Our ill-fated attempt to meet Santa Claus

We've been talking all week about how we were going to meet Santa Claus at the Bass Pro Shops, sit on his lap, and tell him what we want for Christmas (more Playdoh). So we arrive at the store, check out the fish tank and this fish pond (which Aidan tried to jump into for the THIRD year in a row - yes that's Kurt restraining him) and all around had a good time.

We make our way down the glass elevator and arrive at Santa's station to get in line. We had timed our trip so we'd be on line before Santa even made his appearance (at noon). The lady manning the line tells us we need a "ticket" from the elf at the front door. Here's our ticket:

Ummm, so what the heck are we supposed to do with 2 three year olds to kill 3 and a half hours at Bass Pro Shops? Here the kids are staring longingly at Santa Claus down below (since we were kicked out of line):

This is as close as we ever got to the jolly, old fellow :(

Apparently the key is to go on a weekday. Who knew!