Friday, November 30, 2018

10 years, Anniversary Trip to Universal

  

  I can hardly believe it has been 10 years. I don't really even remember a time without them. My 3 wild, crazy, rambunctious, amazing nephews walked into our lives and NONE of us were prepared for what was in store. We had no idea that we would be getting them so quickly, and we sure as heck didn't know there would be THREE of them!! They were just babies really, ages 1, 2 and 3. All still in diapers. I mean, I had 3 kids myself, similar ages. I still laugh thinking back on the times we would take them all to McDonald's, or the park (that was about all we could handle at the time)... people would ask us if we had an in home daycare. It was pure chaos! That may actually be an understatement. My kids loved them so much, well it took Jada a little longer... but she learned to love "those guys" too. It definitely wasn't easy, but they quickly became a part of our family and we learned to handle our brood of children like pro's! We eventually were able to take them on trips to the beach and the mountains... a LIFETIME of memories we have made the last 10 years! To celebrate this monumental "Gotcha Day", we took a little road trip and spent Thanksgiving week at Universal Studios.
   We booked a package with our 2 day park tickets and room at Coco Key Water Resort. We loved the hotel and free water park on our rest day! We had a blast at both Universal and Island of Adventures. Island of Adventures was by far the favorite park (partially because we had the place to ourselves the Sunday after Thanksgiving!). We used the shuttle service from our hotel, and loved not paying for parking OR having to walk an extra mile. I have added lots of pics from our trip below.  



Headed to Universal on the shuttle!







Day 1, Universal Studios



Voodoo Donuts was a huge hit, lots of Vegan doughnuts!





First attraction- Shrek 3-D







We managed to get Papa on quite a few rides! This was his first- The Simpsons 3D





Day 2, Breakfast Buffet... courtesy of Papa!



Pool Day- which included drinks and birds!







We loved the rest day at the resort! We hung out at the pool and water-park all morning and early afternoon. 




Selfies with my T.J.



My boys





This kid.. can't take her anywhere!







Lots of birds in this family 😂😂😂


We made reservations months in advance for Rain Forest Cafe in Disney Springs. The kids always love to go there. 








It was a beautiful night!





Our third day, at Island of Adventures! (photo courtesy of a short person)



My crazy crew



The girls enjoyed the Harry Potter area.





I honestly had the BEST time in Seuss Landing. The entire place was turned into Whoville, complete with the Grinch and Whoo's!





The kids LOVED the pick your own, fresh made, MASSIVE cotton candy on a stick!



We LOVED the Grinch! He was so funny, and was in total Grinch character.







He finally gave out!









Riding the kids rides in Suess Landing















We really enjoyed the Marvel Comic area!







Late night ice cream at the hotel!

Bighorn 100

           This was my 8th attempt at a 100 mile buckle. I love the 100 mile race- it pushes every ounce of physical and mental strength I h...