Ice! The Nutcracker

This past weekend Kevin and Julie invited us to go to the Gaylord Texan to see Ice. This year's theme was The Nutcracker.  After waiting in line, we got our coats and got all bundled up to head into the 9 degree temps!  Poor Evan was so bundled up he couldn't even walk!  We kept his puffer vest on underneath the big blue coat and he literally looked like that kid from The Christmas Story.  Whenever we tried to stand him up, he just fell over and started rolling.   Haha.  Unfortunately we couldn't bring strollers in which means Shawn and I took turns holding him (well, Shawn held him most of the time). 

I'd say this years theme was one of the less kid friendly themes, but both kids seemed to enjoy it.  We saw all the nutcracker characters before coming up to the ice slides.  We had told Em about these beforehand and she couldn't wait to go down.  My brother took all the girls to the slides while I watched Evan and Julie and Shawn manned the cameras.  Em loved going down the slide. 

After the ice slides, they had an area set up called Christmas in NYC.  This was probably my favorite area.  It was really neat.  They had a taxi, the statue of liberty, and even a times square area where you go to see yourself on the screen.  Of course it was all made out of ice. 

Before walking out, we passed by the nativity scene that they do each year.  Overall, it really didn't seem as cold to me as it has in past years.  But maybe that's because we were trying to wrestle a 17 month old.  He was our little heater for sure.

After Ice, we walked around a little and then had dinner.  We ended up at the Mexican food restaurant and each time I've eaten there, I've been disappointed.  The service just isn't great and everything is so expensive! 

We joked that Uncle Kevin had the best seat at the table. .right next to Evan.  Shawn lucked out because Nattie wanted Uncle Shawn to sit by her.

When we finished up dinner, we made our way over to Santa.  I had told Em we might see Santa and she was so excited.  So I was hoping for a really short line.  Thankfully we got lucky and only had to wait around 20 minutes for the kids to see him.  Surprisingly, both kids did great with Santa.   Em really seemed to be in awe of him!

Next came the part that I felt like ruined our evening.  We went to go pay for our pictures and I realized just how much they try to rip you off!  They said they didn't have a price sheet and it seemed they were just making up prices for each person.  I asked how much the cheapest package was and realized I messed up when I said package.  We thought we finally came to an agreement when I went and talked to Julie and realized they were given an even better deal.  So you bet I went over and made another big fuss.  I just couldn't believe they didn't have a price sheet.  The lady seemed to grin everytime I asked a question.  Almost like she knew exactly what she was doing.  But don't think I didn't make a scene when we left.  I told everyone standing in the line to pay for pictures that they were charging each person a different price.  Lesson learned - don't get Santa pics at the Gaylord anymore! 

By now, it was late so we made a quick stop for a few more pictures with the Christmas decorations and then headed out.  It was a fun night (with the exception of the Santa picture debacle!).