Universal

          Louisa has a nephew who works at Universal and was able to get us for passes at no cost to us.  That was amazing!  We parked in a VIP area and were able to walk passed the lines of those waiting to get into the park.  I felt like we were getting a royal treatment – something I had never experienced before.  That was pretty awesome.

         Southern California – perhaps the entire state – was experiencing a heat wave.  It was 115 degrees out!  Holy cow!  Universal had set up tons of cooling stations with fans blowing mist over the many patrons in attendance. We had entered the park via Simpsons and so had gone on the Simpson ride to start.  I really did not care about the rides at all.  I was so grateful that Sam had joined us and willingly went on anything or anywhere Jaime would take them to. 

         They were exploring Harry Potter when Richard and I decided that we needed to eat.  I don’t even remember what we had – chicken, I think.  Apple cider, apple pie.  It was good but very crowded.  We met up with the girls a few times, but mostly they did their own thing while Richard and I waited – trying our best to stay out of the heat. 

         Richard did want to go on Jurassic Park – which none of the rest of us even cared about.  It was definitely the longest line – and it wasn’t even packed to overflowing.  But I really didn’t think it was worth the wait.  More important for me that I find a bathroom.  I left the line and headed on a rather unique journey (which I will post tomorrow) and after a while Richard left leaving Sam and Jaime to ride it on their own. 

We had ridden the tram together and I think the girls enjoyed that.  We left the park about three hours before it closed, but took in a stunt show before we left. Except for the heat, I think it was a good experience for all.