ICE!

I took the girls to ICE at the Gaylord and we met up with Milani and Michelle so we could go together! We invited Katie and Thomas, Thelma and her girls but only Michelle and Milani were free to join us. I decided to go on Christmas Eve because I remembered that one year CK's parents visited and we went to ICE on Christmas Eve and it was nearly empty. As we got ready to go and meet up with Michelle and Milani at the Gaylord, Sofia made it clear that she didn't want to go. She said we'd had such a terrible time last time we went, which was true. The actual ICE was as good as ever last year, but the wait was long and then it cost $15 to park in the parking structure and yet took us over an hour to exit! It was absurd. Anyway, I told her that we'd give it one more try and if we had a less-than-positive experience, this would be our last visit to ICE. She agreed to that and her attitude improved.

We arrived and met up with Michelle and Milani and got in line, which wasn't bad. We were quickly inside the ticket collection area and were soon handed our blue jackets we each needed for ICE. I did notice that they did away with the introduction video about the Chinese ice artists who are flown into Dallas to cut the ice into each sculpture and how long it takes them. It must save a lot of time though, so it probably helps with cutting down on the crowds. We were very soon inside the ICE exhibit, which this year is Peanuts. We've actually been to see the Peanuts ICE exhibit before and it was very similar this time, but it's still a lot of fun. I'd brought gloves for the girls and myself and a winter hat for myself, but didn't bring them for the girls. I was completely warm, but Olivia was soon freezing since she didn't have a hat. I gave her my winter hat and used my hood, but it wasn't nearly as warm. However, she didn't want to wear my winter hat, so she gave it back.

We walked through the ICE exhibit and enjoyed it. It also didn't feel nearly as crowded as it has in past years. It did feel significantly colder than before, although I'm sure that isn't the case. The girls enjoyed the exhibit and Sofia loved hanging out with Milani, who is one of her closest friends. The girls enjoyed it and were super excited to go down the slide, but it was comically slow! In fact all three got stuck mid-way down the slide! I remember in past visits, the slide has been very fast. Guess, they have changed it. We continued on our way after the slides and tried to stay warm. The girls, especially Olivia, were done posing for photos! Soon we were at the clear ice nativity scene. It is always such a beautiful nativity. After, we headed out to the warm hallway. It was such a good visit, but next time (if there is a next time) we will bring winter hats for all of us. To warm up, we decided to stop for a snack. Sofia actually never ate anything, so she was really looking forward to a snack. We walked through the gift shop and stopped for some pretzels and a cinnabon. It was delicious and gave the girls some much-needed energy.

We continued on our way and explored some of the other decorated areas of the huge lobby. We've been to the Gaylord so many times during Christmas, and despite the long waits to leave the parking garage, it brings back such great memories. Once we were done walking around and talking, we decided to ask at the front desk for a parking voucher. We got to the front desk and who was there but Giselle! She works there! It was so great to see her and she soon hooked us both up with free parking! It took me a minute, because she didn't fit the location where I normally see her, so it took me a second to realize that it was actually Giselle. She looks great and it was fantastic to see her. I took a photo of Giselle and the girls and sent it to Annie!

We said goodbye to Michelle and Milani and headed to our car. I completely lucked out and found a parking spot just inside the parking structure, in the tiny little parking lot to the left of the parking structure. So, when we made it to our car, we were out of the parking structure and headed home within 5 minutes. It was so easy! I asked the girls if they enjoyed it and Olivia said it was an 8 out of 10 while Sofia said it was above average! So, they agreed that it was fun and worth going again next year. We'll see...


The night before we were able to go to the Nutcracker at Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Christy called me that morning offering us 4 tickets to the Nutcracker, which they go to every year, but can't go this year due to Alexa's concussion recovery. Unfortunately, the lights and music is too overwhelming for her, at this point. CK was actually getting in late last night from a work trip, so it was just the girls and myself. I figured we had to go! I grew up going to the Nutcracker every year and it's a little tedious, yet I still love the tradition and memories. So, I take the girls every few years. We didn't have plans to go this year, so this was the perfect opportunity. Both girls really wanted to stay home and watch a movie, but I convinced them to get dressed up and go. I made the mistake of telling the girls that we could leave at intermission if we were too tired.

