Shantel and I love Harry Potter. It is impossible to really describe how much we love the story and what a magical experience it was for us. I actually started reading Harry Potter in middle school (8th or 9th grade). The first 3 books were already released by that point and I read all three very quickly. Then I waited expectantly for each new book to come out. We would always go wait for the midnight release of the book and it was so much fun. We had many many fun conversations. On one of the book releases, my mom decorated the whole house in Harry Potter while we were gone and we came home to tons of Harry Potter decorations. As you read you become so connected to the characters and it is a brilliant book.
We have been so excited to share it with our kids. However, we have not wanted to share it too early before they are ready. In addition, even if Lydia could read all the books, they are not written for an 8 year old. We grew into the books as we got older and the storyline progressed. We also recognize, that many/most of kids Lydia's age are allowed to read all the books and watch all the movies. We don't want to miss the window of having her be interested. We decided as an 8 year old she is now ready for the first book and are so excited to introduce her to it. We decided we would start reading so that the Chapter on Harry's 11th birthday came on July 31st and we could do a Harry Potter party. If has been so much fun to read (and super fun to try our hand at the British accents).
Here we are getting started with the book.
A few days later we did Harry's Birthday Party on July 31st. I think we'll make it a tradition to read a new Harry Potter book and do Harry's Potter each July 31st. We celebrated with a huge sign, decorations, chocolate frogs, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, Butterbeer, and Butterscotch discs. We read the book, wore Harry Potter glasses and Lydia even got her own special letter inviting her to the party.
We are so excited to keep reading and enjoying Harry Potter with Lydia!
