Florida and Brian's Birthday

Mark had his work user conference in Florida again this year.  It happened to fall on our spring break and it was at a Universal Studios Resort.  I couldn't pass up the chance to take the boys!  Mark worked the entire day every day except Sunday.  So we didn't see him much but it was so easy for us to enjoy the hotel and pool and we spent 4 days in Universal Studios mostly enjoying every Harry Potter thing possible!  It was one of the best family vacations ever!

First time on an airplane that the boys actually remember!

The flight there was awesome because there were so many movies and games to choose from on the seat screens.

We arrived super super late on Thursday night.  Friday we spent exploring the hotel and swimming at the pool and eating at City Walk and I made the kids walk all the way to Walgreens for some groceries.

I loved the Pacific Royal Resort we stayed at.  I have never been to Hawaii, but it felt like what I imagine Hawaii to be like.  It is tropical and beautiful.

This was our view while waiting for the elevator.

The resort has free water taxi's to get up to City Walk and the theme parks.

We took it all the way up to the Portofino Bay resort and then walked form there to Walgreens.  We took Uber home because the kids were so not wanting to walk home with the groceries.

I loved waking up to this in the mornings. This was out our window.

Saturday we headed to the park bright and early.  We got to Diagon Ally before the crowds and started with the wand shop.

This place is amazing!!!

Gingotts ride was next!

We ate at the Three broomsticks.  Too hot outside so we moved inside.

Brian and I rode the Forbidden Journey and I felt sick from it and it got crazy crowded so we went back and swam at the hotel.

Then we went out to eat with dad and watched people ride this swing thing as we waited for Uber.

Sunday we met Mark's cousin for church and dinner at this amazing hot pot place!

Then we drove out to the Cocoa beach!  Kids could stay there all day, but we only had a few hours.  Our first time on a beach in the Atlantic Ocean.

Back at the hotel we got some dinner at Jake's restaurant where we discovered their amazing pretzel sticks.

The next morning we were back in Harry Potter World to buy a wand and try all the wand stations.

Number 12 Grimmauld Place

Mardi Gras parade.

The boys loved any place to play.  The Curious George ball place was a favorite.

Back to Harry Potter world!

Then we discovered the Jurrasic Park gigantic play area.  It was amazing!

Timmy couldn't even walk back to the room after that day of play!

Next morning back to Harry Potter world before the crowds!

Brian rode the Forbidden Journey twice while Timmy and I waited.

It was pouring rain so we tried Spider Man.  The kids liked it.

We got soaked on the flume ride.

And Timmy got soaked in Jurrasic World again.

One last Butterbeer in Hogsmeade.

Timmy was freezing and could barely make it back to the hotel.

The next day was clean up and pack up day and some swimming in the pool.

We also went to see How to Train Your Dragon 3.  We were the only people in the theater.

Here we are heading out to the airport.

What a vacation!!!

We got home super late and the next day was Brian's birthday! He asked for a drone.

 And Cafe Rio.

He is 11 year old!