10th Anniversary Trip - Universal Studios Florida and Home

On the 18th and 19th, we went to Universal Studios in Florida. Pretty much the only reason I wanted to go there was to see Harry Potter World and try Butterbeer. It did not disappoint. Universal has done an amazing job with Harry Potter World and the pictures don't do it justice. We flew home on the 20th.

 

First, we had a velociraptor interaction. While I knew this was a robot, it still was unpredictable so it made me nervous. This was actually an impressive attraction.

The velociraptor touched my face!

Arriving in Hogsmeade.

Hogwarts.

We got a park-to-park ticket just to ride the Hogwarts Express. Again, it was a really cool attraction.

Arriving in Diagon Alley.

Butterbeer...it's sort of like cream soda with whipping cream.

Gringotts Bank.

Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station.

Brian's thought that seeing Y Mountain out our airplane window was the perfect end to our anniversary trip. :)

10th Anniversary Trip - Citrus Farm, Airboat Tour, and Kennedy Space Center

On the 16th, we went the Showcase of Citrus and took a tour on bus converted into a 4x4. Later in the day, we went on an Airboat Tour and saw some alligators. On the 17th, we went out to Kennedy Space Center and did the "Astronaut Training Experience" and then toured the visitor's center.

Brian next to the awesome ride we took through the citrus grove.

We learned that any time there is water in Florida, always assume there is an alligator lurking in there somewhere.

Acres and acres of citrus!

That's not a real alligator in the background, but we did see quite a few!

Brian during the airboat tour.

Our little airboat group in the swampy lands.

It was really pretty out there. So green! We saw some amazing birds (and some alligators). It was like a movie.

Part of our Astronaut Training Experience was meeting a real astronaut. This is John Blaha and he has been in space five times, including living on the International Space Station with the Russians for four months. It was really fascinating to hear about some of his experiences.

Here I am piloting a space shuttle.

This tour is one of the only places where you get to see the inside of a space shuttle.

Outside the Discovery with our fancy "ATX" polos and badges.

Brian testing a simulator. I opted out of this part of the training.

Ready to test "micro gravity".

Micro gravity. This was quite possibly the most uncomfortable harness ever, so it kind of detracted from the fun of the experience.

Brian preparing for the day when he gets to go into space.

Brian taking the test to see if he has what it takes to be a space shuttle pilot.

A space shuttle signed by astronauts.

We got to run a simulation and I was in Mission Control and could see Brian on the video inside the shuttle (that's him in the front on the left).

At Kennedy Space Center visitor complex.

This is what they use to transport the shuttles.

Those giant gray "step" looking things are doors.

Those rockets are bigger than I am!

An actual moon rock.

Brian got to touch a moon rock!

By some crazy coincidence, we happened to run into some friends down from D.C. We went to college with Rachel and we stayed with the Broughs the last time we went to D.C. Random!

A real shuttle that's been in space. Brian is in the picture, but he's hard to see.

Another view. Those things are massive.

At the Astronaut Hall of Fame, we got to see a list of all of the astronauts who were also Scouts. See! Scouting is awesome. :)

To end a great day, we got dinner at Brian's favorite pizza place in the world (that we previously didn't know existed outside of Chicago): Giordano's.

10th Anniversary Trip - Walt Disney World

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, Brian and I left the kids with my mom (and dad for part of the time) and we spent eight days in Florida. We spent October 12th through 15th playing at the Disney World Resort.

Flying to Orlando without kids!

We went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party the night we got into town. It is the only time adults are allowed to wear costumes at Disney World. Brian was Owen Grady and I was a "velocirapper".

The Happiest Place on Earth!

Brian saw this sign and thought of me since I'm a big fan of puns. That's probably why I love Disney so much; they are very punny.

Possibly Brian's favorite Disney character..."No one fights like Bri-ohn, does his lights like Bri-ohn..."

Minnie Mouse at the Halloween parade.

On the 13th, we went to Hollywood Studios.

One of Brian's favorite rides is The Rockin' Roller Coaster because he's a huge Aerosmith fan.

The Tower of Terror is my favorite ride. I love it!

Another Brian favorite: Star Tours.

That night, we went to a dine-in movie at Disney Springs (aka: Downtown Disney).

We stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs. This was the view from our room.

This is the panoramic view.

On the morning of the 14th, we first went to Animal Kingdom and on the safari ride.

Brian with a giraffe.

Me in the line waiting to go the Dinosaur ride.

Later, we went to Epcot.

Brian channeling his inner Mexican.

And, here again, channeling his inner Mexican with a siesta in the middle of the day.

Epcot was having their International Food and Wine Festival. This guy is standing in a pool full of cranberries.

Our fancy cheeses from the cheese kiosk.

Good night to Epcot!

On the 15th, we went back to Hollywood to ride a few of our favorite rides. We also found the tank from Indiana Jones.

Brian channeling his inner Indiana Jones with a crystal. (Evidently, he does a lot of "channeling".) :)