Universal Studios

After leaving Harry Potter, we finished up Islands of Adventure.  The three of us rode Dueling Dragons.  It should be noted that I am not really a fan of roller coasters.  I enjoy the Harry Potter one, and other indoor coasters like the Mummy or Rockin' Roller Coaster, but I like to keep it safe.  I guess I got on Dueling Dragons because I thought it was safe since we were in Hogsmeade.  I thought this was a little kid ride.  Ummm, no.  It was terrible.  Wesley and Katie wanted to sit on the front row.  I kept my eyes closed the whole ride and had the most horrible headache when we got off.  The whole ride I thought about Eli and was so glad when my feet hit the ground again.

Needless to say, I sat the next one out, but Wesley and Katie enjoyed it!

 After that, we headed to Universal Studios.  We split our time here up.  We did a few things, left to eat lunch and take naps, and then went back and closed the park down.

We rode E.T. and walked right on.  The probably need to retire that ride.

We saw Shrek 4D.

We did the Twister experience.  It scares me every time and I think back to the tornado we went through in 1997.  I also thought about all of those people in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee who were devastated by the terrible tornado in April.

Next, we rode Jaws.

Wesley lost $10 trying to win Eli a stuffed lizard!

The Mummy.  One of my favorites!  We rode it 3x!

This is a picture of Eli and Daddy all snuggled up when we got back.  They were playing peek-a-boo:  Eli's favorite game right now!

We had a great time at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.  Our tickets are actually good for all week, so we plan to go back and hit Islands of Adventure again and do a few more things that we didn't get to do, some water rides, and hopefully the Harry Potter ride another time or two.

Harry Potter

I have been a Harry Potter fan for 12 years or so probably.  Long before the movies and the hype reached the level it's at now.  This was one of the things I was looking forward to most about our vacation to Orlando.

Monday morning, Wesley, Katie, and I, headed to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.  Eli had a long day at Epcot on Sunday, and we knew there wouldn't be much for him to do at this park, so we left him back at the resort with Ginny and Pops.  I know he enjoyed that way more than he would have with us!

Hogsmeade

Waiting in line to ride Harry Potter.  It was AWESOME!  I had so much fun.  We got there right when the park opened and went straight back to this ride.  We only waited 15-20 minutes.  When we got off the ride, the wait was 60+ minutes.  Katie and Wesley really enjoyed the ride too!

Hmm, which wand should I get?

Of course I had to try Butterbeer!  It was a cream soda type of drink.

I had so much fun.  I think we're headed back to Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios later in the week.  I really want to ride the Harry Potter ride again!  I'll post the rest of our pictures from our day in another post.

Epcot

Sunday was our day for Epcot!

 Eli and his Daddy on Father's Day

Our first attempt at a picture with a character.  Eli did not trust that Daisy Duck.

Whoever said this was the happiest place on Earth?  hahaha!

Despite the look on his face, Eli really was enjoying himself.  It was all ok with the characters until they tried to touch him, then he clung to Wesley or I.

Pluto!

Eli with Aunt Katie and Minnie

 Eli is clapping for Donald!

Goofy

Chip & Dale & Eli

(We learned how to tell them apart while waiting in line; Chip's nose is like a chocolate chip (on the left).

We climbed in clamshells and rode the Nemo ride.

Fish are friends, not food.

Imagination (one of Puddin's work projects)

Katie & I with Marry Poppins

Snoozin' on the trip through all of the countries.

Aladdin & Jasmine kept referring to Eli as a little monkey.  Jasmine turned to me and said she has a little monkey at home too.  I wasn't sure if she meant she has a child about Eli's age, or if she was referring to Abu???

We stopped for shaved ice in Japan!

The last time we were here we were with the band doing a ridiculously long parade around that lake.  Despite the heat, this time was MUCH more enjoyable!

Eli in China (one of Puddin's work projects)!

After making our way all the way around the lake we got on the boat and took a trip on the lake to sit down and cool off!

Promo for Cars 2

We of course got our family magnet and Christmas ornament.  The stores had anything and everything - Chef Mickey.

Wesley and I rode Test Track while Katie stayed with Eli.  This was our only thing we rode.  Afterwards we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then found us a good spot to wait for the fireworks and light show.  Eli enjoyed taking some time to smell (and pick) the flowers while we waited!

One last look at Epcot, all lit up!

Finally heading home and worn out from a day of fun!

Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego?

Who knows!

But, can you guess where Eli Taff is?

Sweet Summertime

A few things we've been doing this summer!

Making homemade ice cream, mmmm

Taking baths in the big boy bathtub.

Playing with pots, pans, colanders, and anything else that isn't locked up!

Visiting and playing with our friends - Eli and Kherington

9 month baby portraits

A few games of ping pong

And we're not even halfway through the summer!

26

My birthday was Wednesday and we spent the day in Destin doing this.

 It was nice to spend the day relaxing and with my family ... as if that's different from any other day this summer : ) .... it was a great day!

I received several phone calls and text messages that day.  And Facebook sure is great for making you feel loved and special on your birthday!  Thank you friends!

With my birthday cards and flowers from Eli and Wesley.

Ginny cooked a delicious birthday dinner of porkchops, new potatoes, fresh corn, fresh peas, cornbread, and orange/pineapple salad.  For dessert we had key lime cake with cream cheese frosting (sooo good!), and then Wesley, Eli, and I walked on the beach.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Eli cruisin' the sidewalks in Ginny & Pops' neighborhood.  I just love those feet propped up on the dash! : )