Anna turns 6!

Anna is now 6.  She is older than Regan was when Anna was born.  Feels like another big milestone as these girls continue to grow up.  She desperately wanted to have a Build-A-Bear party and was happy to remind us over... and over... and over... that all her sisters had a Build-A-Bear but she did not.  So she invited five of her good friends and off to Build-A-Bear we went.  Despite the theme of the party being a teddy bear picnic, none of the girls actually picked out a teddy bear at Build-A-BEAR.  They picked out sparkly white unicorns instead.  Of course they did!

After a fun couple of hours playing teddy bear games, stuffing unicorns and decking them out in practical, sporty gender neutral the sparkliest, girliest clothes they could find, we headed back to our place for a teddy bear unicorn picnic.  While the US battles snow storms and ice, we were hit by a pretty big sand storm that weekend so we had to move our picnic indoors.  Nobody minded - especially as no one wanted their pristine white unicorns to get dusty or sandy.

After the party we had a quiet family dinner (including one of Anna's favorites - purple box Annie's mac and cheese - a new organic store here in Abu Dhabi actually carries it - woo hoo!).  I took several photos of her opening her present - I meant to take one of her with the Lego Hot Air Balloon that she got from Gaga and Grandpa Carl but forgot.  It was a big hit though as was the American Girl snorkeling outfit (in preparation for our upcoming Maldives spring break trip!) and jewelry box from Gammy & Poppy and a great Calico Critter set from Uncle Dan and Aunt Susan.  All of the girls had a good time with an art set from Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary Ann.

Happy 6th birthday, sweet Anna!

Build-A-Bear is ready for Anna's party

Lining up for games

Anna picked out her animal (which only has stuffing in its head) and was very confused.  She tried to give it back to the party guy and told him there was something wrong with her unicorn.  She was glad to hear she was going to be able to stuff it and make it "right."

You get a bear sticker on your nose when you are "out" in the games

Hearts from all her friends and sisters to put inside her "bear"

Margot putting her heart in Anna's unicorn

Find the baby bear game - lots of hidden small bears all around the store!

Anna's team won - they found over 30 small bears around the store

"Musical bears" - these kids passed the bears fast so they wouldn't be out

The three finalists and lots of giggles and smiles

Musical bear boxes - you danced around the room in a line and when the music stopped, you had to grab a bear box.  Don't have a box?  Then you're out!

Given the unicorns a bath and fluffing their fur

Getting the unicorns dressed - sparkly clothes and shoes ruled the day on this day

Anna and Princess Celestia

One last Happy Birthday song for Anna

Everyone and their stuffed animals (We didn't let our big girls get new bears so they brought their old ones and got a new outfit each for them).

Cora and Anna

Decorating their bear boxes was the first activity once we got to our house

Teddy Bear picnic cake made by my incredibly talented friend and neighbor (The Eccentric Baker)

Top of cake

Teddy bear plates for our teddy bear picnic

Picnic was moved inside due to sand storm

Cora picnicking with the animals

I can't remember what the sisters were doing - it was funny and related to the party....  hmmm.. will update once they come back and remind me!

Make a wish!

Big balloon bear

American Girl jewelry/ make up box from Gammy & Poppy

Calico Critters from Uncle Dan and Aunt Susan

New "big kid" scooter from Mom & Dad - to replace the one she had that had three wheels which Anna had declared was too baby-ish for her now

Playdough from friend, Nola

Nice remembrance from the Build-A-Bear party