This year Ava is turning 11, and you know what that means....Hogwarts Letter! I'm not sure who had more fun, the kids at the party or me planning the party. It's no secret that I am a HP fan. Turning our back yard into Diagon Alley was a team effort, and I think it turned out pretty great. And when I say team effort....I have to thank my amazing mama for all her hard work, my sister for the photos and the awesome Owlery balloons, and my mother-in-law for her unbelievable cake making skills. First up...the DECORATIONS. My amazing cousin Alexandra whipped up this "Pin the Scar on Harry" poster. How crazy talented is she? This will hang in Ava's room for weeks to come.
Three Broomsticks This was kind of a last minute addition. My mom MADE the brooms! She stained some sticks the kids had collected, and stripped of their bark, from her woods. She also found the really cool jug. I pushed print on the Gilly Water labels and stuck them on water bottles. I know, I know...pretty impressive, right?
The Owlery
Quidditch Pitch
The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley Another creation where my mom very kindly indulged me, the Diagon Alley sign. That was not an easy task. She listened to my "vision" and made it happen. I think it turned out pretty great.
Gringotts When I told my mama we might want to have a "Sorting Hat" but it's totally okay if we don't...she made this. It's incredible.
Third Floor Corridor
Ollivanders This might have been my favorite project. The wands were made from chopsticks, yarn, hot glue, and paint. There were enough for each student to take one home...and only my sweet sweet niece Lucy used an unforgivable curse on me.
Acceptance Letters
Diagon Alley - Kids getting their wands, treats, and supplies.
The Golden Snitch This might have been my second favorite project, creating a Golden Snitch pinata. I didn't anticipate the little kids busting it open so quickly! The older kids handled it really well, but I was bummed they didn't have to work harder and take a few swings to crack that snitch.
Pin the Scar on Harry
***PAUSE*** I just need to pause this post to bring you the cutest Hogwarts student.
Quidditch
The Scavenger Hunt
The CAKE My wonderful mother-in-law is such a good sport. When I came to her awhile back and asked if she would be willing to take on a Harry Potter cake she didn't hesitate, just said yes! Not only did she make a Sorting Hat out of rice krispy treats covered in chocolate, she also make gluten free golden snitch cake pops AND a huge cake with all the houses represented. Amazing.
The Birthday Crew
I love these two with my whole heart. Happy Birthday my loves.
Ava Roo I cannot count the ways I love YOU! From the moment you arrived you stole my heart. You push and challenge me and delight me to my core. The way those babies love on you makes me smile. You are going to be such a great mama someday. Just please promise me you will always be my sweet little pookie. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA ROO!
For my kids birthday's I really try to make them special and fun. This year for Ava I thought she would really like to go swimming! After breakfast and hanging out we headed to Rainier Beach pool, only to find out that we (I) misread the website and thus we missed the pool time. Lame. Ok baby girl, how does a root beer float sound?? Off to McDonalds! Pull up to the drive thru...."we are out of ice-cream." What?! Off to a different McD's and you better believe I got my girl her root beer float! Now, let's try Gene Coulon park and swim in the lake, that would be fun! We get there....water is closed for algae treatment. You have to be KIDDING?! At least they have a pretty awesome park where my girl cranked out some chin ups. All she wanted to do for her special day? Go on a dinner date with her Daddy.
Sweet cousin Katie sent this special girl beautiful flowers on her day.
We did it! Another year of Classical Conversations completed. This was our first year in an official community, and Ava loved it. I was so glad Noah was able to come and participate on the last day. Do you remember Field Day from grade school? I do! It was my absolute FAVORITE. I'm so grateful to Annie and all the mamas who put on this CC Field Day for the kids. It was awesome.
Epic tug of WAR! And these two guys. Love their friendship.
Ava's Faces of History was on Martin Luther.
...and her Essentials class!
This is what the kids look like after a Mrs. Jones PE class.
This is one of their science EGGsperiments. Somehow both kids managed to protect their eggs!
