So Iris has been wanting to visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop ever since she saw it featured on Family Fun Pack. Have you all been introduced to this You-Tube family? Iris is obsessed and talks about the kids as if they are her best friends. So when she was presented with a gift card from THE Build-A-Bear, she was over-the-top excited. In fact, when we got to our local shop, she immediately picked out the exact same bear as Alyssa from the show.

From there, Iris went through the sweet little Build-A-Bear process of choosing a heart, rubbing it in her hands, making a wish, and then sealing it with a kiss. Iris took this process VERY seriously.. if only I could get her to tell me what she wished for.

After picking out a scent (strawberry!) and a song (a Christmas tune in January?), she fluffed her new friend with the help of a very sweet (and patient) employee. Once she hugged her bear to test out the level of fluff, it was off “wash” and brush her new friend. After about 30 minutes in the salon, it was time to pick out a couple of outfits and then – a name. I’m happy to report that Sweet Freckle Heart has finally found her forever home with my little family. And that after the success of Iris’ first Build-A-Bear experience, I’m sure she’ll be getting more bear siblings in the future.