Orlando Vacation Part IV

December 4th

We spent the day at Islands of Adventure, this time focusing mainly on Harry Potter, and just hitting a few other rides that we enjoyed earlier.

The Seussical Carousel was a hit.  Hyrum and Wendy also loved the "Fishy Ride" One Fish Two Fish.  they went on it multiple (4) times.  They loved getting Mom and Dad wet.

Zachary absolutely loved the World of Harry Potter.  The other kids and parents enjoyed it as well.  Zachary got his own wand, patterned after Harry's wand.  

 Riding Hippogriff Roller Coaster 

Orlando Vacation Part III

December 1st - 2nd

We had a relaxing Sabbath Day.  We went to church at 11, and felt very welcome.  The kids got to see the Orlando Temple which was across the street from the chapel.  That evening we took a walk, and went swimming.  There was a group of 3 grandmas there, Zachary started playing with them.  It was funny to see them get as excited and involved in squirting one another with water noodles as were the kids.

We went to Hollywood Studios on Monday.  The boys did the Jedi Academy again, and this time Wendy was old enough to join them.  Below are videos of each of them fighting Darth Vader.  We did not go on many rides, but enjoyed numerous shows, including:  Disney Jr., Beauty and the Beast, Motor Stunts, and Fantasmic.  It was a longer day, but enjoyable.

December 3rd

 We visited Animal Kingdom on Tuesday.  The kids joined the Wilderness Explorers and got 19 of 31 badges.  They loved getting them and it kept them very involved in the day.  We also saw a lot of animals, the Lion King Show, and the Jingle Jungle Parade.  We did not stay late, but headed back for a relaxing swim before bed.

 The Petting Zoo

  The Jingle Jungle Parade

The Safari

Orlando Vacation Part II

November 28th and 29th

The 28th was Thanksgiving and although I brought my camera I failed to take pictures :(  We had a great time with the Sim's family and guests.  Wendy had a little girl Mia to play with, and Joey was a great playmate for the boys.  The food was delicious and the company great!

 We spent Friday at the Magic Kingdom.  The kid's loved it!  Zachary and Eric kept reminiscing about what they had seen last March and requesting certain rides.  We also met Mickey.  The cool thing about this meeting is he talked.  He had a voice and sang with the kids and greeted us.  It was fun!

November 30th

Waiting in line

We spent the day at Universal Studios on Saturday.  Hyrum, Wendy, and I spent the morning in the dance room for the Despicable Me ride, waiting for the boys to come out.  The kids had a great time dancing and interacting with the staff.  We also had a good time at the Fival Playground.  It was a busy day, so we did wait in line a few times, but had a good day.

Orlando Vacation

We had a wonderful vacation to Orlando Florida, over Thanksgiving and the first week of December.  We visited Disney World and Universal Studios, ate a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal with the Sims, enjoyed the heated pool at the resort we stayed at, and savored our time together.  Here are the first few days, I'll post more as I find the time during this busy season.

November 25th -26th

 We started traveling Monday morning.  The kids woke up to Christmas decor and stockings on the couch.  Inside the socks were Disney slippers and a ticket to go to Disney World.  The ticket requested that they leave photos for Santa on Christmas Eve to show the fun they had on the trip.  We drove 6 hours to a Wakula State Park in Florida.  We stayed at an old lodge that evening.  The next morning we had breakfast in the dining room and then left for Orlando.

Kids glad to be out of the car at Wakula Lodge

November 27th

 We spent our first park day at Islands of Adventure, a part of Universal's theme parks.  The kids had a great time, and used plenty of energy.  Eric absolutely loved the Spiderman ride, Wendy liked the Dr Seuss Carousel, Zachary liked getting wet at the Jurassic Park play area, and Hyrum liked being a part of everything.  I liked the play area as well, because I could sit and rest while the children played.

The family, sporting the matching t-shirts I made for the trip.

Veteran's Day Patriotic Program

Zachary participated in the 2nd Grade Veteran's Day Program.  It was very well done and when Zachary was focused enough he sang every word.  It is always fun to see the kids perform at school and they are always so excited.  Below are pictures of Zachary with his friend Reed, Zachary's class with Mrs. Peeler on the left and the music teacher Mrs. Harrison on the right, and Zachary singing in the program.