Magical Muggles

Earlier this year, we started reading the illustrated Harry Potter books with the kids. We weren’t sure how it would go since the books are pretty long and there aren’t pictures on every single page (the illustrations are gorgeous though!) We read about 15 minutes every night before they go to bed and it quickly became one of our favorite activities. I remember when I first read the Harry Potter books and becoming absorbed in JK Rowling’s story telling. I loved the adventures, characters and mostly the magical elements. When the final book of the series came out (after Dave and I were married) we ordered it same day from Amazon. I stayed up literally all night to finish the book that day because I couldn’t put it down!

Reading it with Brent and Tessa has been a magical experience for us now. I love seeing them discover the characters and story much in the same way I did. Brent’s school does “Literature Day” in place of Halloween where students dress as a character from a book and bring the book with them to the school parade. This year, it was pretty easy to decide which character he would be, and I must say he was the cutest Harry Potter 😉

It’s also been fun watching the movies with them after finishing the book. We are currently on the 3rd book and it’s been a treat for them to be able to see the movie and eat popcorn.

We also went to Universal Studios to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Dave and I had gone before and loved it and now that the kids know more about the places, it was so fun to see them experience it for the first time! I especially loved that Brent asked if he could wear his costume to the park!  

They loved the butterbeer drink at the Three Broomsticks restaurant, riding the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster and Brent loved seeing the castle (part of the line to the ride inside). One of the best parts about being a parent is seeing your kids’ excitement and pure joy when they see or discover things for the first time!