The Weekend When 2017 Arrived


Happy new year everyone! 

I've never taken a true "staycation" before but the past week off of work has been pure bliss with lots of relaxing, shopping and adventures with the sis, and ringing in 2017 with new friends/neighbors on NYE.

FRIDAY


K and I took my sister to Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios. It happened to be the coldest day of the year in Florida so we tried to fit in as much as we could before the sun went down.

 
We waited 2 hours in line to go on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride but that was definitely a must for my sister to get the full experience. We didn't get to taste butter beer because the lines were crazy. K went on the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster while Leah and I opted for some browsing through the stores. 



We caught the Grinchmas Who-liday Show which was cute but I couldn't keep my eyes open for all of it.
 

We went on the Adventures of Spider-Man 3D ride and a few others but the lines were over an hour for most of the popular rides including Jurassic Park.

K and I just signed up for annual passes so we have a whole year to cover both of Universal's theme parks. Merry Christmas to us!


SATURDAY

Since my parents were supposed to be in town for NYE, we never made any official plans so we threw a small last minute shindig for our neighbors which was low key but we had tons of fun and I love that I have really cool neighbors!



SUNDAY

We relaxed all morning and cleaned up the house. In the evening we headed to International Drive to go on the Orlando Eye observation wheel and then have dinner at one of our favorite tapas and art restaurants in the area.

 

Cafe Tu Tu Tango



It was the perfect end to a weekend full of fun and celebrations. Luckily I have today off of work to unwind and get organized/mentally prepared for the work week ahead.

If you happened to miss my NYE holiday card you can check it out here.

19 comments

  1. What a fun weekend! Looks like a great way to ring in the new year. Happy 2017! Hope you have a great week!

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  2. What a nice weekend- the rides sound so fun and that's so awesome you got annual passes! Hope the new year brings you much happiness!

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  3. This sounds like so much fun! What a way to ring in the new year! Happy 2017!

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  4. What fun!! We have an Atlanta Eye but I've never been on it here. It used to be in Pensacola and I rode it there before they moved it to Atl.

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  5. So much fun with Leah in town, and yay for Universal passes! It shouldn't always be that busy once Christmas break is over for the kiddos. And love Cafe Tu Tu Tango, always so much fun with yummy food! Happy New Year gurlie <3
    Green Fashionista

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  6. That looks like such a fun weekend! I haven't had cool neighbors since college lol. Maybe when I move next month I have some.

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  7. I'm terrible at staycations (too hard to unplug I suppose), but you seemed to do an awesome job!!! Looks like a great time was had by all... your NYE celebration looks perfect for something that was just thrown together with some neighbors... lol... #goals!

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  8. Annual passes sound fantastic - and that'll be great to explore even more when it's less crowded. Great photos!

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

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  9. yay for universal and annual passes! i saw that you guys went on the cold day and i thought hey that must be better than super super warm out! NYE turned out fun it looks like - yay for cool neighbors. and hope you're having a great start to the new year!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  10. What a fun weekend! I love an impromptu get together like that! And I want to go to the Harry Potter exhibit so bad! Looks so fun. Happy New year!

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  11. Emily...such a fun filled weekend. Whew, you pack so much goodness in girl! Your sissy is gorgeous like you. Happy New Year to you gorgeous friend!! 2017 is going to be so awesome. Cannot wait see what you have in store!

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  12. Gary was actually in staycation mode all last week and I was beyond jealous! I'm so glad you had so much time to relax and take everything in! I love that you hosted for your neighbors, I'd say your house is going to be the party house!! So glad your new year is off to a great start! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  13. Sometimes a staycation is just what you need! It's nice to relax some and play tourist in your own town. So jealous you guys went to Universal, I need to get season passes there this year! And the Orlando Eye at sunset looks amazing, I have to try that! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  14. Looks like a great time girl! We were at Universal on Sunday and it wasn't too bad. Definitely my favorite park to visit :)

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  15. Sounds like a great weekend! Happy New Year!

    xx
    Lauren Elizabeth
    Petite in Pearls

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  16. Looks like an awesome weekend and the perfect way to ring in the new year!

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  17. Sounds like a fun weekend celebrating! I'm glad you guys were able to make it through most of the parts of the park with your sister, but it does look awfully cold! Awesome that you guys got annual passes woohoo!

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  18. I'm glad that y'all were at least able to ride the Harry Potter ride while you were at Universal, and hopefully you'll get to taste butter beer next time you visit with your annual passes! I also love that you were able to get to know your neighbors a little bit more with a last minute NYE party! Fun!

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  19. Such a fun time!! Small nye parties are often the best!

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