*Very picture-intensive post!*

Yesterday we celebrated Germaine’s 10th birthday at Build-a-Bear (BAB) as per her request. She had originally wanted a pool party at our new place, but she finally opted for the BAB party after many a change of minds. The move, packing, unpacking, cleaning on top of working full time and running the business had just about drained me, although I would organize the party; food, logistics, entertainment etc, if she had still wanted it, just to prove to myself that “I can do it”. That is how crazily sadistic and “siao” I am.

I think it works out well this way because we are doing a cosy little housewarming party in September anyway, and are also planning to do a laid back BBQ/ beer party by the pool with our friends.

It’s funny how things always just works out well for us. Very Ah Q.

I am glad we got to do this BAB party for her birthday. All her birthday guests had so much fun! And I like that the children got to go back with a bear (with clothing! It’s like Barbie, only with bears) of their choice as a memento.  

With her good friend, T, who is such a lovely and well mannered little girl.

Happy girls

We both love this RL frock. It’s very dainty and feminine. Gean, being the gu niang that she is, loves dresses like I do. For Ger, this would be the category of “over my dead body and even so, NO”. I suggested she wear a dress for her party. She responded with a deeply horrified look. LOL. She quickly chose her Billabong tee and Guess dark rinsed jeans, lest I come up with more horrifying suggestions. Hahaha!!

Scruffling. Kids.

With some of her friends

With Ms L, Germaine’s very pretty teacher. She is very sweet and helped me to take photos while I busied myself with other logistics..

Showing off her Ariel “tattoo”. So vain lah, this girl. Tsk tsk.

Listening to the coordinator teaching them about bears.

Stuffing the skins!

Putting the bear’s heart on your face (so that he/ she will “listen” to you) LOL.

Making a wish for the bear while clasping its “heart” in your palm..

At the stuffing machine

Final stitches

With her new Husky

“Bathing” the bear

Saying the “Bear Pledge”!

All her friends autographing her birthday bear.

Neopolitan Ice cream cake

Note Gean’s smile. LOL!

She just had to “seal” her sister’s mouth while blowing her candles! Cartoon lah, my girls. LOL!!!

Hmm, don’t know who the boy is. He just decided to join in the fun. LOL.

But she’s very sweet - she did let meimei blow out some of the candles.

The cake was delicious - but darn hard to cut!

Birthday gifts. And hongbaos from family and friends (not pictured). Thanks!!!!

Hamster from T, which came with a smaller cage. Big bought this bigger and more cutesy cage with “house” for her.

I think the party was a success from the feedback from the guests and the smiles on their faces. If you are also interested to do a party at BAB, you can check out their website. It’s about $25 per guest for a basic bear to about $45 per guest (for a bear with a fancy set of clothing), else they can work out a budget for you. The BAB girls are quite friendly and helpful. We offered them cake and drinks too (unfortunately, no food, other than the birthday cake, or drinks, other than packet drinks, were allowed in the store due to the nature of the business), and they were surprised and rather touched. Apparently, they are seldom accorded the same hospitality during the other parties they have hosted. Shocking. 

More photos about Ger’s celebration in school in my next post!

Sidenote: I am so appalled that nobody bothers to RSVP to our invitation cards. I wonder if this is the local culture these days (though I am quite particular about RSVP and thank you cards and such. Old school fart. :P)