My sons Ben and Henry LOVE Build-A-Bear Workshop. Every single time we’re at the mall, they BEG me to go in and create a brand new bear to bring home. Personally, I love it. They get so excited and so giddy when we head on in.

On Friday afternoon, I surprised them by letting them create a bear at the mall.

I am not kidding, they started screaming in the parking lot when I told them what we were doing. It was hilarious and very, very cute.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is the best destination for kids. They get to be creative. They get to play. They get to design. They get to dream and wish. And… they get to bring home a friend.

Here was our Friday at the mall…

Adorable, right?

Build-A-Bear Workshop is also doing something incredible, incredible, incredible right now with their Huggable Heroes Program. Build-A-Bear Workshop recently launched its 11th annual search for Huggable Heroes, to recognize and reward charitable-minded youths making the world a better place. From now until June 12, you can nominate a young social entrepreneur between the ages of eight through 18 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or Build-A-Bear Workshop stores nationwide. Ten winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship and a $2,500 donation to a designated charity of their choice. To date, more than 12,000 young people have participated in the Huggable Heroes program and Build-A-Bear Workshop has awarded over $1 million to these most charitable-minded youths in the country. Collectively, the Huggable Heroes have recruited thousands of volunteers, gathered more than 300 million items, and raised more than $10 million for their causes.

As a mom, I personally think this is one of the most special and amazing things in the world.

BRAVO to Build-A-Bear Workshop for inspiring kids!