Chuck E Cheese-revisited

You may recall about a year ago when we attempted the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party with one of Sofia's little friends. It did not go over very well. Both girls loved it when they first arrived-until the life size version of a hat wearing mouse came out from the back room and Sofia lost it. She literally ran out of my arms (we were playing in the game area) and ran underneath the table where we were sitting. She seriously was scared out of her 3 year old mind. She climbed up into the arms of the Grandma that was there and would not leave her side. Where was I as my poor, frightened little one was in hysterics? Laughing till my sides ached of course. She (Sofia) vowed she would never return and even when we would pass by said mouse's house, would tell me "Mom, I do NOT like Chuck E. Cheese".
So you can imagine our apprehension when we decided to go for Ella's birthday (we got a screaming daily deal). We did as most parents would and tried to get Sofia "manned up" to attend and she did ok...till we hit the parking lot. The eyes welled up with tears and once again, overwhelming panic insued. She was bawling as we went in, but got over it. This time, I think she even enjoyed herself...a little bit. There was no running under the table, no crawling up into outstretched arms and both Sofia and our Birthday girl Ella had a good time.