I’ve Gotta Feeling…that 2011’s Gonna Be a Good, Good Year!

Have you ever had one of those days when you are chasing birds and pirates, riding in an ice cream truck and bulldozer, stuffing and washing dogs, and riding moving steps? If the answer is no, then you have certainly missed out on living life through a child’s eyes! My goddaughter’s birthday is in a mere three days away– so what do you get a soon-to-be three-year old that just got what she asked from Santa…and more? How about her very first trip to Build-A-Bear at Crabtree Valley Mall? We started out bright and early this morning to beat the crowds to the mall – and to quote my goddaughter, A, - it was just the girls; no boys allowed! Yes, that’s right – I was spending the morning with two of my favorite girls – A and her mom, B. A was absolutely adorable – very excited and we sang the whole way to the mall. We were early enough to make a pit stop at Starbucks for chocolate milk.

Then to add to the excitement – we were parked on the upper level and Build-A-Bear is located on the Lower Lever…so, we must take a ride on the escalator…her very first ride on the escalator. The excitement continues to build. We walk into the store, and she has the mindset of an experienced shopper. She scans the wall for about 60 seconds and selects a pink doggie out of the bin. The sales associate tells her they can begin when she has made the final selection – this is the final selection…no more shopping for Miss A. Onto the sound box, again, this girl knows what she wants. She sees a picture of Rudolph – she wants the pink dog to play “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” of course! After 90 seconds of panic for all of us, the associate finds the sound chip in the back. After much excitement of making her new friend and completing all paper work to name her Rudy, we select an outfit for her, and we are on our way! The smile on her face was priceless all day. We had such a big morning filled with excitement that she was fast asleep in the car seat at approximately mile two when leaving the mall.

What a great start to 2011! And what a great ending – coming home and spending the afternoon and evening with my three boys – hubby, S, son, L, and doggie, B.

Happy New Year to all of you!!! Thanks for reading! :)