Gaylord Palms Orlando FL Presents Shrek in ICE!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms Resort makes holiday dreams come true. This is a statement that was read to me a couple of weeks ago before I attended this year’s ICE event at the Resort. I was already shaking my head in agreement before I even was able to capture the event in person. This was my third year of attending the Gaylord Palms ICE event. Each year it has got better and this year has topped the charts. Watch out Gaylord, you have your work cut out for you next year to make it even better. The entire family was in awe the whole time we were visiting the Gaylord Palms. I am going to share our ICE and Snow adventures with you today and then tomorrow share even more adventures that are included in this year’s holiday package.

The highlight of Christmas at Gaylord Palms, ICE! is open daily (till Jan. 2, 2012), including
holidays. With more than 16,000 square-feet of frosty 9-degree bliss played out in a winter
wonderland of exciting hand-carved sculptures, ICE! Is a favorite holiday tradition. This year it features
five 30-foot ice slides and an all-new, tribute to the unforgettable DreamWorks’ Animation TV classic
Shrek the Halls. The attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China, an area best
known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival.

I am always so amazed by the work and carving skills. Let’s take a virtual stroll through the ICE event. Passing the hot chocolate around. Be prepared to be amazed!

Isn’t this just breathtaking? Believe me, it is even better in person. You will be in awe the whole time. M and I had to create laughter and family fun on the ICE slides. Yes, you are sliding on ice!

Gaylord Palms always over the last three years included a nativity scene in ice. The beauty, the twinkle of the light shining down has me in awe every time. We caught L standing in front of the Angel for a good three minutes. She would talk to the angel and just stare upwards. Hubby and I both got chills.

A new feature that was added last year is SNOW. Yes, really there is snow in Florida. The Kung Fun Panda Awesome SNOW! features more than 130-tons of snow is freshly made daily to allow kids of all ages to build snowmen and forts while playing in over 3-feet of the cold stuff. The best part? We did not even have to wear a coat. The atmosphere is kept at a crisp 55 degrees. The girls were having so much fun throwing snow balls and not having to worry about freezing. We built a snowman, had fun sliding down the slides and catching each other off guard with a snowball.

Truly a magical and wonderful holiday experience for the whole family. What are you waiting for? Go create memories and have a blast. Believe me, you will not regret the experience. Merry Christmas!

Disclosure: We were invited on a FAM trip to the Gaylord Palms to experience all the holiday festivities. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

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The Family Travels to Chattanooga TN to the Chattanoogan Hotel

We just can’t wait to get on the road again. It is very rare to go a whole month without traveling here at One Moms World, so we were very eager to get on the road to Chattanooga, TN last weekend. Even though TN is right beside NC, we had never visited Chattanooga. We jumped in our vehicle and was ready to take on the open road.

Once we arrived, we were greeted with the superb bell boys who were all so helpful and as we walked into The Chattanoogan Hotel, we all gasped. L said mommy this hotel is beautiful. M chimed in with how artistic the hotel was and hubby and I were enjoying seeing the smiles on the girls as they were mesmerized by the beauty.

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We knew we were in for a delight when we heard the news from AAA. The Chattanoogan Hotel has been awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Rating for the third year in a row and is the only full-service hotel in Chattanooga to win the award.

After check-in, we made a quick dash onto the elevator and went straight to our room. The artistic decor continued in the rooms. It was an artsy and modern feel throughout the room. The first thing hubby commented was the space in the room. The beds were pillow-top which allowed a peaceful night’s rest the entire weekend.

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Of course, the flat-screen TV caught the attention of the girls.

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After ooohhing and ahhhing over the room, we knew we had to take a family tour through the rest of hotel. The hotel has large meeting rooms for conferences and weddings. They even have a amphitheater in the hotel, pretty cool huh?

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Family fun can happen in the evenings as well with dancing to live music or even catching a game of pool with each other.

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The grumbles began in our bellies so we made our way to the widely talked about Broad Street Grille right on location at the hotel. We were seated at the Chef’s table and were able to experience seeing our food cooked right before our eyes. Being able to talk to the Chef, I found out all food they use in the restaurant is all locally grown. The Chef treats the guests to to great variety from salads to seafood to steaks. Even pasta can be made tailored to your taste as it was for M. The food was absolutely delicious. All the food is of the American cuisine. If you leave hungry, it is your own fault. Best part of the night? I was able to try scallops for the first time. I didn’t know what I was eating at first, but I can say I am a huge fan now.

