orlando-day 7 and 8

We originally planned on going back into Universal for our final day, but we (mostly Kevin and I) needed some R & R, so we opted for Volcano Bay instead.  It was a super low key day consisting of river floating, volcano bay swimming, a few slides, taco and nacho eating, and a tiny nap (for me) on a lounger. 

Kevin went to get us some daiquiris at one point, so the kids and I sunscreened up and waited for him near the water slides :)

Brooke was especially happy with the giant hibiscus flower she found on the floor...

Later, while we waited for the boys in the restroom, Brooke and I took some selfies in our leopard suits.  This girl is growing up so quickly, and when she grabbed my face, I melted.  Then the crazy faces started and we were both just cracking up!

It was another full day in the park, but super relaxing!

Volcano Bay closed at 6, but Universal Studies didn't close until 7, so we toyed with the idea of trying to get over there for one final walk-through!  We were definitely cutting it close, but we hadn't tried the Butterbeer ice cream and it seemed a shame to not try the whole line-up of Butterbeer products, haha. 

We made it to the gates shortly before 7 and as we rushed over to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Kevin kept snapping pictures...

We made it!! I was underwhelmed with the Butterbeer flavor, but loved Chocolate Chili and Strawberry & Peanut Butter.

Took a few more pictures in Hagrid's motorbike...

And a final picture as we left Universal...

And a final FINAL picture as we walked through City Walk and back to the parking garage.

I can't remember what we did that night for dinner, but I'm sure we watched a little Harry Potter before bed.  We were also really loving the milk chocolate peanut butter cups from Whole Foods and went through several containers of them :)

After a good night's sleep, it was time to head back to Texas.  I had to document our rental car because Kevin was super excited about our Jeep. It wasn't our original rental, but after waiting over an hour for our car "to be ready" and seeing a fun red Jeep being returned, Kevin inquired about taking that car instead.  There was a little upgrade fee, but Kevin was pretty pumped about it, so I said I didn't care :)  When they brought the car around, it was this silver Jeep instead of the red (slightly disappointing), but still fun.   

We had another easy breezy flight...

We waited for an eternity for our car seat bag, but our big boy assured us that he could get it all by himself.  He looked so big standing there, and I think it has something to do with the new hat Daddy bought him at Ron Jon's Surf Shop.  And bonus, the boogie boards survived!!  We crammed them both in with Colby's booster, nearly busting the zipper in the process, and had to put Brooke's booster in a black garbage bag.

And then it was home at last!  This was such an incredible trip with SO many fun memories and moments together.  I tried to emphasize to the kids how lucky they were to be on a trip like this, and that it was probably never going to happen again based on the expense of it all, haha.  But the timing was perfect and I'm so glad it happened!