ICE!

ICE! was a real treat. Thanks, Mom. I'd been wanting to see this for a couple years.

The exhibit is kept at 9 degrees, but the parkas kept us comfortable except for our fingers!
Over 2 million pounds of ice was used to sculpt Whoville and all the other Grinchy goodies seen.
I wonder how they color the ice?? Glorified food coloring?

The Grinch's heart grew five sizes that day!

Ice slides! The closest we'll get down South to any kind of winter activity.

The rare who roast beast.

Katy and her beloved Max. Poooor Max.

Paparazzi! Noooo!

Dad being a "butt." te-he

First off we have Gilbert demonstrating the correct way to go down the slide, then Bella with her own take on ice sliding. Again, if you are viewing this on Facebook you'll have to visit the blog directly to see video.

Road Trippin'

We weren't even smoking anything. Can you believe it? Here's a clip from our Kazoo concert. Dad opted for hands-free kazooing after a close call with another driver. ;) If you are reading this on Facebook, you'll have to visit the actual blog to watch the video. Only pictures and text import for some reason (http://gervens.blogspot.com) Be sure to check out "White Trash Christmas" while you're there. Good stuff.

Rooms at Embassy Suites. Super nice. Super peaceful until...

We were minding our own business in the Grant/Gervens suite when all of a sudden the fire alarms sounded. Dad stuck his head out the door and noted that it smelled like burned popcorn so there was nothing to worry about. Who do you suppose burned the popcorn? Watch and see.
The ironic thing is that if they had just left it in their room, the heat detector wouldn't have picked up the smoke. Katy panicked and had Gilbert throw the bag out into the hallway trash where it set of the smoke alarms. The security guard was none too pleased and claimed we were going to have to pay $200 for the fire department's fee. Fortunately, the manager was understanding and let us off the hook.

SCS Christmas Party

This year, the Christmas party was at The Jazz Factory. Dave and I arrived late (hard to believe, I know) and had to sit at a booth by ourselves. Or...we got to sit at a booth by ourselves whichever way you want to look at it. Free date night!!!! Awesome! Dave had the Rosemary Chicken and had the Mediterranean Pasta. Both were delish.

Mrs. Sandi trying to behave herself. I think you should wear your hair like this more often. It's so cute!

Bud and Irene

Joe and Doug - who is unashamedly striking a pose.

I can't figure out if it's Blue Steel or Magnum, but...

Tom and poor Tom's wife who braved the man table.

Terri and Terry. That never gets confusing

The Big Kahuna and Bryan. :)

Frank and his wife (Lisa?? Sorry if that's wrong.)

Christmas Play

The kids put on their annual Christmas play and did a great job as always, but I think this year was the best performance yet.

Leah and Katy with a harmonica/piano duet

We joked that Andrea and Aran weren't really acting. Cindy had them pretty type cast.

Isaac the preacher man. :) This was Bella's first year with a speaking role and she did a fantastic job in spite of being sick. Way to take one for the team, girl. The show must go on!

Brandon's narration skills have improved dramatically since last year. I swear he sounded like a book on tape!

Some sangin'!

Happy Birthday Dad

We took Dad our for an early birthday dinner at Jason's Deli. Mom wound up with a Dr. Seuss ice cream cone.

Time for presents!

Chicken Soup for the Father/Daugher Soul (gee who could that be from?)
What could it be?...
A Grinchmas hat! A must have for this year's Grinch ICE display at the Gaylord Opryland and Dirty Grinchmas at church. I think Dad is owed some royalties from someone because we all know he coined the term "Grinchmas." ;)

Here's his big present from the wife. He's already picking out Amazing Grace. Have fun with your new toy, Dad!

Enjoy your last year being in your 40s 'cuz we're going to do something God-awful embarassing for your 50th. ;) Love you!