A very Harry Potter birthday

Matilda as Harry

My youngest just turned 3 and has been wanting a Harry Potter party for the last 6 months. Well, she got it. We had a blast putting this together and I think it was a hit. (I plan on fixing the order of the pictures, add pics of our invites and favors, and add more text...bear with me).

This is Matilda talking in Harry's voice reciting spells. Actual spells.

I made the wands for all of the kids to take home. I took a 48 inch wooden dowel and cut it into 1/4's. Then I sanded the tip into a rounded point, added wooden beads and some hot glue, then spray painted. They were a HUGE hit, but I should've given them to the kids AFTER the party as favors.

 I made that Sorting Hat out of a paper bag and staples. Awesome.

 Just some of the food: Sirius Black's dog chow (chex muddy buddies), Hedwig's chocolate lollipops in an owl nest, and the Rice Krispy Snitch.

 Notice Mad Eyes' chocolate eyes in the background:)

 THE Snitch. Made from Rice Krispy treats, dyed yellow, and melted chocolate for the wings. A hit!

 Luna's glasses that I made. Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, and Moaning Myrtle's milk chocolate (Hersheys bites) served in a toilet cup.

Matilda REALLY wanted a Scabbers cake, which is her pet name.

Harry digs red heads:)

 THE coolest candle from Party City. It is a sparkler in the shape of a 3.

 After Harry took Scabbers off, Hermoine inspects the cake.

 Some of the decorations, letters for Harry hanging from the ceiling, a Diagon Alley sign that I made, along with wanted posters.

 Broomstick parking with a Nimbus 1800.

Hedwig in his cage with a letter for H. Potter, in the cupboard under the stairs.

 Ministry of Magic entrance.

THE Bed

A while ago I may have mentioned that my super duper handy husband was making my oldest a dollhouse bed. Well, it is done...and in her room!!!! I can't believe that we finished it. It was a lot of work on his part with a little bit of help from me. I painted it after all! Add to that helping him carry it up the stairs (plus a whole lot of curse words and sore muscles for days after) and I can say that at least 30% of it was me. Oh, and did I mention that it fell on my head and I managed to black out a few times that day? Fun times, haha!

Anyway, without further ado....the bed.

Already filled with all of her stuffies.

The Christmas post

Also known as the most picture heavy post ever:). That is what happens when it has been over 2 weeks not blogging! I have a lot to catch up on.

My favorite guy (isn't he handsome???) and my two favorite girls.

 Here are our attempts at a Christmas card photo. About 200 shots and 1 semi good one! Thank goodness for digital:)!

 This is the one I finally settled on after getting tired trying. The lighting is off but their expressions are beautiful!

Matilda, love her!

 And now to the tree. I adore our tree and it's family feel. It isn't fancy ribbons and bows, silver and gold, or adorned with fake flowers. It is filled with us.

My favorite ornament hand painted by my Nana. Three angels singing.

Another hand painted favorite. This was her signature Santa.

The year that my sister passed away I found three of these angels at Goodwill. My sister loved angels and there was one for each of us three sisters. It was meant to be. 

Merry Christmas to all!