Passes to Hogwarts

We bought season passes to Universal Studios. Ok really we bought season passes so we could go to Hogwarts anytime we wanted, all the other things in the parks are just a bonus! 

When we first moved to Florida we lived in Orlando just across the freeway from Universal. We watched Hogwarts being built. That was 5 years ago and we finally made it inside!

We got Jack his very own Harry Potter glasses and he wore them the whole day. 

He looked so dang adorable I couldn't take it.

Diagon Alley

Our first taste of Butter Beer at the Leaky Cauldron!

The Knight Bus

Platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express

Jack was chosen by Ollivander and his wand picked him!

We didn't wait long after our first visit to go back, wand, glasses and all!

32

The man of the house turned 32 this year.

We love his Birthday and how it always takes place on or near conference weekend.

It was a perfect day for all of us. 

On his birthday he got some of his favorite treats. 

The weather was a nice cool 60 degrees just perfect for the always hot Jason.

He wanted it low key and only asked for a bike ride and for pot pie for dinner. 

It was a low key, calm, quiet day...just like Jason.

In our family Jason is our quiet one between me and our social butterfly Jack, Jason keeps us balanced. He works hard and enjoys his job as part of the bone marrow transplant team. He has been one of Jack's coaches for baseball and it has been so good for him and for Jack. I like to just sit back and watch Jason coach. During one of the first games we got to see him in action  and my mom and I remarked we didn't think we have heard Jason talk that much before, well at least that loud for so long! I love it. There is one topic that Jason talks about a lot and that is our grass, believe it our not. Jason hates the type of grass that was put in at our house. We didn't have a choice on grass with the builders. He is out there often planting seed to fill in the bare spots.  

A typical sight of Jason in the yard!

Maybe next year for his birthday we will save up and give him sod for his birthday. 

Baptism

Jackson got baptized September 27th.

It's been a couple of weeks and I am still thinking about what a great day it was.

It was such a heavenly day. 

After the baptism we had a big party at our house!

It was such a special day and we wanted it to be special. 

I had so much fun putting together the luncheon buffet.

On the Menu:

Moroccan Carrot Summer Soup

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches with Mango-pineapple Salsa

Falafel with Tzatziki sauce and cilantro hummus in a Pita

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Mushroom Turnovers 

Mom made the desserts. Wonderful Pumpkin shaped sugar cookies and Mint Chocolate brownies. 

The adults ate and socialized while they kids did some projects at the Lego stations.

We had a pick a Lego set and build it station and decorate your own mini figure station.

We had a lot of help with the blowing up of the balloons and Cami took the time to cut out and glue on faces onto the yellow lanterns to turn them into Lego heads!

We a station where you could turn yourself into a Lego!

You got to pick what you wanted to be and we Legoized you!

(Thanks again to Cami for the awesome backdrop)

There was cake and present time.

Upstairs the Lego Movie was playing and this scene was towards the end of the party. 

The kids playing with their new sets and watching a little of the movie. It made me happy.

It was great to be with family and celebrate such a special day. 

I have to say I expericed a miracle myself. I have not felt that healthy in a long time. 

I was happy, calm and I had energy! 

After the guests left Jason was all socialized out!

A sign of a good party!

Jack turned 8 and it was great.

Jackson turned 8 years old this year!

Whoa, whoa, whoa! I cannot believe that he is that old. 

I love that boy and happy to celebrate such a special birthday.

One of the best things about this big birthday were all the visitors we received!

Uncle TJ flew Aunt Cami out for Jack's baptism. Grandma and Papa Balls flew in the next day.

It was the greatest sight when Cami came of the plane. Jack ran to her and they hugged. Jack even cried he was so touched and excited that Aunt Cami was here for him. She is his second mother after all!

Last year I made Jack special birthday cake pancakes for breakfast. He wouldn't eat them and just wanted cold cereal. I took a note from last year and asked him this year what he wanted. He told me he wanted scrambled eggs and sausage, oh and for it to be served in bed. Jack usually gets up early every morning to play Lego's. On the morning of his birthday he didn't. He was just laying there waiting to be served. We sang to him and he ate in bed! He was one happy boy, and he ate it all!

Cami and I joined Jack at school for lunch. We brought Chik-Fil-A at his request. It was fun to sit at our own little table, to eat with him and hear him talk about his morning and to see all his friends. 

After school he was a lucky boy and we went out to Frozen Yogurt with Papa, Grandma and Cami. Then later we headed to Texas Roadhouse for his birthday meal. He was most excited to sit on the saddle!

After dinner it was off to the Lego Store!

All Jack wanted was money so he could pick out the Lego sets of his choosing. 

This has become a great tradition.

He was successful and was one happy boy!

As we were driving home Jack was so excited for all the sets he got to build, he lucked out because he was off school the next day so he didn't have to waste anytime. On our way home we drove by the Disney parks and there were fireworks going off. Jack was so cute commenting "All of this and fireworks too on my birthday. Best day ever!!!" It was a very good day.