The countdown to Christmas is getting shorter - only four more days! We have had wonderful experiences during this magical season; it really is the best time of the year for families. We've been letting Jackson open presents every few days instead of holding them all to open on one day. He gets so excited over one present that forcing him to open them all at once would only confuse and frustrate him. Besides, I've always felt like the holidays are a month-long experience. Part of this notion came from my friend CC who would put up her huge Christmas tree and take it down in February! Talk about extending the season... So, in that spirit we are celebrating every day.
Last week we went to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. The hotel brings in ice sculptors from China to construct an enormous "village" made solely of ice. This year the theme was "The Grinch" so the sculptures followed this theme and include a two story ice slide. However, my favorite sculpture was the finale of a life-size ice nativity scene that was just breathtaking and they played the bible Christmas story which was so refreshing. That is the reason for the season, right?! In addition, the hotel was decorated beautifully with extravagant train displays including one that went through a huge Christmas tree. Jackson was mesmerized by the trains but wasn't quite sure about the ice exhibit - it was cold (9 degrees to be exact) and he wasn't allowed to touch anything (which is impossible for a toddler!).
Last week we went to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine. The hotel brings in ice sculptors from China to construct an enormous "village" made solely of ice. This year the theme was "The Grinch" so the sculptures followed this theme and include a two story ice slide. However, my favorite sculpture was the finale of a life-size ice nativity scene that was just breathtaking and they played the bible Christmas story which was so refreshing. That is the reason for the season, right?! In addition, the hotel was decorated beautifully with extravagant train displays including one that went through a huge Christmas tree. Jackson was mesmerized by the trains but wasn't quite sure about the ice exhibit - it was cold (9 degrees to be exact) and he wasn't allowed to touch anything (which is impossible for a toddler!).
This weekend we had David's company Christmas party in Dallas - it was a great date night for mommy and daddy. We used the night out to celebrate David's impending 40th birthday on the 23rd. Needless to say, we had a great time (though were exhausted on Sunday)! On Sunday, our church had the annual Christmas musical program and we had lunch as a family afterwards.
To cap off a great weekend, we had our Polar Express train ride in our pajamas on the antique railroad in Grapevine. They start the fun with a music presentation where the kids, and adults, sing songs, dance and have fun. We then go through a "winter wonderland" of Christmas trees where they have snow blowers going. Upon boarding the train, we were greeted by "Iona" - the train Master of Ceremonies - over the speaker system. With her amazing enthusiasm (I say this very sarcastically), we were led through songs and stories before getting a visit by Santa. Actually, Ms. Iona had us laughing the whole time with her commentaries - I can't begin to explain so I won't. Though I highly recommend going next year and taking the last train just to get a chance to hear her...
We wish you all a wonderful Christmas week!! Enjoy this time because the week will fly by and a new year will have begun before we know it...
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