Yesterday at work the Dr. I work for gave us an amazing Christmas Gift. This box which is a memory box and it lights up it is so beautiful. It was filled with amazing snacks. Famous pears, cheeses, chocolates, raspberry cookies that were to die for good. Cherry Chocolates, I probably can't ever remember it all. It was so good. The box will be well used for memories, and we will enjoy the lighted scene in our front room.
Today was a very, very full day. We sure had a good one. We started off going to the Silverton Casino which also has the Bass Pro Shop. As soon as we pulled up, I was excited to see the big Christmas tree. Even in the daytime, it was just beautiful and so big. You can't really tell, but Ambur is there at the base of the tree. I wanted to get the whole tree in the picture. Not an easy task.
After we went through all the work to try to get a good picture of the tree, we headed in and it was pretty funny because on the other side of the tree-we will call it the front--there is a beautiful opportunity for a picture.
One of the reasons I love going to the Silverton, is the huge aquarium. You walk in and there it is just huge with all kinds of fish and stingrays and sharks. They have a mermaid that comes and swims and because it is Christms time, they hav these huge ornaments inside. Also Santa comes to the aquarium. I never get tired of seeing these things. I haven't been to the Silverton since I moved back so it was especially fun to see everything again. Sort of like the first time.
The very first time we came here with Gimlet, when we were close to the aquarium and the stingray came up, Gimme thought it was dangerous to Ambur and she kept going right in front of Ambur's legs and guided her away. But now we have been to enugh aquariums that she doesn't sense danger. She doesn't love it, but she lets Ambur enjoy it.
Before we left to go to the next area, they came to feed the fish. I haven't ever seen that before and I tell you it would be just a little scary having all those sharks albeit they are small, gather around and hovering while they eat. There were a bunch of them.
Part of the Silverton is a big, huge Bass Pro Shop. I always love seeing the taxidermized animals. They are pretty amazing. Thre are a lot more than I took pictures of, they will be for another time.
After we did a little shopping and we looked at everything we wanted, we stood in line to get our picture taken with Santa Claus it the set was really cute. Lots of people with their pets getting pictures taken but they moved the line right along. It turned out great.
We finished at the Silverton and went to Johnny Rockets to eat lunch. I love Johnny Rockets if you haven't been, they have the best hot dogs and fries ever.
Finally for the last activity today we went to the Tournament of Kings show at Excalibur and I was especially excited because it would be the Christmas show and I have never seen that one before.
I have been to the regular show many times. My mom really liked this show--even though you eat with your hands, and I remember one time the waiter told her she could have silverware, but she would have none of that and she ate it all using her hands. How I miss my mom.
These places are probably basically all the same, there are sections and here, the sections are countries and we are setting in France.
I didn't really think that our seats were that great (we decided to go here late in the day and they were almost sold out) but it turns out they were great seats. We got to see everyone coming in and out of the arena and one of the first people that entered the arena was Merlyn the Wizard.
I have many great stories about Merlyn. The very first time I went, he referred to me as the "Silver haired momma' and had me stand up and take a bow. It doesn't seem to matter where I sit, he always finds me and makes some words or gestures my way. This visit was no different. He kept looking up at me holding his hand like a phone to his ear and then pointing to me and winking at me and he was doing it so much that the people in front of us kept on turning around and looking to see who he was waving at. Every time he walked down to our section, he would wink at me. It was funny and the people in front of us were a bit jealous.
While he is introducing the show the wait staff is quietly bringing dinner and drinks around to the entire center. They are so efficient at it. This is what dinner looked like.
It was so good. The yam was absolutely delicious and, well the whole thing was just delicious. The show started with jesters and dancers and presents, and it was so entertaining. Every show has the good guy and the bad guys. No different here. The bad guy is a Dragon and he is out to get rid of the round table and battle each country to do so.
The jesters, the battles and then the round table is lowered down to the ground and Merlyn invites all to come and gather. They involve the countries and give a particular cheer to give each time they come around to your country and see who is the loudest.
All in defense of the King. The show is just great and continues on with your jousting and then using huge swords while riding on the horses. It was all pretty great.
This is the whole group of statesmen from all the countries. I can't imagine how heavy all the stuff they carry and how heavy it is then to be fighting and jousting on top of it, it is quite a talent.
When the dragon enters the arena, of course there is fire. It was so cool because we were so close to it that we actually felt the heat from it. The dragon takes down almost everyone but of course there is one more valiant as the battle goes on.
Of course, in the end good wins out over evil and the fire breathing dragon is carried off the field. Then this lady comes out on the horse, and she rides around in victory with some really fancy steps by the horse. (Never really knowing what her relationship is) and the king gives thanks and all the statesmen come out bow before their countries and it was over. It was really great.
