Yes, there was more than Harry Potter in Universal

Hard to believe but we did get more out of Universal Studios than just the Harry Potter exhibits - that were amazing and even if you just like HP a little bit, it's worth it. We like it more than just a little bit though so we loved it! BUT, there is more to it and worth seeing as well. The Despicable Me ride was a favorite of Mario's - he recognized Gru's sign from far away and was so excited. The ride was adorable and made for many happy minions. 

Yes, Marilyn Monroe was there too. She strolled to our breakfast table as we're dining al fresco just upon entering the park and so that was an interesting way to start our day.

I'm not a Spongebob fan but my kids are and in addition to getting a picture with Spongebob too, they also got their photo with Patrick.

Mario loves Transformers, another very cool ride that everyone enjoyed, and Sofia and Mario jumped at the chance for a photo-op with Optimus Prime. I googled to make sure that was his name. Also, Anthony was very excited to be included in the photo-op.

Alas, my kids know of Popeye but had no idea who the girl in red was, Betty Boop. These young kids these days.

I actually loved all of the Comic Book land decor and stores.  I grew up reading the Sunday comics and thought it was pretty cool for them to be represented. It's obviously for the older crowd. Which I am a part of.

And Dr. Seuss! So cute and sweet for the younger ones but we can all appreciate it and had fun in that area of the park as well.

Harry Potter at Universal Studios

The girls have been huge Harry Potter since very little. Sofia will read and re-read those books and enjoy them each time. The Harry Potter worlds at Universal were so impressive and detailed, I was blown away!

I was obsessed with this dragon atop of Gringott's Bank. It was amazing!

Fun with the wands! You get a map with your magic wands that shows you the spots in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade where your wand will work it's magic. It's incredibly cool!

Practicing with their new wands

All aboard the Hogwarts Express!!! Such an amazing experience, again blown away and loved seeing the kids faces on this ride.

 

Welcome to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts School!

Surprise! We're going to Universal Studios!

Best surprise ever! We had such an incredible trip to Universal Studios, something I won't forget. The kids were completely surprised and had so much fun.

These Harry Potter fans were so excited to get there!

But first, food. We arrived to our hotel, went to the pool and then to dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Great decor, style and food!

First stop on our first day in the parks, Harry Potter of course!

Kids photo-op with this guy.

Mario, who is never short of words, completely clammed up when he met his favorite super hero. He was so happy!

Hogwarts at night. I couldn't get enough of the Harry Potter. The attention to detail was incredible.

Famiglia at Hogwarts

Our last evening in the parks, we soaked in as much as we could in 4 nights in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. A truly spectacular trip with many amazing photos and videos to relive those moments.

Aix-en-Provence

Loved this town so much, looking forward to one day visiting it again. 

An evening stroll through Cisternino

The kids and I enjoyed an evening in Cisternino while in Puglia. This hilltop town overlooks the valley to one side and the Adriatic Sea to the other. The old city was so beautiful, clean and little alleys lined with tiny shops, restaurants and gorgeous flower displays. We found out that if you own within the old center of town, you are obligated by town law to keep up your property. And everyone abides by this law and so others frequent the town, we even overhead other Americans strolling about town. 

My little explorers enjoying the sunset with me.

Off to school

And we have a Kindergartner! Mario began his school year walking into school with his big sisters. He was so excited last night going to bed and equally excited this morning as he prepared for his day.

I picked out a very plain backpack this year and we went to the store together to pick out a couple patches to decorate it, my car loving little boy. On his way.

A mama's boy and I love it. He may not always be a mama's boy so I'm holding onto these moments for as long as possible.

My little loves. The girls were so excited and happy for Mario to begin school this morning.

this guy

From the window, as he watched the kids get in the car for school.

First day of school for my girls

Sofia and Olivia began their new school year yesterday and they both looked so amazing in their matching kilts. Olivia was so excited to upgrade to the kilt uniform in 5th grade to match her big sister. I can't believe summer is over, not coming to terms with it just yet but I have no choice... Once the school year begins we get swept up in homework, tests & quizzes, projects and activities.

My beautiful 7th grader Sofia

My amazing girls with their little brother, who won't begin KINDERGARTEN until Monday. How can he be going off to kindergarten already?

To an amazing school year my girls! I love you so much!