i survived universal... and all i have to show for it are these overpriced sunglasses ;)

after saturday's wedding paul & I headed out to universal studios.  i've never been a big roller-coaster fan, but i refused to be a weenie in front of my cousin (or, i'm easily persuaded, you pick!)

needless to say, i survived, and the park was AMAZING.  i completely geeked out multiple times - especially over the harry potter attractions.  the artistry involved in every detail of the attraction (and generally-speaking the park itself) was INCREDIBLE.  and yes, i was probably the only one admiring the skillfully painted rust-patina in the hogwarts greenhouse ;)

so, if you have a chance, by all means go!  of course its sickly commercial, but i think its worth it for the opportunity to suspend disbelief and the mundane of the everyday for an afternoon.

here are some glimpses from the day, as well as youtube clips of the rides (not shot by me of course, i obeyed the rules ;)

me after the hulk ride - the face is one of survival

outside of hogwarts - no big deal ;)

almost didn't make it through rip, ride, & rockit - check out that drop.  egads!

I don't have photos from these other rides/attractions, but they're still worth mentioning.  Thought you might enjoy experiencing them virtually through the magic of youtube.

congratulations mr. & mrs. stout

I had a fantastic weekend witnessing the nuptials of my beautiful cousin Annie and her husband Chris in Orlando.  Unfortunately, my phone died, so I don't have many pics of the event other than this sequence of her and my uncle during the daddy-daughter dance.  trust me folks, even if i had the best camera that beauty couldn't have been captured on film (cue the "awwwwww's")