the best day {part 1}

she pressed the button and the massive doors opened. these two were not silent as they walked in. sister and sister laughed, giggled and talked as they walked. the inside of Bass Pro Shops loomed above them. signs had been placed and they caught the eyes.

Santa's Wonderland.

Come get a picture with Santa.

it screamed at me and i immediately encouraged the sister for us to go find the jolly man. with somewhat reluctance she agreed. weaving our way through the camo shirts, carhartt overalls, and mossy oak coats we found our well-known way to the back of the store. elves dotted the area here and there who in no doubt felt the utmost privilege in serving the white haired man. ;)

{via}

peeking our way around a display pile of cracked corn, we timidly asked each other if we could see him. a grandmother and grandson had been following close behind and we watched as they went ahead. they chatted happily with each other, obviously excited and not the least bit feared in seeing the old man.

i was ready.

"let's do this."

"maybe we should wait till the boy {brother} is with us and get the picture together." the sister said.

"when is he ever with us when mom and pops aren't? {never} then it wouldn't be a surprise for them."

{via}

she said she would think about it. i just knew she'd think about it too much and then decide not to go.

a few minutes later... "let's not do it today."

so the stairs were climbed, memories were reminisced {like when the time i was wearing my belt buckle and boots in this very spot and the boy-kid my age fearlessly exclaimed after sizing me up: "cowgirl!"}. the camo was browsed and shoes were admired. we passed the shooting range, checking for any free shots that someone had forgotten to shoot, then wandered into the camping.

she spotted it first. a balcony overlooking santa and his wonderland. we unashamedly watched from above as two kids climbed into his lap with a smile.

i noticed the guy-elf had spotted us. then something totally unexpected happened. santa looked up, and waved.

{to be continued friday}

{giveaways! the quick journey, much love illy, simple delights}