ICE!

Yet another benefit of maternity leave: the flexibility to venture into the city on a weekday to enjoy a holiday spectacle without crowds. Yesterday, the girls and I met up with Eric to tour ICE, "an incredible walk-through holiday attraction hand carved by international artisans from two million pounds of ice" (according to the Gaylord National Harbor's Web site). It was very cool, in both senses of the word. With a temperature of nine degrees, you have to wear a special parka over your clothes and coats. Emilia's was so big on her that it skimmed the ground when she walked. Even Anna had a parka to drape over her covered stroller.

The exhibit featured amazing ice sculptures and displays. The highlight for Emilia was the ice slide. Though it took her a little while to get going, she wanted to ride it again and again. Even Eric enjoyed a ride.