Ready for a story of incredible bravery? For years now, Anyka has had a phobia of life-size characters - Elmo, Hopkins from Signing Time!, McGruff the crime dog - you name it, she freaked out if it was anywhere near. Meals at Red Robin were plagued by "Is the bird here?" as a panicky Anyka searched the restaurant for a 6-foot robin. When asked why she was a afriad, Anyka replied, "Because I am little, and I am three. When I am FOUR, I will not be afraid and I will shake that bird's hand!" This was repeated over the course of several months, and the adults in her life figured she would eventually realize she was four and push back the deadline. Well, Saturday came and on the way back from her birthday party, Anyka asked if we were going to Red Robin so she could shake the bird's hand. Surprised, I called and got the time that the robin would be there. We headed over, and despite my doubts I took her inside. The bird was across the restaurant and Anyka asked to go RIGHT THEN. So I headed over - and her grip tightened with every step I took. Once near the bird, she extended her (visibly shaking) hand and grasped the tip of the bird's wing. She giggled nervously, shook his wing and said "Get a picture for my scrapbook mama!" So we took a photo. While eating, she was able to talk to the bird every time he came around and by the end of the evening announced that he "is my friend now!". I was so proud of her for facing down her fear!