt totally gleeful that I did not have to cook for/host/clean up after a (probably crazy) large kid party in our home. Given the price tag of a Build a Bear (!), only a few guests were possible, so Wendy and her friends enjoyed a very fun, peaceful celebration together and Wendy was really happy. The look on her face as the very nice Build a Bear staff person led the group through their paces was sheer joy. And we have to give a special shout-out to Fer, who participated in the whole thing so kindly, even though she really felt a bit too old to truly enjoy it. We were able to pick up a One Direction fan magazine for her on our way out as recognition of how great she had been with the other girls at the party, especially the younger ones.








We finished up with pizza and cupcakes back at our house, and Wendy was thrilled that her best friend from school was able to sleep over to cap off the celebration.

Wendy's Birthday, Clinton Show

Wendy's birthday fell on the Saturday of the Clinton show, so it was a busy family weekend! She enjoyed opening her presents before heading off for the morning performance:



I worked the Green Room where the Harry Potter cast hung out before performing and was able to get a few cast photos (Wendy played Ron Weasley in their skit):



And Grandpa Jack and Grandma Deb made the trip from Newfield to see the show and help us celebrate! Happy 11th birthday Wendy!!



We got a few pictures outside the next morning:



Have to compare them with the one we took the first time they met the girls! Amazing how kids grow.