You would think from the line of cars backed up at the exit off the Interstate, the parade of taillights, the overflowing parking lot, outdoor tents, and the NASCAR car parked out front, we were going to DisneyWorld.
Unfortunately, for us … we were in a land far, far away. While I was looking at the long, meandering line, I was sad to remember there was no Space Mountain, Pleasure Island or even Butterbeer at the other end to comfort me.
Instead, we were waiting in line at the opening weekend of Cabela’s in Lexington. Which — apparently — is quite an event in and of itself.
Of course, we’ve been to Cabela’s — every store we ever pass in fact — but, my husband said we just had to get out and see the latest and the greatest. And he assured me he would find some great deals, as he lured me with thoughts of those cinnamon and sugar almonds I like so much. The kids cheered wildly when we told them where we were going.
Boys. Need I say more?
So not only did we have to drive two hours to get there, fight the crowd, and buy toys for both big and little boys alike, I have to admit, the store was very similar to all the other stores … perhaps we could have saved time with some online shopping?
But my oldest son was quick to point out to me that at this location we got to see a lion about to eat a gazelle, (something we hadn’t seen before). His fascination with animals eating other animals is slightly disturbing, but I’m glad he takes such an interest in nature.
Now, you would think between the children gawking, and onlookers snapping pictures on their phones, we were actually at a zoo — yes, there were even people petting some of the animals.
Far be it from me to tell anyone these animals are actually not alive anymore (because, nobody else seemed to know).
My own children are aware of this fact, but yet, still delight in seeing animals in their afterlife. I’m not sure if it’s because you can get so up close and personal with them, or because they think I will eventually put one in their bedrooms if they ask nicely enough, but for some reason, they’ve always been fond of taxidermy.
So, while my husband was at idle speed, browsing through the baits and lures, the boys grabbed me and dragged me around to see every animal in the store. (Now, men claim that women are the culprits when it comes to shopping. But, men seem to have no problem finding their own things to buy.)
On our journey through the Cabela’s woods, my oldest son looked over and pointed up high, “Look mom — there’s a dead guy.”
I looked up to see a mannequin hunter aiming at one of the stuffed animals. And I laughed, until I realized in horror what he meant. I would obviously have to clarify a few things.
“Honey, that is NOT a dead man.”
“It’s not?”
“No; it’s a mannequin.” I continued, “They don’t stuff people.”
“They don’t?”
“Well … no … not legally.”
You would think he might have been scared when he thought they actually had a stuffed, dead man on display in a store. But no, I think he was slightly disappointed when I told him a mannequin is made of plastic.
Should I be worried about his reaction? I will push these thoughts aside for now, and try to look at the bright side.
I’m just glad I cleared up any confusion before my son reported back to school on Monday and told everyone he had seen a dead man over the weekend.
I might have gotten a note home about that one?
This trip was a reminder to me that no matter where you go with your family, (whether it’s a fun family vacation, or just a man-shopping-trip), you never know exactly what you’re in for; and when your boys drag you into the woods, be prepared for anything.
