Christmas Texas Style 2014

Our family decided to take a little trip to Texas.
Where in Texas you ask?
We are going to the Gaylord Texan Resort for a night to partake in "Ice".
The grand kids are at the perfect age to really enjoy Christmas, and what better place to enjoy it!












Our first stop on our little trip was Bedre Chocolate Factory on our way down I-40.
Was a first for the kids.
They even got samples of chocolate covered potato chips....Yum!








We make our way to Grapevine Texas as we have plans to eat at the Rainforest Cafe.
The grand kids love this place.
My mom and step-dad seemed to enjoy it as well.
Chuck reminded our son of a trip we took there many many years ago.
Same place and so much fun for everyone.






We arrive at the Gaylord Texan around 3 pm.
Plans are to make the "Ice" exhibit around 4pm.
Our plans make a slight change due to an unforeseen delay.
Our son changed the "Ice" exhibit to Sunday at 10am, so all is good!
We shake off the delay & proceed to have some fun at the resort.
The grand kids got to see Gingy's Gingerbread cookies and decorate them.
They even got to visit Gingy!





























We were able to walk around the resort and see all the beautiful Christmas decorations.
I don't think I have ever seen a more interesting Gingerbread house....so detailed!




We make the photo op areas, and of course the grand kids loved being the models for the pictures.













Of course Chuck couldn't miss the opportunity to get his picture taken with the Longhorn.
You know how he is....Texan through and through!

It has been a very busy and fun filled day, and my mom & step dad are back in their rooms at 8pm.











Sunday

We are at the entrance of "Ice" around 9:30am.
There is a line forming, and we have camped out at the front.
They open the doors at 10 and we are off.
Once in the exhibit, we get to put on the famous Blue Parkas.
Our sweet little grandson had the biggest ole coat on, and we had noticed there was actually a smaller size.
Heather got out of line and exchanged for a more appropriate size.







We stand in line to get our pictures taken with the parka's on.
Looks like a bunch of "Smurf" walking around.
You can't tell who anyone is because we are all bundled up.









Upon entering the exhibit you feel the rush of 9 degree air hit you like a wall of ice.
This is truly a man made wonder.
Each ice block that is used ( 2 million blocks to be exact) weighs 400 lbs. before they begin to work on them.
There is a group of 40 something Chinese sculptures that make there way here and create this marvel.
The ice is so flawless it is often compared to Waterford Crystal.

You can read more about "ICE" here.

Chuck got a few pics of the kids sliding on the ice.
It was so cold, you didn't want to take your hands out to even get the camera out of your pocket!


















The Nativity was absolutely breath taking.














Before you knew it, we are at the end of the exhibit.
I have to say, the warm air really felt nice.

They have a little shop set up at the end, and of course we had a little retail therapy to conduct.
The grands got to pick out an ornament, and Heather got a really cute metal sign.

We meet back up with my parents, and Anthony gets in line to do the snow tubing with the kids.
The lines were really pretty long, but they move pretty quickly.
Before you know it the kids are sliding down the snow packed lanes in their tubes.
Grandson has no fear, and I think he could probably have done this all day.

All good things must come to an end, and so we bid the Gaylord Texan goodbye, and make our way to the cars.
The parking garage was as busy as the line to get into "Ice", but we made it out and are on our way to get some lunch.


Chuck had seen that "Hard Eight" BBQ had a location very close, so we make our way there.

I was really amazed at how much it looks just like the one in Stephensville, TX that we always eat at.
The food and the experience to get the food was just the same.
I think the kids enjoyed the relaxed eating experience...and oh, the food was awesome!

Time to head back towards Oklahoma, but we had to make a stop at "Sprinkles".
What is a trip to Texas without cupcakes!
This is our daughter in laws favorite place, so we had to make sure and experience it as well.

After the cupcakes are picked up we make our way to Ikea...
Can you believe this is a first for me.
Never have been there...get all the emails and all, but nothing in person.
Let me say, it is BIG!
Great time there and got a few treasures we couldn't live without.

Back in the cars and pointing them Northbound.
We make our way back to Oklahoma.
Home sweet home.....and so many memories were made this weekend.
Oh how I love our family!