Harry Potter-poluza

Since Gehrig's birthday is Christmas Day, we have gotten creative in celebrating.  Typically, we have a nice dinner with Nana and Papa, look at lights and open presents on Christmas Eve.  We have birthday cake the next day, in our pj's, playing with new toys and more present opening, but only by Gehrig.  But, this year, he wanted to have a giant "friend" party.  Needless to say, that's not ever going to happen ON his birthday.  In years past we've had a half birthday in June or done it in early December, before the holiday really gets going.  But, since we moved this year...we decided to bump it into January.  It worked out great, because we were in our new larger house.  It was worth it to Gehrig to be patient.
We thought, we'll invite about 21 kids and only half show up, right?  Well, people aren't busy in January.  We had 21 kids and some adults (thankfully) at our home for a Harry Potter blow-out.  It was so fun!

 A great Harry Potter party wouldn't be complete without Butterbeer.

 The kids loved the trampoline, always.

 We made lots of candy broomsticks.

 And Uncle Brian whipped up a batch of Dragon snot for all the kids to play with. 

 I had fun making Cauldron cakes for the birthday cake.  See those goggles, mounted on Gehrig's head?  Those are genuine Quidditch Goggles and were a gift from cousins in Utah.  We even have a Golden Snitch antenna ball dressing up the car now!

 The kids went on a hunt for Magical Treasures all around the backyard.

 Honeydukes was a hit.

 We made etched glass mugs for the kids to have their butterbeer and take home. 

Thank you, Dollar Tree!

 Here's the kids sealing the invitations with sealing wax; Gehrig insisted it be authentic.

 Aunt Kate had an awesome magic trick.  She and the kids made a tea bag  levitate!

 Here, Nat and Ashlynn Knighted Ty (dressed as casual Harry Potter) with the Sword of Gryffindor.  Natalee had a good time bejeweling the sword.

 Let's just say LOTS of gold spray paint was used in the preparation of this party.  There were golden snitches flying all over the place!

 Kids came dressed up in their finest "school robes".

Ashlynn was a fabulous Rita Skeeter, complete with a Quick Quotes Quill.

It was a party the whole family enjoyed and will remember for a long time!