** A Magical Hogwarts BIRTHDAY Celebration **

It's been nearly a year since moving back from England.  Those years were an incredible adventure and highlight for our family.  To celebrate summer birthday's, additionally 11-year-old S. has read the Harry Potter book series 12 times, we celebrated with a magical birthday.  My friend Andrea was so clever and creative with her daughter's H.P. party last year, she was very generous in allowing us to borrow some of her amazing props & ideas.  Between those things and bits and bobs we found whilst living in England, the party was a success.  

I think my favorite part of the party was making their own wands.  It was magic, all you need is a chopstick, hot glue and paints.

The sorting hat sorted everyone into their houses.

We had Professor Snype's cousin teach the potions class, later we did spells and just had an amazing double-fun party for E. and S.

Everyone was given a book of potions and the Standard Book of Spells.

The day ended with 2 Witches and a Wizard happy as can be.

Grateful Sunday

Just to list a few of the things I am most thankful for today:

1.  Watching my boy fall asleep, hearing his heavy breath and wondering what magical dreams he is dreaming of.  

2.  Looking out to see deer jump into and out of our garden, so graceful and quick.  We are getting smarter, although they are fun to watch they are distructive to our garden, we are finally adding a fence to our veggie & strawberry garden in the back, no more snacks for you!

3.  The bright red cardinals continue to entertain our family, they are one of our very favorite things about living in St. Louis.

4.  Next month marks our year of living in St. Louis.  We hit the jack pot when it comes to neighbourhoods, schools & church congregations. 

5.  Fresh bread out of the oven on a Sunday afternoon.

6.  Ready or not, this one is going to Middle School.