Briggs & Lynn: February 2025

February was so exciting! We went to Universal Studios, and Nova turned 10!

Universal Studios was amazing. The kids had so much fun. The lines weren't (too) long, the weather was beautiful, and the kids were appreciative and happy!

We didn't tell the kids where we were going. So, as we got on this bus to the hotel, it became apparent to them that we were going to Universal!

Hogsmeade! You can see Hogwarts in the background!

On the first day, we went to Ollivander's where Nova was chosen! Here's a video of the magical experience.

Lynn couldn't handle most of the rides due to vertigo, so he mostly just waited in line with us, and then took the "non-rider" exit. He was a trooper! But, he could enjoy the train ride from Hogsmeade to London!

Inside a store in "London."

You can see the dragon on top of the Gringotts bank in the background!

And, inside Gringotts. This is where you wait in line. Honestly, standing in line was often just as fun as being on the rides! The surroundings were so realistic.

As part of our package, we got to eat at the Leaky Cauldron!

Nova and I split up from Lynx and Lynn for the last day, to enjoy different activities.

On the last night, Lynx fell off the bed and cut his chin on the bedside table. It was...really scary. But, he stopped bleeding within a few minutes, so he went back to bed. The next morning, we didn't go swimming as we had originally planned, but instead caught a slightly earlier flight.

Of course, in between the Universal trip and Nova's birthday, there was a swim meet! I wrote a special post for Lynx because his journey to qualify for the 10 + Under JO's as a 7 year old was unique.

Here's a video of Lynx handing out paper airplanes for Valentine's Day.

Here's a video of Nova being crazy.

Here's the playlist for a few of Nova's swims in February.

NOVA'S TENTH BIRTHDAY!