Ice!

Today we went to the Ice Exhibit at the Gaylord Texan. We'd been hearing about it for years and today we finally went! Garrett and I had a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience. We were amazed at how many rooms of "Ques" there were leading up to the big freezer doors that opened into the exhibit. Thankfully Garrett had taken a vacation day and we went in the morning when it was uncrowded. It was fun to feel the rooms get colder as we approached the entrance.

At one room they handed out parkas to wear over our coats. Once we got inside we were glad for the extra warmth- it was 9 degrees Fahrenheit and quite chilly. Landon didn't seem bothered by it but Ethan didn't like the cold. He let us know several times that his face hurt and he wanted to go home. However, once we were done and warm again he said it was "the best ice place in the whole universe" and has talked about it quite a bit. 

A few quick facts about the display:

• Three ice factories are used to produce the 6,500 ice blocks for each show. 
• Each ice block weights 350 lbs and takes 30 gallons. (10" x 21" x 42"). It takes 195,000 gallons a show. 
• Creating a white block requires unfiltered water with added salt. Clear ice uses highly purified water with disolved amonia that makes the impurities and bubbles rise to the top. 
• There are 14 colors of ice used in the show.

Ice slides!

The Gaylord itself was decorated nicely for Christmas and we had fun walking through the lobby when we were done. 

Lego tree

Train in the lobby

Oh, and proof I was there!