Ice

We had a wonderful adventure at the Gaylord Texan a couple of weeks ago -- in fact, we went the day before Thanksgiving. A fantastic kick-off to the holiday season (and not a bit crowded)! They have an amazing display of ice carvings every year. It's called Ice! (How clever. Ahem.)

Grma M and Grpa T joined us. We were provided with these snazzy parkas. I think they make us look like cattle rustlers. We needed them! They keep the display area at 9 degrees.


There were several rooms filled with amazing larger-than-life ice carvings including this fabulous Nativity scene. You can only see about half of it in this picture.
I bet you didn't realize that the goat was responsible for cheering on Navy even back in Bethlehem.The highlight of the exhibit were the three giant ice slides! Grpa's camera froze up a bit, so we don't have too many pictures, but it was a speedy-slick-super-fun time!Can you even imagine the work that goes into creating this extravaganza?!

It was so different from the ice and snow carvings we used to see in Freeport when we lived in Maine. But equally wonderful -- just different. You can see 2005 pictures here. And 2006 pictures here. Isn't it so cool to have a blog and be able to reminisce and compare at the click of the mouse?

Later, we enjoyed walking around the hotel and visiting with Mrs. Claus and Donner. Doesn't Mrs. Claus look so cute and friendly?As I'm wrapping up my Christmas shopping, I am reminded that it is experiences like this and time with family that are the best gifts. You just can't get that stuff at Target.