Islands of Adventure

 Yesterday was the first day of Bobby's training so I took the kids to Islands of Adventure solo.  I felt like Supermom by the end of the day...we managed to time potty breaks, lunch, and snacks with Amos' nursing and diaper changing schedule.  That made things a lot easier.  Since we had a map I was able to plan our day the night before so I knew where all the snack shops, restaurants and bathrooms were located.  Plus I mapped out how we would tour the park.

First thing we did when we got to the park was head straight for Marvel Super Hero Island so Sammy could have his picture taken with Spiderman.  We got there 30 minutes before Spidey was scheduled to begin pics but he was already there (bless your sweet heart Spiderman!)  This made for a really short line.  

I have to say that whoever that guy was, he was awesome.  He talked and joked with the kids several minutes before posing for the picture.  He stopped and showed Sam had to make his webs and stopped them before they left so he could give them an autograph.  

Then we headed for Seuss Landing where we spent the first part of our day.  This was hands down my favorite part of Islands of Adventure.  It was so bright and colorful and fun.  Plus I just love Dr. Seuss books so that might have had something to do with it.  We got there right in time for a meet & greet with the Seuss characters - Sam-I-Am, the Grinch, Thing 1 & Thing 2, the Cat in the Hat and the Lorax.  Poor Grinch, Amos kept pinching his arm during the picture!

After that we quickly rode One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish where Hannah got us sprayed with water.  We caught a show of the Lorax where the Grinch chose Hannah to dance with.  Then we headed for lunch at the Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendus.  We finished Seuss Landing by riding the Caro-Seuss-el and the kids didn't even fight over which character they were going to ride.

We sped through the Lost Island and Hogworts (which was entirely too crowded with people drinking Butterbeer.  It would have been neat to try some but I would have probably had to given over all three children as well as any future offspring.  We didn't dare to go into Honeydukes either.)

There was barely anyone in Jurassic Park, which was nice since this the kids were really excited to visit the dino nursery.  We got there just in time to see a "velociraptor" being "hatched".  It was a girl named Penelope.  Then we spent some time scanning eggs in an ultrasound machine to determine what kind of dino they were.  We played in the Jurassic Park play land and checked out some neat dinosaur bones.  

We quickly moved through Toon Town and finished in Marvel Super Hero Island.  We got there just int time for some superheros to zoom down the street and then spread out for some photo ops.  We immediately followed Wolverine (Sam's first choice) and was third in line for a picture with him.  Then we waited a few minutes to meet Captain America.  After that both kids wanted to meet Storm and Rogue.  Once we got there, Sammy became shy and didn't want his picture taken.  So Hannah went up and was chatting with Rogue.  While they were talking, Storm came over and started talking to Amos - which I thought was so sweet.  When Hannah was done with pictures we were about to walk off when Storm walked up to Sammy, gently took him by the hand and led him over for a picture.  She knelt down, talked to him for a few minutes and then they posed for a picture.  I'm sure the people behind us wished we would hurry up.  But I really liked & appreciated Storm (and Spiderman too) since it seems like she really loves kids.  You can tell people who like children from people who don't.  

We were finally ready to head back to the hotel.  The kids were tired and hot and thirsty.  We spent the rest of the evening eating and swimming in the pool.  Oh I love this warm weather!

Universal Studios

I love when Bobby has work training.  It usually means a mini-vacation for our family and this time was no exception.  So, I packed myself and three kids (Bobby is own his own in the packing department!) and we set out for Orlando, FL. 

As much as I love winter & cold weather, I was very happy to trade it all in for 80* temps and shorts.  After arriving, settling in and crashing for a good nights rest, the entire family headed for Universal Studios.  We've only been to Disney so we were thrilled to try something new.  The kids & I spent a few days looking at what rides we wanted to do and shows we wanted to see - as well as what restaurants we wanted to try.  We had it all planned out!  First was Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and then Shrek 4-D.  After that we headed to the E.T. ride and then Men In Black Alien Attack. 

I was a little worried about Amos but Universal is pretty baby friendly.  The staff that I encountered loved Amos (who wouldn't?) and was very helpful.  "Did you know we have a kid exchange program?  You can ride with the kids and then you get off and your husband rides with them.  Plus the kids will get to ride twice." -- "We have nursing/family centers located throughout the park.  Make sure to check them out!" --  "Some rides have stationary seating so you can go on and sit with the baby.  You can totally nurse the baby during Shrek 4-D!"  I could have kissed the lady that told me this last one.  I'm not much for being left out of the fun but I was all prepared to sit this one out b/c it was time for Amos to nurse.  Not only did she tell me this but she also helped me get to the front of the line where my lovely family was waiting. 

 Minion Mayhem Part I --- and there was an awesome dance party with the minions after the ride.

 Donkey said that Hannah was a gorgeous little girl.  And he loved Amos' hair.

 Minion Mayhem Part II

This & That

I'm going to take advantage of some free high speed internet service and get our blog updated with some recent pics.

We're busy, as always, with Upward, Awana and other miscellaneous events.  Here are just a few pics to update you on what we've been doing...

We've enjoyed the microscope from Aunt Karen & Uncle Dave.

Amos is enjoying using the "big potty."  He's getting so chunky!!

Samuel is learning to read with Sing, Spell, Read and Write.  He is doing such a great job and I'm so proud of him.

Hannah & Amos watch Sammy's Upward game.  I think we'll be sad & glad all at the same time when Upward is over.

Hannah has been losing teeth.  And as of the 20th of February, Amos has been gaining them!

Dressing like a miniature Marine thanks to Papa. 

Torturing the cats...

The kids have been working so hard to learn their scriptures for AWANA.  Hannah is very proud of the jewels on her wings.