Aug 22 2008
Family fun at bass pro shops
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.
