Kara's Special Day

A few months ago we realized that Kara had a perfect record at school.  Every day she brought home a sticker on her calendar, indicating another day with no no behavioral issues (a rarity in this rambunctious family). Thomas and I were duly impressed and told her if she managed to keep that up for the whole year, we would take her to Toys-R-Us and let her choose anything she wanted.  After seeing commercials for Build-A-Bear, she asked if we could go there instead.  Of course, we agreed.

Everyone who has talked to Kara in the past 2-months was made aware of what would happen if she continued her sticker streak. Teachers, bus drivers, neighbors, random strangers... In other words, Kara was excited. Very excited. We gave her some options on when we could do her outing.  It was very important to her that both Thomas and I accompany her, and that Jack and Anna stay at home.  That meant we had to do it when school was in session.  After her year of hard work, yesterday was the big day.  She stayed firm in her desire to go to Build-A-Bear and woke up early and ready to go.  Her excitement was contagious and Thomas and I were ready for a fun day. (The blow was softened for Jack and Anna by it being School Spirit day, which sounded to me a lot like Field Day.  However, it is not Field Day, because that is next week.)

She wanted a special outfit for her special day and put together this look by herself.

We left the house around 9:15 for the 45 minute drive to the mall.  During the drive, Kara wanted to play games.  We did "I Spy" and "What Color Am I Thinking?".  The color game is one Kara made up when she was 3 and she always wins.  Typically, Thomas and I will pick boring colors like blue or orange.  Kara comes up with some Crayola creation, like "rainbow," or "sunshine yellow."  After that super fun drive, we got to the mall just as things opened. We passed Claire's first and let Kara pick out some new earrings for her and Anna.

Then, it was on to Build-A-Bear.  Kara chose one of the Palace Pets, Ariel's Treasure, as her stuffed animal. For her sound, she chose the "My Little Pony" song.  We asked if she wanted to change Treasure to one of the ponies, but she was content with putting the pony song into the Palace Pet.  She liked filling it with stuffing and loved giving it a "bath" and "blow dry".  Then, it was on to choosing clothes.  She picked out a dress and accessories set.  Twenty-five minutes and $63 later, we were done.

Putting the heart in Treasure

Her favorite part

Ready for the ball, or lunch.

After a quick stop at Yankee Candle's Semi-Annual Giant Sale, we left the mall and were off to lunch.   Kara got to choose our destination and she picked Ghengis Khan, a Mongolian Barbecue place.  Kara loved picking out all the items she wanted in her lunch.  It was a nice, quiet lunch.  From there, we headed home, but not before stopping off at Sweet Frogs to complete her special trip.

Normally we limit toppings, but not on her special day.  I think he bowl was 30% yogurt and 70% candy.

Luke was very cooperative for the entire trip.  He woke up once to eat and slept the rest of the time.  It was nice to spend time with just Kara.  We try and do things individually with all the kids, but usually it is a quick trip to the store, not a whole morning/afternoon of undivided attention.  It was fun for all of us.  Kara is already trying to decide what she will do after she has a year of good behavior in Kindergarten.