A magical birthday

Aubrie LOVES birthday parties. Last year, she didn't have one because of our move and cruise. So, for two years she has been planning the perfect Harry Potter birthday party!

Her sweet friend allowed her to borrow her "Sorting Hat" so all the girls could be sorted into the proper house.

And classes began with a teacher for each subject. Professor Snape taught potions. Perhaps the favorite teacher was Hagrid for Care of Magical Creatures (I got on Dave's shoulders, wore a trench coat and taught the class!). Don't you love their Harry Potter glasses they made out of pipe cleaners? I think Dave and I ended up having as much fun as the kids!

       

We had a special "Honey Dukes" candy shop. During the party, the kids earned galleons for winning games, participating in class, etc., and then they were able to use their pretend money to buy their favorite treats at the candy store. The girls loved this!

                 

Who knew that my doll cake pan would eventually be used for a broomstick cake!

I can't believe my baby is 10!! A whole decade!

 

We decided 10 was a good age to allow Aubrie to pierce her ears! This has been so exciting!

Her siblings were concerned and interested!

About Aubrie at age 10:

She is having a wonderful fourth grade year. She has great teachers and friends -- both of which seem to really like Aubrie. She appears to be happy with herself and content in her life. She is being appropriately challenged in school; she was placed in 5th grade math, reading, writing and spelling classes. She seems to have a strong sense of right and wrong and a desire to be kind to others. She is very self driven. We enter her room and see Post-it notes on her mirrors each week of her personal goals -- some of these goals have been to study the scriptures, write in her journal, be kind to others, etc. This year she has continued to dance ballet and has started on a competitive volleyball league. We are so proud of the young lady she's becoming! Now, if she would just be 10 forever!