Day 5: Universal Studios

I felt much better in the morning after a queasy stomach all day yesterday. When we arrived at the park, we went straight to Tower of Terror. There wasn't a line yet so we got right up to the ride quickly. Charlie wasn't tall enough and it was a little creepy for Perry so I sat it out with them. This trip has taught us that Kaden & Josie are big thrill seekers!! And Perry has a stomach like his mama. Daddy, Kaden & Josie rode it again right after. I don't like the stomach dropping rides, but they could do it over & over.
Next we went to get on the Frozen Ever After ride, but after being in line for only 5mins, they had to close it down. It didn't open the rest of the day. Jo was bummed, but got her Frozen fix later. :)

We took pictures with BB8 and Chuck was nervous to "meet" him. :) We saw Chewbacca from a distance and watched the Storm Trooper March in the street. Charlie saw them coming once the music started and he got out his "blasters" to "git the bad guys"! It was cute. They had some hula hoops out so the kids showed off their skills. So did their mom. :)

We then headed to Star Tours and rode that a couple times too. The kids loved it! We stopped by just in time to see the Frozen Sing Along show. The commentator-actors were funny and even Spenc had a good laugh. The special effects were awesome! Josie was all giggles as the "snow" flurried down along with Elsa singing on stage. It was cool! Even the big boys admitted it. They liked the Muppets 3D show too. But not so much the Beauty and the Beast show. Josie & I enjoyed it though. And it was a nice break from the hot sun.

We ended our park time with the Indiana Joneses at the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (heh heh!). That was exciting! Sadly, the iconic rolling boulder booby-trap wasn't working so they had to omit that part. But they kids were still impressed (and concerned) to see a jeep explode & flip. It resulted it lots of explanations to the kids about special effects and the care & precautions that go into them.

We left the park quite early so we could enjoy the pool at the condo. It was lots of fun letting the kids be crazy and enjoy the pool while Spenc & I relaxed in the water.

This trip has been fun, but incredibly EXHAUSTING (and expensive)!!! We both decided that we probably won't be coming here again, just because of how much effort & cost. But after we got ready for bed, Spencer started to feel very nostalgic. It made him sad thinking how this might be our one & only time coming here and how fast our kids are growing up. We both started reflecting on the little time we have left with them at home, especially the older boys. It hit us hard and made us cry. I went and woke up Perry & Kaden (who weren't really asleep yet). I told them to come snuggle with daddy for a minute. Spencer had the sweetest moment while holding them in his arms. He said, "I want you to always remember this trip. Remember that we did this for you. That I work hard for you to take care of you and to do fun things like this. I had a really fun time with you. I love you so much!" He said many sweet and tender things about how much he loves being their dad. I don't want to write it all down as it was too special to record, but I hope they remember this moment in their hearts forever. Kaden got teary eyed and Perry wept. They stayed there in the bed close to their daddy for a longtime. So long that they started to fall asleep. That moment right there, was my favorite part of this whole experience. And one that we will treasure for years. 

Thank you Spencer honey for being such an incredible dad & husband. We owe this trip to you and we are all so grateful! We love you!!