It is becoming harder and harder to get a vacation with the full family, but all were off for the Christmas break, and we had not used our Marriot free night for the year, so coupled with some extra points from Bonvoy, I set up two free nights in Magan and my favorite hotel, at the Gaylord in Nashville. And while Magan and I have always had great luck with upgrades, they are not guaranteed, but filled "if available". We knew going in there was a potential that the boys would be on the floor, so both brought their sleeping bags and pads. And when we arrived a little later than usual, I thought that the sleeping bags were going to be a must when I saw the line at the front desk. Being in the "elite" status, I got in the much shorter line, and was worried with my request for an upgrade as the lines directly in front of me were very loud and everything was just rather hectic. Then, when my turn at the front arrived, Artem from Russia, came down from the far side of the counter and beckoned me to follow him down there, where all was much quieter. I quickly explained that I was traveling with my kids this time, and if there was any way he could get me something with a sleeper sofa (this is basically a request for a suite without asking for a suite...sly, right?). He started looking and asked in a strangely terroristy accent "Do you need an atrium view?" I knew this was Magan's preference, but I also knew that I did not want the boys lying on the floor, so I replied "No, we just need room for the kids". And boom, they had a room for us, and when I asked "Can I get 2 keys?" and he replied "Sure, do you want 2 for both rooms?", I did a silent cheer. Then we walked over to the Delta area of the hotel, and made our way to our two rooms with joining doors. This was similar to the jackpot room Magan had gotten last time, except this time we did not have an atrium view. But two bathrooms, 3 full queen size beds, sofa, dining room table, and best of all, no need to bring our sleeping bags in.
I did forget a pit stop I have always wanted to make on the way up to Nashville, the Tennessean stop just over the Tennessee line. They advertise well, and we needed lunch, so it was a perfect place to stop for a BBQ sandwich. I have no other memories here other than nice clean bathrooms and a tasty sandwich, but based on my current life history, I think this one might slip into a tradition on our travels.
Back at the hotel, we first toured around the hotel visiting alot of the places the kids had visited when they stayed here last in 2019. We were just killing time waiting for our entry that evening at 6PM to the ICE sculpture presentation of "Frosty the Snowman". Davis stayed in the hotel room sleeping. During our tour a really sweet lady working at the hotel chatted with Ruby for a bit, and gave her a cute little snowman that was supposed to be a prize for scavenger hunt, but how could she not want to give cute little Ruby a toy.
So, Mr. Google, what is ICE? ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman is a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. Come experience the splendor of the holiday season at Gaylord Opryland. Over 40 world-renowned master artisans spend over 6-weeks hand-carving approximately 6,000 blocks of ice to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas attraction! With over 17,000-square-foot and 9 immersive scenes, here's a peek at some of our favorite scenes you won't want to miss! Inside is 9 Degrees Fahrenheit with Signature Blue Parkas Provided.
We had also visited ICE in 2014, and it was quite expensive back then. And I will just say with a baby Ruby, not the most pleasant experience. And if you extrapolated the expense of the ticket back then for 10 minutes of freezing cold, it just did not stack up high on our experiences list. And it really was never on our list this time, except for the email for half price tickets for these post Christmas tickets, and we decided to try it out again. And I will say that without being in the 9 degrees with a 1 year old baby made it a lot more tolerable. Still not something I need to do but every 10 years of so, but a fun adventure and experience. Ruby could not decide on a souvenir, but as soon as we were out, she said she had decided on a build a bear with one of the matching blue parkas that we wore. She named her new friend Billy. We did realize when we left the frosty area and were turning in our parkas, that I had left the backpack right next to the ice slides...so I started to go back in, and was reminded to take the parka...good idea! And there it was, right where I left it, but frozen to the area. Just kidding. I think the slides were Davis' favorite, but both him and Sam now have the purple cold hands. Magan could not get gloves on over her finger brace. And maybe in there for only about 20 to 25 minutes, but for half price, I think we all had a great time.
Next, we drove over to the mall and enjoyed a meal at the German restuarant. As this was a Thursday night, there was no live band, so a little of the excitement was not there, but the food was still amazing, ending with some pretzel bread pudding and ice cream. After our dinner, we had like 15 minutes before closing of the mall, so as I let german food settle, the girls ran to do a little shopping and the boys ran to the far end of the mall to the Lego store where they got 7 minutes to look around. Still enough time for Davis to find a new mclaren lego set to buy.
That evening we walked around the hotel for a little longer, this time with Davis, so we could do some fun photo recreations. The kids in general don't complain any with our silly requests, they know our fascination with all these photos. Back in our room, it was very nice to stretch out. Watch out the window at the festivities going on at the ICE plaza directly out of our window view. And then all to sleep. I heard that Sam was the loudest snorer in the other room, and I won't say who it was in my room, but it wasn't me.
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