We {heart} Harry Potter!

We were planning on having a pretty low key birthday party for Harry Potter this year... 

we had just moved and things around the house were still getting put away.

BUT when the youth at our church mentioned they would love to come again,

WELL we just couldn't turn down the possibility for another epic party ;)

THUS July 31st came, and we partied.

Harry Potter style.

We tried to transform the house...

one day I'll convert the whole place into Hogwarts.

One day.

We had some amazing characters show up!

Dumbledore

 McGonagall, Luna and Voldemort

 Hagrid

 We played some Quidditch...

Made some wands...

And played a competitive round of Harry Potter Jeopardy!

Another successful birthday party!

Happy 34th birthday Harry!

A Birthday Week!

I hold birthdays sacred around here.

They should be important and kind of a big deal.

Jon pretends he could care less...

but I think deep down he appreciates birthday week ;)

Opening presents at home

 Made him go shopping as he's been wearing the same pants for the past 15 years...

Beach day with friends!

And then to top it off-

a Harry Potter Murder Mystery (birthday) Party!

Complete with Gilderoy Lockheart and Delores Umbridge...

 Dumbledore

 Snape and Bellatrix

 Rita Skeeter and Ron Weasley

 Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley

 Dumbledore and Molly Weasley

Hermione and Mundungus

Luna Lovegood and Harry Potter

 Super fun evening- with super fun people.

Happy 30th birthday Jon!

The Perfect Memorial Day

 The secret to a successful holiday...

1. Sleeping in

2. Warm banana muffins

3. Pool party with 40 of your favorite people

  4. A BBQ

 5. Lounging around...

 6. and playing Mario Kart with your best friend.

It was definitely a success.

Anytime Is a Good Reason...for a Party!

I think I have it pinned down.

I have three passions in life.

Dance.

Traveling.

And parties.

You don't have to have a reason for planning a party...

but if there IS a reason- then all the more better-er!

We threw a baby shower for Megan,

my next door neighbor.

It was a surprise.

And it went splendidly.

 Surprise!

Playing games...

And eating lots of food...

See that pretty white cake below? 

There is a surprise inside!

Ta-daa!

*Note- this cake was not made by me. It was made by someone FAR more talented*

See picture below..

On the right is said "far more talented" lady.

And opening lots of gifts...

Three cheers for celebrating babies!