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To keep the kids entertained while the parents are finishing their food, the Chef brought out Chef hats and crayons. Create your own Chef hat was born. Totally a win for the kids and the parents.

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To top off each evening, we surrounded the fire pit outside and enjoyed the nightly breeze along with great conversations with the girls. All technology is cut-off and you are enjoying the family one-on-one. Priceless!

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In addition to all the fun we were having as a family, mom escaped to the spa and relaxed with a full body massage while the girls were right next door in the indoor pool with jacuzzi Saturday morning. Afterwards, it was such a great feeling and let us have a great day as a family with no stress.

We all recommend to escape to The Chattanoogan. Experience it with the family and/or as a couple. The hotel has you covered and will even sneak in little bonuses to your room.

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We left after our 3-day stay with such a warm feeling and even tighter knit bond as a family. Thank you The Chattanoogan Hotel.

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Disclosure: We were provided a weekend by The Chattanoogan Hotel in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

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Another glimpse of Fall beauty in NC Mountains

The Fall colors have officially reached their peak and we now are beginning to get bare trees. The winds have been a force to reckon with this weekend and unfortunately, is winning by taking our beautiful color with it.

I was able to capture great shots though over the weekend and wanted to share with you. Enjoy! (click on photos to see larger image)

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Breathtaking Fall Colors Blue Ridge Mountains NC

The Fall color is reaching its peak here in the NC Mountains. Driving through the mountain roads, your eyes are discovering the stunningly beautiful color that surrounds you on all sides.

You can see sharp red, bright yellow, and powerful orange peeking through the green leaves that have yet to turn.

As L walked up on our front porch after we arrived back home after our road trip. She stopped in her tracks and shouted. You guys have to come here right now. We have a beautiful red tree that has popped up. I walked onto the front porch and was mesmerized. Can I pause time? I see multiple front porch walks in my future. You get lost into God’s beauty by seeing all the beautiful Fall colors.

Grab the family and head to the NC mountains on a road trip. You will not be disappointed.

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We’re off to see the Wizard – Autumn of Oz Festival NC

One of my favorite childhood movies was Wizard of Oz. I have passed on my love of this special movie onto my girls. They love the video probably more than I did, and that was A LOT! How cool is it to be able to experience the Wizard of Oz in real life? We were able to do just that this weekend at the Autumn of Oz Festival in Beech Mountain, NC.

This festival only takes place once a year. You never know if you will get sunshine, rain, a twister or in our case this time a blizzard. Ok, the blizzard may be slight exaggerating, but the wind was fierce, the temps were in the 30s and there was snow.

This wintry view did not stop us though as we were off to see the Wizard!

During the festival, your family will take a tour of Auntie Em’s and Uncle Henry’s farm and meet Dorothy and friends along the Yellow Brick Road. We for sure had a blast on the Yellow Brick Road. I had to stop a minute once we were on the road and watch my girls as they took each step so gracefully. Take a seat and let’s take a stroll through the Yellow Brick Road together!

We were there 2.5 hours and could have spent more time, but the cold weather took grip on our hands and would not let go. Next time we will make sure to take lots of gloves. Even with the cold weather, we all four had an amazing time. Lots of great discussions with the girls since they were able to “experience” the Wizard of Oz live!

Go ahead and save the link, and put this festival on your to-do list next year.

By the way, don’t I have the cutest little Dorothy ever? Big Thank YOU to HalloweenCostumes.com for providing her costume.

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Let the kids have Halloween fun at Gaylord Palms in Orlando

It is that time of year where the kids get dressed in their favorite costume and have fun with the family. We love this time of year and Halloween is just one of the many reasons why. Gaylord Palms’ in Orlando is contributing to the fun this year with a one of a kind Halloween & Trick or Treat Street.

This exciting special treat will only take place October 21 and 22, with the festivities taking place on October 22. The best part is the price. For only $139,

- You get a room at the beautiful and fabulous Gaylord Palms’
- Trick-or-Treat Street with special appearance by Shrek and his friends!
- Costume contest
- Admission to a family-friendly movie under the stars in Emerald Bay Atrium (specific movie TBD)

While you are there, you can take in all the beautiful sights and animals on site in the atrium. You can even visit Key West while you are there ;) . The girls, hubby and I just love walking through the atrium as it literally takes you through the state of Florida. Check it out but it is better in person, believe me!

Share the word and have a great family fun weekend at Gaylord Palms!

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WIN a trip of a lifetime – Ultimate Family Reunion from Wyndham

Your family is spread out all over the United States.

It has been years since the entire extended family has been together.

