Every time we arrive at National Harbor I always think, "Why do we never ever come down here??" Everything is just so beautiful and lit up around the Holidays. It's actually beautiful all year round.
As most NOVA, MD & DC folks know, ICE sets up their amazing exhibit during Holiday season and they stay through the New Year. My family and I have been going every year religiously since 2009.
The team that creates this beautiful environment are from China. They call it the *Winter Wonderland* and it is ALL hand-sculpted blocks of ice.
When we went last year it was so crowded that we had to wait in line outside in the freezing cold (miserable!)... repeating the waiting game once we got inside.
This year I was not disappointed! We slipped right in without having to wait in any lines AT ALL and said Hello to Shrek... from a distance of course. No need to force my little three year old (that screams bloody murder when she sees Santa, though she talks so much about loving him) to meet the huge green man up close... but you can if you want to take a picture with him!
Just to warn you if you've never gone: Once you walk into the actual start of the exhibit, it-is-COLD. Please wear layers. I wore a couple pairs of socks with my boots, a pair of leggings under my jeans and an extra two layers up top along with my coat. Don't forget your gloves and hat!
Before we walked in there was a short video of how *Shrek The Halls* was made (at least that's what I think what was going on because I was too busy zipping up Briana's coat and getting her ready.)
Afterwards the staff assigned us all ginormous coats.
And off we went!
About half way through, they have slides people can slide down which of course I never turn down!
This year I was just trying to get the heck outta there because my hands were so cold, they stung. :(
Next time I'll wear smaller gloves so I can continue to take photos.
Once we finished we exited into the gift shop where everything's all over priced. But they also serve great hot chocolate and snacks that are totally worth buying.
After we left we walked a short walk over to the Gaylord. The resort is beautiful inside at Christmas time with all the decorations.
Another reason why we headed over is because they moved the train inside the hotel. All kids LOVE the train!
They had a fricken' BLAST.
Aren't they adorable? Only under four months apart :)
Three years old and older is the perfect age to take your children to this event. Why?
-They're better at being mobile and sturdy.
-The toddler coats fit at a good length. (Last year B's dragged all over the ground and we had to carry her most of the time!)
-They're able to communicate better and have a better time then when they were smaller!
It's totally worth doing outings like this when you get to see smiles like these!
