Day three in the parks we went to Universal Studios. They really know how to hook you! The only reason we added a day at this theme park to the trip was for Harry Potter world. This one day was especially for our sweet Lexi, the world's biggest Harry Potter fan. Going to this park was her birthday present. Universal has two parks. Half of the Harry Potter attractions are in one park. The other half are in the other park. They are connected by the Hogwarts express. So if you want to ride the Express and see both sections of Harry Potter world, you have to purchase a (much more expensive) park hopper ticket. Which we did. But the park was truly amazing. We really felt like we were in Diagon Alley and at Howarts/Hogsmeade. The buildings were fantastic. The rides were completely immersive. And the butter beer was...well, it was ok. To be honest, the butter beer that Christi brewed for Sophi and Lexi's Harry Potter party blew it away:) Overall, it was a fantastic day that was truly magical for this Harry Potter loving family!
So excited!
Patiently waiting for the long line at disability assistance :)
One particularly special experience was the incredible wizard at Ollivander's. He was completely convincing as he helped the kids select the correct wand for them. You felt like Harry Potter was real! It was particularly touching when Lexi had her turn. (Sadly we didn't get any video). She was SOOOO excited and got a bit emotional. Several of the workers also shed some tears. What a magical, wonderful experience!
While Conner's wand was choosing him, most of the time it was too dark for video, but you can get a feel for how fantastic it was from the audio in this clip:
Two cuties loving their wands!
Gringotts in the background.
A nice witch trains Lexi on the use of her wand:
Enjoying our frozen butter beer:
Excited to be at platform 9 3/4:
All aboard!
We made it to Hogwarts!
Ready for the tri-wizard tournament!
Universal also had some less themed, more thrilling rides outside of Harry Potter. Xander really learned to enjoy roller coasters here. All in all, another fantastic day!!!
When we fell in love 24 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.
Our oldest by birth, he's the voracious reader, BYU fan, spiritual giant, sports nut, 4.0 student, huge-hearted ray of sunshine!
Parker Matthew--22
The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!
Jessica Anne "Jesi"--19
Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!
Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004
Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!
Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005
Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!
Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--18
Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!
Gracelin Kate "Graci"--24
Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!
Alexander Philip "Xander"--18
With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.
Alexis Li "Lexi"--18
Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!
Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--14
Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.
Calais Rose "Cali"--22
Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!
Conner Allen-- 22
Meet our newest addition! Home nine years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!
The Dog
Baxter-- 3 years
She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.