You dream about having the ultimate family reunion.

Can you relate to any of these statements? I know, I sure can. Now is the time to react upon those statements. I just got word about Wyndham Vacation’s Ultimate Family Reunion. The trip includes accommodations and flights for up to 10 people, your choice of one free family activity at your selected property, plus one $2,500 USD cash card—for a total value of $28,000 USD!

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WhiteWater Branson Missouri Equals Lots of Family Fun

Are you scheduling a family trip to Branson, Missouri? If so, I would love to help you with what must-do activities to schedule that the whole family would enjoy.

First, you have to plan a dinner show that will entertain the entire family: Dixie Stampede

Secondly, for a thrill ride that will have you saying… seriously I just did that? Shepherd Hills

Thirdly, a dinner that is extraordinary on a cruise boat: Branson Belle

and you cannot leave off the WhiteWater Park in Branson, Missouri. The perfect attraction to spend the day to relax and cool off in the water. You don’t have to worry as there are so many activities that you will definitely not hear the “I’m bored” comments from the kids. I will go ahead and say too, the prices are very reasonable for a family as you can literally spend all day and have fun in the sun.

We arrived at the park and the kids were ready but of course we had to be tourists and get our picture made.

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Then, BOOM… lightning, thunder and rain decided to make a presence. Luckily, Mother Earth knew there were a lot of kids eager to take on WhiteWater so the storm passed fairly quickly. The girls dived into the wave pool first thing.

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L spotted the cool kids area and pleaded that we must go see now.

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As soon as we got there, I knew exactly why she was so eager to visit the kids area. Everything was just her size. M saw the fun L was having and had to join in as well. Lots of laughs and smiles.

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While L was enjoying her size park, M was ready to take on an adventure. One of the many water slides at WhiteWater and M was up for the challenge. This 7.5 story, 6-lane, multi-level thrill slide is the wildest ride ever to hit White Water! I waited patiently at the bottom of the slide and once I spotted M, I knew she was having a blast.

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After being in the water all morning, we had worked up quite the appetite. I love how the park has posts throughout the park directing you in the right direction.

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We spotted the food fast.

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WhiteWater had anywhere from healthy salads and fruits to the juicy hot dogs.

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and you cannot forget the awesome souvenir cups….

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The food was gulped down and it was back to the wave pool to finish out the afternoon. Now this is how to have fun in the water. Definitely add to the family to-do list in Branson, MO. We highly recommend it.

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San Diego Safari Park Allows You Up Close With Giraffes

Have you ever been up close and personal with a giraffe? I can cross that off my bucket list. As I wrote before about our trip to San Diego Safari Park, I was literally face to face with a giraffe.

The reason we were so up close and personal is because we went on an amazing, educational and out of this world experience on the Caravan Tour. Our tour guide was so patient and really made the whole tour so much fun. I believe we were all sad when the tour came to an end because it was that much fun. You are riding around through the habitats and are able to get so close with all the animals. The girls were filled with questions and the tour guide took time to answer each question a way the girls could understand. You are on the tour 2.5 hours but the whole time is filled with adventures, so many different animals, feeding time and lots of smiles, laughs and oh my’s.

Quick one minute and twenty seconds video to summarize our feeding time and up close and personal adventures.

Now, you see why the girls are still talking about this adventure two weeks later. It is a time to turn off technology, get down on your child’s level and have an amazing time enjoying mother nature. Two thumbs up from the entire family and agree everyone should add to their must-do list for San Diego.

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Beautiful sight of mom and baby whale at One Ocean SeaWorld Show

As you all know, we had an amazing journey to San Diego, California. The trip was so memorable and definitely on our list to do again. One of our days, we were at SeaWorld San Diego. In the review post, I told you about a beautiful video of the mom and her baby. As I sat there during the Shamu Show, tears filled my eyes as the mom and baby swam right in front side by side. No matter who we are, as a mom, we will always guide our children along. Our children look up to us so much as role models. Each step we take, is a step that is being imprinted in our child’s brain. Take a peek into this short video and see a beautiful life story right there in the water at SeaWorld San Diego.

Life is amazing through the eyes of a mother and a child no matter if we are human or an animal. As the girls were so mesmerized by the new One Ocean show, my heart was filling with joy as I had my girls right by my side watching this beautiful treat right before our eyes.

As all the animals are in One Ocean, we are all in One World. This my friends is just one of the many reasons we are annual pass members to SeaWorld. Experiences and joys that we encountered at SeaWorld are priceless memories that I am so stoked to create with the girls!

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