Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro

One of my favorite December traditions is going to Santa's Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro with the kids.  We've gone every year since Violet was born and it never disappoints!

This year we took Jackson with us, too, because everything is more fun with Jack around!

We've learned through the years that the best time to go is during the week and before 5:00 if possible.  Santa was looking pretty bored when we got there without a single kiddo in line to see him.  My crew jumped up there and did a fair job of smiling for me.  I was a little nervous that Evelyn may not be crazy about sitting on his lap, but she was a good sport about it!  In fact, other than the Christmas that Calvin turned one, we've really never had a child afraid to sit on Santa's lap.

Our first year at Bass Pro's Christmas when Violet was fresh from the hospital!  Oh how I miss Calvin's fakey smile. . . (although if you look in the picture above, it's kinda still there)

All three boys tried their hand at the duck hunting.  Another perk of going when we do is that there are no lines for any of the activities.

My sweet Evelyn and me:

Daddy helped the girls write letters to Santa. . .

. . . while the boys played a game of checkers against Jackson.  They already think they are too old to write letters to Santa :(

The carousel was a huge hit with the girls this year!

And at the last second, Oliver decided he wasn't too big for the carousel.

They always have a fun ornament craft to make and this year it was an adorable little penguin.  Contrary to what her face may say, Evelyn loved her little penguin.

The kids finished up our time at Bass Pro by showing us what they want for Christmas.  Violet LOVED the big 4-wheeler. . .

. . . and the boys had fun playing in this Wildcat vehicle.

After finishing up at Bass Pro, we continued with our tradition of eating our dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.  Oliver grabbed me a special hat to wear since it was my Birthday Eve.  Thanks, Oliver.

I hope my boys don't think they're too old to visit Santa any time soon, because this is one of my favorite traditions of the season!