A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Aug 22 2008

Family fun at bass pro shops

Category: Family Fun

Coming back from a morning fishing trip, Paul announced that he, Nathan, and best friend "Uncle Jimmy" were headed out to the new Bass Pro Shop near Denver. Thinking that anything was better than tackling the laundry, I quickly told him that we girls wanted to come along. I knew Lucie would have fun looking at the fish and I took along a book just in case I got bored.

Our plan was to check out their new seafood restaurant. Featuring a bar that bellies up to an aquarium sized tank -- and longing for a dose of '50s kitsch -- I wondered when the "live mermaids" were going to appear. As we were seated, we marveled at the full sized fiberglass models of shark, tuna, dorado, marlin and sailfish that hung from the ceiling. If it weren't for the yummy smells from the kitchen and hustle and bustle of the waitstaff, I would have felt like I was under the ocean.

We were amazed by the huge old tuna mounts and pictures of sports fishermen and women from the 1930s. The food was fantastic, too, especially the grilled mussels. It's someplace I'd come with the kids for a quick soda and dessert just to enjoy the awesome decor. Cheaper than going to the aquarium, I vowed to return.

After lunch, the guys went to check out the outboard motors. Lucie, Nathan and I tried out the pontoon boats. Like RVs on water, pontoons are boating for couch potatoes. I rested on the sofa-like cushions in the stern while the kids pretended to steer and race their boats. When I win the lottery, I'm going to get me a pontoon boat so I can drink cocktails, coast around a lake, and watch my butt get bigger.

After Jimmy left, we went upstairs to check out the hiking boots and hunting bows. After Nathan tried out a bow on the shooting range -- he's still too small to properly pull it back -- Lucie and I spotted the stuffed bear mount. While Paul and Nathan discussed bow hunting with the salesman, Lucie and I spent our time running past the bear yelling, "Oh no, a bear!"

I think Paul was disgusted with all the noise we were making. It's not very manly when your wife and daughter run around waving their arms, and shrieking in mock terror of a dead, stuffed bear. He quickly got us out of there.

So the next time your husband tries to disappear to Bass Pro Shops, invite the whole gang along for a little family fun. He won't be so thrilled, but you and the kids will have a blast.

 

Aug 21 2008

Lucie-lina ballerina

Category: Family Fun

Lucie and I are so excited! The local dance studio called and they're offering a ballet/jazz class for little ones this summer. This is such a relief. While I have Nathan scheduled up the wazoo for golf lessons and art camp, I had nothing for Lucie outside of her usual playgroup dates -- and if you know anything about playgroups, they're just an excuse for the moms to get together. I'm so glad that she finally has an activity that's just for her.

While Lucie's in class, Nathan will be entertained in the childcare area. Also, I'll be able to take a yoga class at the same time. This was a huge selling point for me. I'm finally getting off my big rear end and taking a yoga class. I've been meaning to take one for years, but there's always been an excuse -- a writing deadline, a charter school meeting, or a zillion errands to run. Nothing like one stop shopping as an incentive to just do it.

When I told Paul how thrilled I was that Lucie would be taking ballet this summer, he just rolled his eyes. What is it with him and ballet? Too girlie? A silly excuse for Lucie to run around in leotards and tutus? (Like she needs an excuse.) I have a sneaking suspicion that he thinks it's for rich, spoiled girls whose moms regularly get plastic surgery and know the sales girls at Neiman Marcus by name.

I took ballet as a little girl, but quit when my mom put me in a class that was too advanced. I was too shy to say anything to my mom and too scared of the teacher to tell her I had no clue about what was going on. My sister, Michele, was a terrific dancer, but was waylaid by a knee condition that prevented her from going on pointe. My mom took ballet also and would have pursued it professionally if it weren't for her stern, Victorian father who thought ballerinas were one step up from "ladies of the night."

Paul's slowly warming up to the idea though, especially when he saw Lucie in her teeny black ballet shoes and dance t-shirt. If seeing how adorable his little girl is as she pretends to be Angelina Ballerina doesn't convince him, I don't know what will.

 

Aug 20 2008

You belong at the zoo

Category: Kids & Growing Up

It was a gorgeous afternoon, hot and sunny. Since we were nearby running errands, we decided to visit the Denver Zoo for a few hours.

It's not often that Paul comes along on a zoo trip. To avoid the crowds, I usually go solo with the kids during the week. But it's much more fun with daddy along, especially when Lucie needs a boost  to see the animals.

We strolled along, Paul and I pointing out the various animals and reciting facts from the informational placards. Now that Lucie's old enough to understand what we're reading, it makes the zoo experience as educational as it is fun.

As we approached the elephant compound, Lucie came up with her own observational factoid, "Elephants don't poop in the potty. They poop on the ground."

My daughter, the zoologist.