The Fifth Grade Trip – Universal’s Islands of Adventure 2013

Some days I am in the mood to shoot a ton of photos (see here and here). Other days, I’m in charge of making sure a group of girls have the most fun possible at a crowded theme park (while staying safe). This was one of those days. And I ended up with about 30 photos – 10 of them “favorites.”

I DO REALLY like my favorites, though. So, that’s something, right? I can’t share most of them because they include kids that aren’t mine, but here’s one I asked if I could share.

This is Isabel and her friend on One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. The ride is fun because if you are up when you should be down, you get sprayed. And visa versa.

What I don’t want to forget about the trip:

• I love Universal’s Islands of Adventure almost enough to warrant moving to Orlando. Almost.
• Waking up at 3:30AM isn’t so bad if it’s for a fun adventure – and if you went to bed at around 8PM.
• Isabel and her friends still like having me around – and I like being around them. (I like this age.)
• I found it really cool that the girls’ first stop was Seuss Landing. It’s nice to remember they are kids.
• Once again, the frozen butterbeer did not disappoint. Tip: Go to Hog’s Head to get a glass with an air conditioned, and much shorter, waiting line. Don’t tell anyone else, or the line will cease to be shorter!
• Isabel’s idea of bringing DVDs for the bus ride was GENIUS and chaperone-life saving.
• Isabel’s friends’ idea of eating Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (jelly beans with mixed gross and delicious flavors) all the ride back was NOT genius. Cleaning up the end result was not my favorite memory.
• Isabel dared ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster. Complete with crazy high speed and many loops and twists. I still owe her $10 for that dare.
• Isabel called The Incredible Hulk Coaster her “new favorite ride.”
• I love Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – and I love it way more on a hot day than a cold one. I need to take a waterproof camera next time.
• I love the Thompson family. All of ’em.
• I’m going to miss Isabel’s friends so much next year – they have been together since Kindergarten!

Here is Isa on the Storm Force Accelatron. HOW is she not getting sick? I had to get a huge Coke to recover from this ride. And some Tylenol. It may have helped that she wasn’t trying to take pictures, though, eh?

I’m really glad I was able to chaperone this trip. And get a seat on the bus. Good times.