Cruise Day Two

Day 2 was a cruise day, so we spent all day on the boat. Ken and I made temporary tattoos for everyone to wear on certain days, here are our first ones. 

They had a flow rider on the boat and so we had to go and check it out. It was a lot of fun, if you don't count my little swimsuit malfunction when I crashed. Everyone claims there was so much water splashing you couldn't see anything. I'll choose to believe them.

There was a scavenger hunt, so we all ran around the boat like crazy people taking random pictures.

 Of course we won, bringing in gold medals. 

There was an ice skating rink on board and we went to the ice show. There were some interesting moments, including a 3 legged pirate, but the skating was incredible. 

That night was our first formal night. Ken and I got to dinner a little early, so we had some pictures taken. I really loved this picture. Not enough to spend $23 on it, but enough to try and take a picture of it. 

At dinner we taught everyone a little game Ken likes to play with the boys called Teeth or Nails. 

 I love this picture because it is the only one I have of all of us sitting at dinner. Dinner is definitely one of the best parts of each day. We sit for hours: talking, laughing, gorging on fabulous food. 

Afterwards we had to get a few more pictures. Teeth....or nails?

Cruise Day One

While boarding the boat, they take your picture. I don't think we were their typical group. 

They have to do an emergency evacuation drill that is mandatory to attend. We were put in a group that met in the dining room (since that's the place you want to be if the boat is sinking?!). Some of our group was in another area, so we decided to prove our group was having more fun than theirs. 

We spent some time walking around the ship and taking random pictures.

Sitting on the deck as the boat pulls away, already relaxed and happy.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Day 2)

It was completely wonderful to have Ken feeling better and able to join in for Day 2 at Universal Studios. 

 Since it was a Saturday, we knew it was going to be a lot busier than it had been the day before so we first went to the this roller coaster. The girls rode and the boys watched. It was a rough one, but we were able to laugh about it. 

We decided to go to Hogsmeade first this time, so we headed to the Hogwarts Express. Here is Greg walking through Platform 9 3/4.

 Sandy was hoping she could push the button to start the train, but had to settle with just wearing the conductor's hat.

They had a little concession stand as you waited in line and they were selling Turkish Delight. Of course, I had to buy one and try it out.

 The Three Broomsticks

 The Hog's Head

 Hogwarts Castle

 We had ridden the Hogwarts Castle ride the day before and it made us all feel sick to our stomachs. Since Ken was still a little quaky from being sick, we opted to just walk through the castle and not ride the ride. It is amazing in there. Just amazing. The moving/talking pictures was one of our favorite parts.

Ken finally got to taste butterbeer.

Before heading to Diagon Alley, we walked around the rest of the park.

 They had a Horror Movie Make up show and we knew we needed to attend.

 It was not at all what we expected, but it was fun.

 More Dr Seuss

 You never know if you might run into an X-Man. We couldn't wait to send the boys this picture of us with Cyclops.

We finally made it to Diagon Alley. 

 Borgin and Burkes

The Vanishing Cabinet. When you got up close you could hear birds chirping inside. One of those little details that made this place incredible.

We couldn't resist this photo op at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes

 Gringotts Goblins

Such a fun place with fun people. Pictures will never do it justice.