Wizarding World of HP

Here it is! The one and only, WWofHP. It was awesome. Pictures do it better justice than words, but hardly compare to the real thing. So, take a look! Many photos :)


The Hogwarts Express (that left from Platform 9 3/4) and Hogsmead!





Honeydukes! Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs!!




Zonkos! The Extendable Ear and every other mischief-like toy possible!




Olivanders! They actually had a way that let the wand pick you personally, just like the movie, but the line was ridiculous. So I ventured in the store and picked one out, so I found "my" wand...and what a fun one it was!


A few randoms: The 3 Broomsticks, Pumpking Juice, and Hog's Head

BUTTERBEER!!!!!!!!!!! We were told to get the frozen version and it. was. awesome. So good that it deserved a thumbs-up every time we took a picture :) We even got the souveniour mugs!


There was so much more I could post on here...but I think you get the idea. It was awesome. We had a blast, and it was exaclty like the movie. If you are a Harry Potter fan, and are ever in Orlando, the ticket is WELL WORTH it do go see. The final HP movie will be here in just a couple short weeks! I can't wait!!!

Universal..Islands of Adventure

Here is it. Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, a.k.a., The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

First off, it was awesome. Ashley and I practically ran through the park after our first sighting of the castle at Hogwarts...this shot....

I'm pretty sure I squealed with delight when I saw it! We walked (er, half jogged/half walked) through Dr. Seuss's Landing. It looked like a really cool place that I would love to spend time at with some kiddos one day. But I was on another mission...

Once we were out of Seuss Landing we went through The Lost Continent. Trust me...we didn't get lost (but it was very tempting to stray from our path!)

And then I see it...the first site of Harry Potter. The first glimpse into Hogsmead. The castle in the background...waiting...

...all about HP next post!

Daytona

While in FL we scheduled some time for fun days. On Thursday, the day after vball was over, we drove the hour to Daytona Beach. It had super white fine sand, clear water, and it was the perfect temp! It was pretty windy, so the waves were excellent. I should have brought my boogie board with! haha. And have you ever drove your vehicle on the beach? For a small $5 fee would could do that, as we can in Tx. I love doing it...it's so much fun!

Ashley and I enjoyed jumping waves, well more so haveing the waves knock us down. We had fun nonetheless. Dad enjoyed a nap under the umbrella with mom while Ashley and I soaked up the sun and played in the sand.


After we had enough salty water and sand everywhere we checked out the Daytona Speedway. It is the infamous spot where Dale Earnhardt died in the fatal crash 10 years ago. Can you believe it? 10 years already!

Above: Dale Earnhardt standing on his number, 3. He still holds the record for the most wins at Daytona, 34. They had all his winnings engraved in the cement with dates, as well as a replica of his gloves.

Right: The founders of Nascar, Bill France Sr. (William France Sr.) and his wife. Founded in 1947-48, and its headquarters are located there at Daytona to date.

It was a fun and relaxing day at the beach!

Next: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure

I'm Baaaack!

I am back from the short vacation to Florida. There is so much to tell and so many pictures to share. I am going to break it down by events; volleyball, beach, and Universal Studios. This one is all about volleyball -- the main reason we went to FL in the first place!

My sister, Ashley, played on a 17s team for JO volleyball via Southwest MN Marshal. It was great experience, lots of practice, and a good opportunity for her to learn how to play with other people than just those in her school. I thought she did excellent! The normal setter was out day 2 with an injury, so Ashley stepped in and played full-time setter. She did an awesome job!

Overall their team did not place high, but there were a total of 1400 teams there. In one convention center alone there were 100 volleyball nets. It was intense. Some of the competition there I could have sworn were from college teams, not high school. A lot of talent everywhere I looked.

Here are a few pictures I got of her playing, and her team.

The team Ashley was on and a picture with the players and the parents.

Next up: Daytona Beach!

Super excited...

This week is a special week for me. Not only am I going to be able to cheer my little sister on in volleyball (as she plays in a national tournament at the ESPN World Wide Sports Complex in Orlando, FL) I will also get to spend at day at Universal Studios at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. That is right. Harry Potter.

Remember this post when I said to "call me a nerd?" Well I love HP and have ever since my wonderful cousin, Katie, shared her first paperback book with me. I have wanted to check this place out since it opened, and how lucky am I to get to see it one month before the FINAL Harry Potter movie is released?!


Ok, I am super excited to spend time with my family too, but Harry Potter is just the icing on the cake.


Am I a nerd yet? ;)

Hogwarts!

You can count on me having a FULL report when I get back!

New Spot

Because Tucker has grown so much, we don't make him sleep in his kennel anymore very much. He can't stretch out and roll around as much as he used to. Do you remember how small he was? Here is a picture to help you remember...

One night I heard him wander away from his bed and he didn't come back. Being that he is still a puppy, I had to check on him to make sure he wasn't doing anything wrong. Guess where I found him?! In our papasan chair! It is starting to become a habit, and one time I found him I had my phone handy so I snapped a couple...

Even thought we don't let him on furniture, it was hard to punish this little face!

Happy Weekend!!!