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Normally my husband and I are not ones for taking our children to shopping destinations the weekend after Thanksgiving. Why feed the preschool consumerism frenzy already receiving plenty of fuel from commercials and daily colorful mailers? But this past weekend we went against better judgment and traveled to Cabela's, the newest and largest store for outdoor sporting goods (and more). In case you haven't heard, it is near the Tanger Outlet Mall in Gonzales. Although it always seems to have a good crowd, it is relatively easy to get in and out of and to navigate your way through the two-level store.

Our family favorites were the shooting range, the life-like display of wildlife, the coveted boats, the aquarium and the "sweet" (that's my 4-year-old's description) family size tents. Other than owning two domesticated Labrador retrievers, my husband and I have little to no outdoor experience, but we were pretty good at the shooting range and agreed that the camping equipment looked nice. So who knows, we might find a new hobby. I am pretty confident, however, that I will never have a need for the meat grinder or make-your-own-jerky kit.

Of course, we couldn't leave empty-handed, so we are now the proud owners of three wooden pop guns! And as suspected, the trip ended in tears as our 5-year-old fell in love with a beautiful, must-have cocker spaniel stuffed animal as we were walking out the door. I hope Santa has a Cabela's at the North Pole!