Gaylord Palms ICE

 Jim and Nereida treated a whole group of us to ICE at the Gaylord Palms.  Clif and I have never been, so we were excited, and accepted the invite.  There were 14 of us total.  Jim's whole family was there as well as their good friends Gerry and Jodi along with their family.



Reading other people's blogs gave us a heads up that we needed to wear our winter wear even though parkas are provided.  I am glad we followed that advice.  Now I know what those Mid westerners feel like in mid winter!



The theme was "Twas the Night Before Christmas".  The story was written throughout the display as if you were moving through the storybook pages.



I didn't know ice could be so colorful.  It looked liked wax.



Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.







Lots of photo opportunities.





After about 10 minutes, Jim couldn't take the cold nose! Yes, he wore the headband around his nose the entire rest of the way!!



They even had a slide midway through.  Because of the body heat, it wasn't as slick as the one you could pay for before entering the exhibit.  They had fun nonetheless. (Once again, I had my camera turned.  You would have thought I learned from the last time!!)  First one down was Matt followed by Kalley, then Jim.

The second to the last room we went into ice sculpting was taking place.  There were all kinds of facts about what it takes to put on this event.  They actually start freezing the ice blocks a year in advance.  Then all the ice blocks are all transported in.  This room was a showing of all ice sculptures done while people looked on.

Jodi and Kelly watching the ice sculptor.



I guess he was making another cylinder to put somewhere on the train.

The last room was The Nativity.  It was gorgeous.  Very peaceful to say the least.









Thanks Jim.  We had a blast.



When we were done, we toured the hotel.  It was beautiful, and had many other activities taking place.

We watched a snip it of "Cirque Dreams Unwrapped".

We visited "The Everglades".  Yes, they have alligators.



They had waterfalls throughout.





Then we headed over to Key West.



I spy a stingray.  Can you see it?  I'll give you a hint....it's eye is glowing from the camera flash.



The tree in the atrium was huge.  I just loved how much the Gaylord Palms has to offer.  It justifies the $20 parking fee (plus $1.40 tax!).  I can't believe living here in Orlando for all these years, Clif and I hadn't taken the time to venture down there.  I am glad Jim suggested it.  It was a great evening.



Happy New Year!  Hope everyone's year is prosperous and filled with God's Love and Blessings.