Grapevine, TX (USA)

Nicky had some things to do today, so the girls and I went exploring around Fort Worth. We started the afternoon off with a visit to Cabela's - one of the most interesting stores around here. The kids always like seeing the life-size animals and playing in the shooting gallery. We then drove over to Grapevine, where a co-worker told me there was a really interesting hotel called the Gaylord Texan. He was right - it was a great visit. Inside the hotel, there is lots of interactive scenery that reminds you of the Texas countryside: canyons, a Spanish mission, oil rig and ranch windmill. To top it all off, Santa was there with live reindeer and there was a gingerbread house and huge train display. We had fun walking around, but it was very crowded. I guess that was mostly due to the National Championship Cheerleading competition that was being held in the hotel... We watched some of that - the kids enjoyed that part - and then checked out some of the other things to do: fancy, dress-up dinners and world-renowned ice sculptures. We didn't have time to wait in the huge line to see everything - we'll have to go back! Later, we drove by the Great Wolf Lodge (it was across the street) and saw that they have an outdoor waterpark in addition to the indoor one - we'll definitely have to go back (see DEC 2007)... Topped the day off with dinner at Pulidos #1 (Mexican Restaurant - see JUL 2008) - everyone enjoyed themselves. What a fun day!!