Universal Fun

For Cora's 11th birthday, we took a family trip to Universal Studios, primarily to soak up the Harry Potter magic in the section of the park focused on the books and movies. It was our first time there since before Cora was born - and it was outstanding!

The area consists of two rides, including the main ride behind the girls here in the Hogwarts castle, and many shops that mirror shops in the movies.

Auntie Mel and Uncle Nick came with us, and Grandma and Grandpa met us after Grandma got off work. We decided to go on a Thursday, to experience the park properly without the long lines.

Grandma's friend gave the girls her Harry Potter wands, purchased at Universal Studios, and Melanie let them borrow her Gryffindor scarf. Cora's eyes when we walked into Harry Potter World showed her wonder and awe.

We went on the little coaster first, because Violet could enjoy it. The second ride - the biggie - was an amazing experience. The whole line was filled with interactive displays and little things from the films.

When we got to the front of the line, Violet and Stace went into a waiting area with comfy seating and the movies playing on a television. After Cora and I went on the ride with Melly and Nick, Stace and Cora went. Sadly, the motion made Stace really sick for most of the rest of the day.

After the ride, we had butter beer!

If it hadn't been such a warm day, you really could imagine you were in Hogsmeade. Just going in and out of the shops is a thoroughly enjoyable experience - and the pub! Like being back in England!

Ollivander's wand shop was one of the fun ones; another was Honeydukes sweet shop, where Melanie treated the girls to chocolate frogs.

After our Potter adventures, Stace, Cora and Violet and I went on the hour-long studio tour. The girls really enjoyed it, except for the Fast and Furious portion at the end - Violet found it scary and had her head in my lap.

We met up with the family again, and walked through the Simpsons section. We didn't go on this ride - maybe next time! The pricing made it better to get a season pass for the year, so we will definitely be returning.

We had a bite to eat and then went on the Jurassic Park water ride - except for Stace, who still wasn't feeling well. He served as our photographer - nice shot of us, SOAKED! Thank goodness it was such a warm winter's day!

We then watched the Waterworld show, before hurrying to ride the Mummy a couple of times. By this time the park had pretty well cleared out, as it closed at 6 p.m. We then hurried back up to the Harry Potter rides for one more go.

My dad captured this beautiful shot of the castle at night.

It was a very fun day, with the exception of Stace feeling sick.

We had dinner at Bubba Gumps - Uncle Nick answered every quiz question from our waitress correctly!

The server asked Cora to make a birthday wish when she brought out a cupcake and we all sang to her. Her wish was to watch her daddy dance - he was a good sport!

Happy 11th Birthday, Cora! Another year older, speeding toward those teen years. But for now, she's still young enough to eat the frosting first... We love you!