Family Fun Day with the Griswalds...

We had a fun family Saturday this weekend. We went to our local Bass Pro Shops store. For those of you who have one nearby and have never been-go! It's oh so much fun. A true feast for the eyes . We went this particular Saturday to have pictures taken. They are offering photos this month (every Saturday and Sunday) with your child on the cover of a magazine. I'd explain more, but they are going to be Christmas presents. So, I don't want to give the surprise away. But perhaps I've already said too much. ;) Ours has also recently added children's workshops. This is what greeted us as we arrived on Saturday: The shot doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it was wall to wall children and parents. What could have this many people mingling about in such cramped quarters you ask?







Why...

Free birdhouses of course! We had to assemble them ourselves-luckily no hammer and nails required. Simply put Slot A into Tab B. So simple even the directionally challenged mom can do it. :) (Notice the lake in the background- sooooo peaceful to gaze out upon. Made the claustrophobic conditions tolerable. For those who are claustrophobic.)

Then came the fun part: The painting. Ohhhhh how all the kids (big and small) were crazy about the painting. Many a shirt, shorts, and shoes were splattered by the end of this workshop. I love this shot of Ol' Blue Eyes. He is talking with one of the other parents there, very mature and mannerly. Yet, this pic of his expression reminds me of how he looked at age 3 and 4. Hard to explain, but all you mom's know what I mean. Made him seem little again. So sweet and nostalgic. It was all I could do to restrain myself from hugging him right then and there.

Besides the workshops, they have HUGE acquariums chuck full of fish. MONSTER fish:

Darling monster fish that make you smile as they swim by.

And all thru-out the store are these wildlife scenes:

So realistic looking. I apoligize for the next shot. It really did look cool. But, I was too intimidated by my fear of heights to lean over and get a good shot. Nothing good could have come from it. All I could foresee was me leaning out too far and dropping my camera. Or leaning too far with my graceful self and plunging to the lower level. Humiliating. It's not the freak accident I mind so much as the thought of losing my beloved camera. There's plenty of dorks out there to replace me; however, a nice camera is hard to come by ya know?! But I digress. Anyhow, here's the pic:

Ugh! I'm getting lightheaded and nauseous again just looking at it. Sweet Baby J.

Also, they have the most realistic looking mannequins I have ever seen. Don't you concur?

I can only imagine the parties they have after hours. (You know, like in the movie Mannequin. Anyone remember that flick? Anyone? Buehler?....Buehler?)

Besides the workshops, photo opps and feast for the eyes with all the wildlife scenes, they also have a restaurant. We partook of some seafood while sitting at a table with an awesome view of the lake. Very relaxing. They also offered children's tackle boxes at aforementioned restaurant for 2.99. Just little plastic ones; but, cute momento for the kiddos none the less.

We spent the better part of the day there. It was really a fun family day that cost next to nothing; yet, will be remembered fondly for a long time to come.