The BEST Santa

In the four and-a-half years I've been a mom, we've waited in lines for an hour and paid as much as $50 - all for a few minutes on Santa's lap. Most of the time, one (or both) of the girls has been in tears, I've been a sweaty mess and it all felt like a chore. But not this year!

We found the best Santa experience, and it's at a place I never thought I'd be writing about on this blog ... Bass Pro.

Bass Pro pretty much symbolizes everything I despised about growing up in southwest Missouri - deer hunting season (ick), camo, Carhartt (you don't know how many of my boyfriends wore this terrible brand) and guns (I cried the first and last time I shot one).

But, now as an adult, I have to admit, Bass Pro has a few redeeming qualities. If you're in Springfield at least, you have Hemingway's Restaurant, which has a great Sunday brunch ... and then there are the fish, turtles and other real wildlife (don't even get me started on all the sad, stuffed bears, poor things!) Ok, ok, back to the positives ...

Most of all, Bass Pro has the most wonderful Santa experience ever, and it's all FREE! Here are the girls this year, just loving Santa!

I was able to take my own pictures, plus they gave us a free 4x 6. You could also purchase a larger package, but in this digital age, why waste your money? Go home, scan that photo in and make as many copies as you want.

Last year, Nora wasn't about to sit on Santa's lap, but this year, she chatted away, listing off all the things she wants for Christmas and swearing she's been good (ha!)

In addition to a FREE photo with Santa, there are fun activities for the kids, all at no cost. Our girls loved the slide, as well as the carousel. Not sure if all stores have these, but Springfield does. There are also crafts and other games for kids of all ages. My Dad even had fun with some kind of shooting game ...

Speaking of Papou (who absolutely loves Bass Pro), the girls had a great time with him all weekend.

Of course, they loved spending time with their Yiayia too ...

And even Mommy ...

So, if you're about to visit Santa, take my word for it and head to Bass Pro. Here's where you can find one:

Independence:                        Olathe:                              Springfield:
18001 Bass Pro Drive             12051 Bass pro Drive        1935 South Campbell Avenue
(816) 795-4300                       (913) 254-5200                   (417) 887-7334

Santa hours for all stores are:

Monday-Friday: 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 to 5 p.m.

Ho, ho, ho!


- Kara