Happy 3rd Birthday Dawson!

Yesterday, we celebrated Dawson's third birthday with eight of her favorite friends and relatives at "Bear on the Square." The concept is similar to Build a Bear but, the kids do more of the work, which they really liked a lot!

As we walked into the room, they had put up a magnetic sign wishing Dawson a Happy Birthday. In Dawson style, she wanted to look around and wasn't sure she was up to all the attention!

As the guests arrived, they were asked to decorate a white tshirt for the animal they were about to make. This took a little bit of time to accomplish with some parent help too! Here is Dawson with her friend Mayna working hard on their bear shirts!

Next, came the picking of the animal. Everyone went out into the store to pick from over 40 animals to stuff. It was fun to see what each person had in mind. It didn't surprise me that Dawson picked a pink and white poodle!

Then came the stuffing. Each animal came partially filled in the leg and head area. This left the body to be stuffed by the children. They unzipped the back and self stuffed the animals. A small heart ceremony also happened so each animal had something special inside them. They looked so serious as they were filling their furry friends!

Landry working hard at stuffing her friend named "Flipper."

The final poodle...given the name "Poodle" by Dawson. Each animal was then given an official birth certificate with the animals name, eye color and owner. I think we had a Tulip, Flipper, Poodle, Kira, and a few other interesting names.

Every animal then got a quick burst of air, otherwise known as a shower to make them clean! I think this was a favorite part of the party!

Almost everyone holding their finished products....look how cute they these animals and children are!

Pizza time!

It was time to cut the cake but, I was told no one could clap after we sang. When I lit the candle, Dawson covered her ears and decided she didn't want us to sing or to blow out the candle. It's her birthday so we did it her way....after all, it was her day!

Dawson and Will looking at her new baby doll.

Cece and Dawson sharing a hug...

Grace and Dawson opening presents together...

Dawson and her cousin Sophia looking at a new dot painting book.

At the end, all the children took their animals on a small parade through the store, out the door around the building and back inside. The did stop for a quick photo opportunity.

Finally, back into the store to say thank you and good bye to all our friends!

Thank you everyone for celebrating Dawson's birthday with us. We had a very fun and exciting day!

Happy Birthday Sweet Dawson!