Monday, July 11, 2016

Universal Studios / Harry Potter Land

We did more than just Harry Potter World - but this was the highlight of our most favorite park - Universal Studios.  Simpson's Springfield area was another family favorite.  We had great fun at this park!  We spent few days at the park - one day with cousins and we went back on different days to be able to do all we wanted to do.  It was definitely a special treat and the kids constantly hope that we'll go back soon!






Butterbeer - Yum.





Riding the Hogwarts Express (which was pretty amazing how they made it, btw)





We loved Simpsons' Springfield area too








There was some intense rain one morning - SCARY!


Here are pics of the Gringott's bank - absolutely spectacular.





Outside Gringott's







These two boys spent their vacation money on owls - super soft and snuggling owls.  They look sad - but really, it was super late at night and it had been a long day!

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Ultimate Family Reunion at the Sweet Escape

Every other year, we do a family reunion with my parents and siblings.  The first year was in San Diego area, two summers ago I organized a trip to Island Park & Yellowstone.  This rotation was Lara's chance to pick something close to her - and wa-lah - we're off to FLORIDA!  We stayed in a rental house called the Sweet Escape that was everything sweet themed - and it was SWEET!  There was an ice cream shaped pool, Coca Cola room, chocolate room, Pepsi room, Carnival Room, lots of fun rooms! - I can't remember all of it.  It was a lot of fun to stay here!  There was a full arcade in the basement (free games) and a ball pit in one of the kids rooms, also laser tag, and space to spare.  It was on acres of land and even though it was the cold time of year - we enjoyed all the outdoor activities too!














We went to a beach for an afternoon/evening: 



Aunt Lorrie came and stayed with us for a few days (she lives in Florida).  We're a rambunctious group - I know she was happy to be with us but I also know she was happy to go to her quiet home too!



My book-worm - on a BEACH!!??  I think he was re-reading Harry Potter in preparation for Universal Studios.




He loves to feed the birds.





Back at the house...




The owner of the house invited our family to go check out another house he was creating - it was a game themed house.  Maybe we'll go here someday?!?!  Shayne would love to have his job...







Back to our house, again...
On the last night it was a FAMILY DANCE PARTY maybe it was encouraged because half the family missed my Ultimate Dance Party in December.  The basement had a disco ball on the ceiling and it was a happy place for everyone to get busy dancing.




Here's the bunch of us - January 2016.


All the Grandkids 


We know how to have fun together!



I love my family.  It's amazing to me that as our family continues to grow - each and every child is so unique and would be terribly missed.  I'm glad we all have each other - I love my family!