Cruise Day 2

Since we were to be at Castaway on two different days this year, we didn't rush off the ship for day 2.  We took advantage of a nearly empty pool deck to enjoy swimming and the Aqua Duck water slide.  

Just when we decided to pack our bag and go onto the island around lunch time, it started to rain and they were sending everyone back to the ship.  We met up with some characters instead.  

This year instead of the autograph book, she had the characters sign a photo mat that will frame a favorite cruise picture. 

The rain passed after a few hours, but Emily decided to didn't want to change back into her swimsuit. We did venture far enough off the ship to meet up with a few more characters. 

The Disney Dream

On June 16th we began our 6th Disney Cruise, a 5 day trip on the Dream, and this time we were gold level members so we were on board pretty early in the day.

And, like always, we headed to the pool deck for lunch at Cabanas.  Emily started with the shrimp as usual.

 And Aaron started with a Pina Colada!

 And the first of many ice cream cones!

Then it was directly to the pool and her favorite waterslide!

Her first character meet of the trip was Minnie. 

 And life boat number 8 wasn't in a place we could get her picture with it, so we settled for number 16 because it was the double of 8.  However, our state room was 8008 since we were there to celebrate turning 8.

Unfortunately by the time the mandatory life boat drill was over and it was time to begin the Sailing Away Party, the skies had turned stormy and the party was moved to the lobby.  

The itinerary for the trip was to first stop at Castaway Cay, then to Nassau, back to Castaway, and then a final day at sea.  We were all very excited to be back on a Disney Cruise!

Hughston Family Vacation, Part One

On June 13th we had a red eye flight out of Salt Lake City to Orlando.  We arrived at 5 AM (yep, three o'clock Idaho time), took a shuttle to our resort, and had just enough time to change clothes, eat breakfast and head over to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.  Since we were staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort we had access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure an hour before the park opened.

The first thing Emily wanted to do was to stop at Ollivander's Wand Shop to get her interactive wand in Diagon Alley.  We didn't wait in line to watch how the wand chooses the wizard, we let Emily choose her wand and her pick was Hermione's replica.  In certain locations around the park you can cast spells and watch the magic work.  After a (terrifying to Emily) ride on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Emily wanted to try her first butter beer - turns out to be a cream soda with a caramel froth on top.  

casting spells

 Then we went over to Seuss Landing for some more rides and met up with some characters.

 We had lunch at Mythos.

 And found more characters.

 At about two o'clock an afternoon thunderstorm moved in and we decided it was a good time to go back to the hotel and take a nap.  We were all exhausted from our overnight flight!  We spent late afternoon at the hotel pool and Emily loved the waterslide!

The following day we were back at Universal for more rides.  One of Emily's favorite rides was the Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket roller coaster.  Luckily she was just tall enough to ride this coaster where you actually get to select your own music to listen to as you ride.  We rode that one twice.
She also liked the Despicable Me ride, but hated the Simpsons ride.

Then we rode the Hogwarts Express over to the Islands of Adventure side.  Yes, we actually got to "run" through the brick wall at Platform 9 3/4 to board the train.

Emily loved the rock climbing wall in Jurassic World.  

 And we finished up the day checking out the rest of the Harry Potter section of the park.  The dragon breathed out fire every fifteen minutes, so we were excited to see that.

 We were also able to exchange muggle money for wizard money and Emily enjoyed interacting with the goblin at the bank.  He was able to answer questions, although he didn't want to talk about the dragon in Gringotts!

 There was a late afternoon rain shower, and as we were leaving we witnessed this amazing double rainbow.

And that was the first two days of the Hughston Family Vacation!

School's Out for Summer!

Now that the weather is warm, Dad spends most weekends either teacher or shooting.  Last weekend we took him lunch during his long range class and stayed to watch for awhile.  

And the last days of school for the year were Monday and Tuesday.  This picture shows Emily during the economics fair where the kids had to come up with a good or service they could sell to their classmates.  Emily had help from her Dad making paracord bracelets and she happily sold out of her product.  

And now we are excited for vacation!

The Final Countdown

There are pros and cons to teaching in the same building where Emily goes to school.  One of the pros is being able to attend all the little things that I would have missed working somewhere else, like getting to watch her enjoy field day yesterday.

Luckily it was a gorgeous day to be outside!

Now, only two more school days until summer!