What a Reunion

Ever since my mom heard that there would be a Harry Potter land in Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando Florida she had her heart set on getting there and being with all her kids and grandkids. 

Well after much planning and hard work from my mom we all made it to Florida for a week long adventure in what has to be the theme park capital of the world.   

Party of 16 - yes please!  On day one we took it easy, adjusting to east coast time and enjoyed a wilderness preserve in Florida. 

The whole gang at the Disney Wilderness Preserve

Enjoying our little hike on a beautiful day!

Cute cousins

Julie and Aaron could only stay a few short days, but my sister at 8 months pregnant safely flew out and trekked all around Universal Islands of Adventure to see the glory that was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I think it was worth it! That was day two.  And it was so much fun, despite the down pour we had from about noon until 3 pm.  The rain kind of helped empty the park out a bit and we were able to get a lot done in the park.  But the high light was definitely Harry Potter! 

Look at all of these cute little Adventurers!



Hogwarts Express



Our first ride Flight of the Hippogriff

They did a great job with Hogwarts and the ride inside Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey. Seriously one of the best rides I have ever been on!

Enjoying some Butter Beer!

Of course we had to check out all the goodies in Honeydukes!

I don't know how she did it, but she made it the whole day!

Noah and me on the Dr. Seuss Carousel

This was after it starting raining, we were very wet.

The Kids loved Seuss Landing

Dinner at Three Broomsticks

Julie and Aaron had to leave to get back to work, but their three kids were able to stay, and we still were 14 strong at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.   Going to the Magic Kingdom was fun, especially just seeing the joy that anything Disney brings to kids.

Aladdin's Flying Carpets

Winnie the Pooh Ride

My brother and his cute family - they have one more on the way too!

Strolling through Disney World

Cinderella's Castle

They tried so hard to pull that sword out of the stone.

Day three we lost more of our group, Rhett and Monica had to get back to the start of a new semester at the University of Tennessee and Sarah had to get back to her job and little Luca waiting at home.  Sarah did manage to have some fun in the pool before she left.  It was about 50 degrees outside, so we enjoyed the hot tub!  That night we had a great time at Medieval Times, we dug into the food and were dazzled by the knights.  Our blue knight didn't do so well.  He pretty much took a sword to the gut, but it was still fun cheering and enjoying the show! 

Day Four was kind of a day of separate directions.  There were different things the remaining group wanted to do and so we split up for the day. Some of the group went to Sea World others did an Air Boat ride and  Adam and I went out to Cape Canaveral to tour the Kennedy Space Center and really enjoyed it.  There was a great IMAX movie about the Hubble telescope and then a tour out to the launch pads and Apollo exhibit.  It really does amaze me how big this universe and how mankind first was able to get into space!  Fascinating stuff. 

Pretty cool to be in a place were so many smart people work!

Day five we headed back to Disney World to go to the Animal Kingdom.  This was quite the spectacular zoo and amusement park combo.  Disney really does a great job with anything they get their hands on.  The Finding Nemo And Lion King shows were excellent, the Safari ride was a great way to see animals and they had some pretty awesome rides too!  We loved it!

An animal experience with a baby alligator

On Safari

The tree of life was pretty amazing

My wonderful parents who made this whole thing possible!

The next day was time to go home and we bid farewell to Florida, but left with great memories.  Before we left I asked my five year old nephew Kai what his favorite part of the trip was and you know what he said...The hotel.  Really, it doesn't take much to please kids.  It was a pretty cool place to stay though.  Thanks to my grandma who owns a timeshare with World Mark and my mom who helps maintain it and book the vacations.  None of this would have been possible without the generosity of my parents who have always valued vacations with the family.  This one really was one of the best!  Thank you!