We just got back from Princess’s birthday party! She celebrated her 7th birthday - 7TH BIRTHDAY! Seriously, 7? Her birthday isn’t until December 22nd, but we always have her party a couple weeks early before everyone leaves town or has family visiting.
Her morning started out with a bit of a bummer . . . he best friend couldn’t make the party - she came down with the flu last night 
She was a little bummed, but got over it quickly.
So we were off to the mall to Build-A-Bear! Yes - we voluntarily went to the mall 2 weeks before Christmas - and we survived. I’ve figured out that having a party at a “place” is cheaper and easier than having it at your house. They probably cost about the same, but you have no set up, no cleanup, no goodie bags, and no activities to plan. I’m all for that!
The kids had a great time, and I must say that the folks at Build-A-Bear know what they’re doing 
The’ve got a birthday party plan and the use it - the kids are always busy and the time flies by.
Here is Princess and a couple of her friends after they picked out their bear shells:
The kids got to pick out hearts to put in their bears, stuff the bears, give them a bath in the bathtub, put bows in their hair, and color the bear boxes. Here’s the group, minus one boy who had to come a little late, with their completed bears.
After they got their birth certificates and colored their bear boxes, we headed up to the food court for some cupcakes and juice boxes! I really wanted cupcakes so we didn’t have to worry about cutting cake at the mall. Princess really wanted a cake that was shaped like something. So we compromised on a pull-apart turtle cupcake cake
Princess of course had to have a little extra fun with her cupcake 
After cupcakes and presents, we got all the kids together for one more photo with everyone. We really did have a fun birthday party - it was a great group of kids!
364 days until we do it all again
That looks like so much fun!! I wish we had one closer to us- it looks like a great birthday party place. I think it’s cheaper and easier to have a party somewhere else too!! Anyways- Happy Birthday to your princess!!
Ah! Ella picked a bunny too!! Now they have the same Build a Bunny. Ella’s is purple but it looks like the same deal!! Glad it went well.
We have not done Build-a-Bear (because it is in the mall and I hate the mall) but have done a ceramic painting place. Seriously was the best party! Both girls had one there. The kids are so intent on painting. They were so quiet and well-behaved! And their finished products were so cute!