We arrived at Bass Hall about 15 minutes before the show was to start and decided to do valet parking, since I couldn't figure out how to get into the parking garage for Bass Hall. We got inside and I took a cute picture of the girls by one of the many Christmas trees. We made our way into the theater and to our seats, which were amazing! In all the many years I've gone to the Nutcracker, I don't think I've ever had such great tickets. It was fantastic! This Nutcracker was really one of the best I think I've ever seen! At the intermission, we headed to the snack area to get drinks, but it seemed like all they had was alcohol. The girls really wanted to leave, but I convinced them to stay. I'm so glad we did. It was such an amazing show and ended really dramatically. II really loved it and the girls enjoyed it too.

We left the show and headed over to park in another little lot so we could eat something. We were all starving. However, since it was Christmas Eve, many places had closed early already. We found a place that looked perfect: Istanbul Grill. It was so delicious! We started off with hummus and babaganoush, which I told the girls they had to try. They loved both, but Sofia really loved the babaganoush. Olivia preferred the hummus. The girls both ordered the chicken shish kabob and I had the vegetable moussaka. It was all wonderful and it was the perfect meal, especially since we were all so hungry. After eating, we headed home! What a fun night!

The girls at the Nutcracker!

In our seats, which are amazing!

Our seats compared to the stage! Such great seats.

Even the stage curtain is incredible!

Sofia, Olivia and Milani are ready to see ICE!

Sofia and Olivia by the snowman.

What cuties!

Sofia and Milani going down the ice slide.

Love this picture of Sofia and Milani.

Olivia (wearing my scarf) heading down....very slowly.

All three girls!

Walking through Snoopy's house!

The Christmas tree!

Just ONE day until Christmas!!

Love this picture of the three of us!

In the hotel lobby.

Olivia being silly!

The three of us with the reindeer.

The girls!

Sofia and Olivia with Giselle.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Today is CK's big birthday! I know his birthday is hard to really celebrate because it is so close to Christmas, but I really try to make it special and totally separate from Christmas and those gifts. CK is a bit difficult to buy gifts for, but I had a few actual good ideas this year. First, I wanted to plan a really special meal and I decided on braised short ribs, roasted cauliflower and salad. That was followed up by Jerry's Hot Fudge Cake, which is a recipe I found on-line that is a replica of the cake that he enjoyed as a boy when he stayed with his Grandma over the summer. I found it and made it for his birthday a few years ago and it was not only a huge hit, but absolutely delicious! We all loved it and it was special to CK, so I want to make it a tradition, unless we are celebrating a "milestone" birthday, like we did last year. The short ribs were wonderful but a pretty serious time commitment too. The meal turned out to be delicious!

After filling our bellies, we headed into the living room to give CK's his presents! I was actually super excited about his gifts this year. I'd asked the girls for any good ideas they might have and Sofia immediately said "what about a fishing pole for the lake?" I thought it was pretty brilliant, actually! So, a few days earlier, I visited Academy to pick out a basic fishing pole. Who knew it was not easy to find something so basic? There are a million fishing poles out there and they vary significantly in price! So, as I was stumbling around the aisles at Academy, a nice man also shopping there asked if I needed help and then spent at least 30 minutes picking out everything I would need to give CK. It was so nice of him and he completely saved me! As for his other gifts, I bought him a pair of cozy sweatpants that I thought he might enjoy at the lake. Plus, I got him a cool shirt from Orvis. I know he shops there all the time and buys himself nice things there, but I think everything thy have there is amazing and always fit him so well. The girls wrote him cards and they were so excited to give him the fishing pole and tackle box. We think he really enjoyed his gifts and it was so fun to celebrate him and his big day! We are so lucky to have him as our Papa!

The girls with their newly-learned napkin folding skills from Mona.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Jerry's Hot Fudge Cake - the best!

Olivia and a case of the giggles.

Opening the girls' cards.

Papa opening his gifts!

The girls are so proud of the fishing pole and tackle box gift! Hope they all enjoy it together this summer!

Olivia's 3rd Grade Christmas Party!

