01-28-24 Last Day at Universal Hollywood.
Emmy was up just before 6 which was pretty great as it was typical with the time change. I however was not ready to get up, my shoulders ached, hands tingled and hips burned. I very much regret forgetting my nerve pain pills, especially with all the walking we are doing. I did drag myself up and got showered and dressed to walk next door with everyone for an excellent grab and go type breakfast. I had a mocha smoothie and a sesame bagel with cream cheese and avocado. It was exactly what I needed to kick off the day. Once all were fed we walked the couple blocks to the shuttle. I hung back with Bill who is having a harder time walking these days. He has suffered hard work and accidents over the years that are wearing him out, sadly. It was a pleasant chat and walk and we all fit on the first shuttle that came. A beautiful day was at hand with promises of a high of 27. I borrowed Emmy’s (Gwen’s) backpack to carry sandals, snacks and water among other things. I sure am glad I did!
I am going to drop a bunch of photos and circle back to stories if I can. It was a very full day!!
It began with multiple trips through The Secret Life of Pets that was so well done, even the waiting areas are full of entertainment. We didn’t have to wait at all and Gene was great helping his Père, as they call him. I enjoyed spending time with Lukas and then Sawyer.
Finally The Minion ride opened and I had so much fun watching Sawyer and Emmy. Sawyer was so convinced that we were turned into Minions that Rae said he looked down to check. Of course I love minions and GRU and the girls and enjoyed the whole dang thing. It is such great escapism.
Jake, Sawyer and I took Emmy on her first roller coaster ride and she seemed to love it! It is short and not to stressful and she did ask if she could raise her hands up which was a good sign.
I am glad my kids and two youngest grands agreed to go on the Studio Tour with me. There were a few new things and the earthquake one isn’t working at the moment. Some of the references are old but I still enjoyed it. Only wish I could have thought ahead to make it to a voice or other show, taping.
Krusty the Clown was next and then we ate wicked awesome corn dogs while the kids enjoyed the dinosaurs. Sawyer is absolutely convinced that he helped train a real one. He is just so adorable. I tried to video it but it didn’t work. We rode the Jurassic Park ride next and got wet and had fun before Sawyer and I rode the Transformers one and then met the Simpsons and got a pic with Krusty!! I shared a Lard Lad Donut with everyone before we went on the KungFu Panda adventure and shopped out way out of the park.
One of us may have managed to get this pic of the great time on Jurassic
There is a toss up for my favourite purchases of the day, my new windbreaker, purse, game, or t-shirt. There were other small things like enamel pins to complete my purse and a few gifts along the way.
What I did not do was spend any money at the expensive stores in Universal City Walk. There were many shiny things to tempt and I love walking hand in hand with my 16 year old grandson at his request. He is just a ball of love and goodness, our Gene. A handsome, athletic, intelligent young man who even by his speech was asked by a store clerk if he was in AP. I love him so.
We split up early evening. Ashlée, Bill and Deanne went to Bubba Gumps and I joined the rest at the Roadside Taco restaurant. The food was amazing and the chef took extra care to chop me up tomato, avocado and slaw so that there would be no peppers on my shrimp tacos. The double margaritas, with mezcal and fresh muddled raspberries, were delicious and the place is a special little gem on Ventura Blvd.
Once back in the room I did tidy ready for tomorrow, Emmy had a shower and fell asleep easily and it didn’t take Jake long to fall deep asleep either. It is now 9:45, very early for me, but I have my loops in and I am going to drift off as we are heading to Disneyland tomorrow
triumphgal 