Building Bears

Our first visit to Boyd's Bear Country in Pigeon Forge, TN was in July of 2005. The girls enjoyed the experience so much they wanted to go again this year.

First the girls are given the proper attire for building bears. Then they proceed to an area where they pick out what bear or animal they would like to build.

Next they get to measure out a mixure of special "beans" for their bears. Some options include Patience (hey, could I have a hearty dose of that????), Lovin, Friendship, Laughter, etc.

Then they get to use a special device, in conjunction with some whole body shaking action, to fill the bear with their special combination of beans. Next a special gold bean is given to the child to make a special wish for their bear. The bean is dropped down into the bears belly button. The belly button is sewn shut and poked down into the body. Finally the bear is finished. Now the girls get to go bear clothes shopping and decide on the best outfit for their bear. I believe this last step is their favorite!

And at long last, here are the bears. Anyone want to guess which bear belongs to which child???

Unfortunately, this will be our last trip to Boyd's Bear Country in Pigeon Forge. The company has been sold to another company and this particular store will be closing. However, this coming spring a Build-A-Bear store will be opening in our town......so we will have to visit and build even more bears!