Spring Break - Universal Studios Day 1

This past Spring Break we went to Universal Studios. They kids found out at Christmas that we were going to when they got Hogwarts letters in their stockings.

There is so much to post about, and it was such a great trip, I have to do one day per post. Kevin and I still talk about how much we loved it as that we want to return. The kids do as well, especially Colin! There really wasn't bickering or fighting, which I expected with how tired we would be. But the only time people wanted to do different things was on our last day, and that was an easy fix. Gwyn went swimming with daddy and I stayed at the park with the boys. We never took naps or breaks. We took each moment to have fun!

The day started with Harry Potter pancakes. We also had wands, a firebolt, and the sword of Gryffindor.

Sorting hat

Harry's glasses

The kids' first time on a plane. I sat with Gwyn and Kevin, and daddy and Colin were in the row behind us. Kevin and Gwyn got nervous as we were taking off. After 20 minutes, it wasn't a big deal at all. Gwyn colored and played word games, and Kevin and I read for the most part. Colin talked to daddy, to no surprise to anyone. We flew to Dallas, stayed on the plane, and then flew to Orlando. That was our only chance for lunch, though, and Kevin got off the plane to get us lunch. I had a slight panic attack when people started boarding and Kevin was not back on the plane. But he came back with Chik-Fil-A and Moe's so all was forgiven.

We made it to Orlando with all our luggage, and then rented a car to take to the hotel. (It was cheaper than a cab.) The hotel was on the Universal Studios property. We could either walk to the parks (There are two, US and Islands of Adventure.) or take a water taxi.

Since we arrived around dinner, we went to the hotel luau. There was a show on stage with hula dancing and fire breathers. For the most part, the kids played on the lawn in the background of this picture. The food was okay, but it is fun to say we all went to a luau.

He is smiling! For the camera!

That night we went for a walk at City Walk. This is across from the two entrances to the parks. It is full of restaurants and bars, but we only spent time here for dinner one night. It will be fun to return without kids sometime, but this trip was too much fun, and we enjoyed getting up early to get on the rides. This is also where the water taxis drop you off.

The coolest-looking place was the Chocolate Emporium. We ate there a few nights later.

First family picture from the trip!