Boyds Bears and a couple of side trips

My parents sent money for the kids for Christmas, and I debated between practical and fun. I usually go for practical, but I had a weak moment and decided we needed to drive to Boyds in Gettysburg and see their Christmas decorations....and maybe make a bear while we were at it. :)

If you've never been, it really is worth the trip - well assuming you like bears and stuffed animals. It was all decked out for Christmas and it was practically empty! I guess everyone but us finished their bear shopping early?

They have a really fun Bear Factory on the 3rd floor. You get a construction hat and a time card attached to a lanyard. You clock in at the first station and choose your animal. This time they chose a monkey, kitty and frog. We've made a monkey, pig, dog and moose in the past.

Then you go to the next station and pick your filling. They have different colored beads for different attributes - love, bravery, kindness, etc. and then you get to stuff your animal and put in a magic golden jelly bean for the belly button. You rub it in your hands, kiss it and blow it a wish. Still with me? This is very important stuff. :) The very nice lady then sews the belly button closed and you move on to the next station. Clothes!

They everything from bride and groom outfits to jammies. Try to steer your kids to the clearance section. Even the jammies are $10 and the price goes up from there. Thankfully Shane agreed his frog didn't need clothes - hence his name, Naked Frog. We're very creative here ya know.

The obligatory group shot in the frigid wind

Stuffing their new babies

Hank has Race car Monkey from a previous trip. He sports a little Nascar driver's outfit and is Hank's best buddy. Race car Monkey has been reunited with his long lost brother, Pirate Monkey.

Ella made a sparkly kitty and outfitted her in a princess dress. (Surprised??) Princess Kitty is now Butterfly Piggy's best friend, BP joined us when Race car Monkey did.


Guess what Shane is saying as I asked him to smile and show me Naked Frog? If you guessed NO!, you were right! Good thing he's cute. :)

All 3 holding their boxes. Apparently Bear Law requires all animals, hats and lanyards must go in the box until we leave the building.

We always have fun at Boyds and we never leave empty-handed. Bill cringes and holds his wallet tightly when I ask if we can go.

Thank you Grammy and Grampy! We had a fun time and love our new babies!