Today was Olivia's 3rd grade Christmas party. I showed up just as the party started and Olivia was so happy to see me. She's like Sofia, who loves having me at her events. The party started with pretzels, cheese and a decorated Christmas cookie and then the class did a Christmas crossword puzzle. After, they made a really cute Christmas ornament with their picture. Then, each table played a game that included unraveling a huge ball of saran wrap that had toys, candy and other knick knacks wrapped into it. As each child unwrapped the ball and something fell out, the ball had to be passed to the next kiddo. They had so much fun and some tables unwrapped their saran wrap so quickly, it was amazing! Olivia took her time, of course, and enjoyed working on finding something fun. After the saran wrap ball was completely unraveled the kids played with their new little toys and gathered up their candy and put it all into their personalized nutcracker cups that they each got. The kids played and had fun together and were all on a sugar high. I had a photo taken of Olivia and myself and then gave her a big hug and headed out at the end of the party. It goes by so fast!

Olivia working on her crossword puzzle.

Our sweet girl!

Selfie!

Olivia working on the saran wrap ball of goodies.

Mrs. Smith helping Olivia unwrap.

Olivia and her adorable personalized cup of goodies which each kiddo got!

Olivia and me! Love our little girl!

The adorable classroom door!

Olivia and her friends - Marisa and Makinsey.

Olivia and Marisa.

Olivia, Riley and Marisa.

Go Gators!

Last night, CK and I went to the last University of Florida Gators football game for their season. CK's friend, Hugh, owns a bank that is right across from the Gator's stadium. His wife and he got to all the games and they invited us to go with them to the game, which is such a fun night. Plus, we have free babysitting! Hugh and Valerie picked us up around 5pm and we drove to the bank in Gainesville. Even though the game was hours away, downtown Gainesville was already totally crazy and the streets were full of people. It was such a luxury to have a parking spot in a garaged right across from the stadium. We rode the elevator to the 2nd floor bank where there were already a lot of folks from the bank there to tailgate. There was bbq ribs and pork, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls and cookies all set out for us to eat. It was fabulous. We ate, while we watched the LSU game. After we ate, CK and I went out on the balcony and people watched which was absolutely mesmerizing. It was so much fun to people watch! There was one girl who dressed up like a plant and then would reach out and scare people. It was so fun. Some people tried to play it off like nothing had happened while others completely freaked out and were scared. Such fun.

When it was time to go to the stadium, we crossed the street and had to walk less than 10 minutes. Along the way we stopped to have a picture with Albert Gator, the UofF mascot statue. We got to the stadium and made a plan to meet with Hugh and Valerie after the game back at the bank. They have 6 seats at the stadium but they are a set of two in one afea and a set of four in a different area of the stadium. We actually sat with Hugh and Valerie's daughter, Samantha and her friend, who joined us. They were very sweet and fun to enjoy the game with.

The Gator marching band and flag girls took to the field and it was incredible! It's such a crazy overwhelming event to go to a football game in the stadium! The band and flag team were incredible! Then the team rushed onto the field and the crowd went wild! It was totally overwhelming and exciting! The game started and it was so much fun! When the other team made a mistake the band would start up and the crowd would chant. CK and I couldn't figure out what they were chanting, so we asked Samantha and her friend. They said everyone was chanting "Move back, you suck!" It was so rude and hilarious at the same time! Samantha said the UofF president had even talked to the student body when she was a student and urged everyone to stop the chant, but it continues.

The game was super fun and the Gators won easily. They played well which was fun to watch. It really was amazing to be a part of and we felt so lucky to be included by Hugh and Valerie. After the game, we met Hugh and Valerie back at the bank and we headed to the farm. We were back at farm by 11pm! Such a long afternoon and night but well worth it! Everyone was asleep already, so we just snuck in an went to bed. Such a fun day.

One of the trees on the farm. Took this picture while walking Buddy and just loved it.

Jillian and Olivia had to say goodbye Saturday morning. Cynthia and her family left for home after breakfast.

On the bank's balcony people watching.

Looking toward the stadium.

The spread! Yum!

CK and me!

Getting closer to game time!!

With Albert Gator.

We made it! Watching the band!

CK and me at our seats.