Mindy and I carried little Oliver to see Santa Clause in a far away place called Olathe. Oddly enough, his meet and greet was held at the bastion of Midwest commerce, Bass Pro Shop. In the boat section. Daddy sure wanted a bass boat, but alas, priorities.........
We arrived at St. Nick's around 6:30pm under the impression that during the week S. Clause would be mucking out the Reindeer's stall and would be overjoyed at the chance to hear from one of his newest glowing faces! Certainly, he was there, as we could barely get a glimpse of him at the end of the mass of humanity. We got an appointment card for 8pm and, yes, Oliver got dressed up to see Santa including a bow tie!
Bass Pro Shop, if you didn't know, has a gigantic tank in the center with lots of local fish, of all things, including large mouth bass, black crappie, walleye, a 80 pound alligator gar, paddle fish, blue gill and a carp.We happened to be at the tank during a "feeding demonstration." Pretty much what ever you feed a fish it sucks into its mouth. So I know the burning question in your mind is what does the 80 pound alligator gar eat? Answer: Anything that gets in it's mouth. Also, Oliver liked the fish.
For the remainder of our wait we wondered the shop pondering Real Tree living room sets, why North Face is so over priced, and I worked on getting Mindy to go camping.......
The best item we didn't purchase was a pacifier with false buck teeth. Yes, your child can emulate the future sadness you'll feel when you can't afford orthodontia.
Oops it was time to see Santa Clause. In the boat section. We hopped in line and marveled at the family in front of us. Yes, they had money. Yes, they were from the land of enslavement to technology; pretty sure I didn't envy them even a little bit. The family behind us were much more normal and got a kick out of Oliver's bow tie so we chatted with them a little and made our time in line bearable.
Santa Clause had it all. Looooonnnnngggg white beard, white hair, glasses, and the red suit. Much impressed. Although, are caribou and reindeer one in the same? Oh, well, mid-westerners wouldn't know the difference anyway. Not the type that go to a hunting store.......
Our time with Santa Clause was brief but we got a free photo. Oliver asked Santa Clause for Legos and size 2 diapers. Santa Clause appreciated the request for diapers. I figured it wouldn't hurt asking, although a plant that makes the absorbent for diapers burned down a short time ago, so that might be a tough one for him to achieve. I heard on NPR that he would have to keep up a strict schedule of 9,000 deliveries per second to meet his demand on Christmas Night. So, we'll take Legos, no problem.
After visiting the man of the moment, we stopped to write our wish list. Oliver (with Mommy's help) wrote Santa for Legos and diapers. I secretly hoped he would would ask for a carbon fiber kayak paddle, but maybe next year.
Some one took a photo of us together. I think a beard is quite appropriate for this time of year; Mindy does not. I promised to shave it for Valentines day, she counter offered two weeks. The bill went back to committee.
Mommy closed her eyes and wished for a Powermatic 10" cabinet table saw along with a Rikon 20" bandsaw for her Christmas. Note that her honey-do list is really what she's putting in the mail box.
Merry Christmas everyone and we hope your New Year brings prosperity in all that you wish for!!!
