Voyaging into the Realm of Nerds Part IV

I never learned Roman Numerals, (and I'm too lazy to look it up) so I hope that "IV" in my header is the correct number 4.

Well, here it is, the last Potter Party Pics. (See the other parties here)

Starting from the top left: Dementor, Lupin (if you look closely, he is turning into a werewolf), Harry's Patronus, Professor Sprout, Aunt Petunia, Ernie the Bus Driver, Bill Weasley, Filch, Lavender Brown, Lucious Malfoy, The Singing Lady, Hedwig, Dobby

I went as Lavender Brown, Ron's girlfriend in the 6th book. ("My little Won Won!") I love her character because she LOVES Ron. Since Ron is my favorite character, I didn't really have to do much acting.

In the group picture, I'm holding a picture of Ron.

But here, I am holding Ron's baby:

I know what you're thinking, Ron doesn't have a baby... well, not according to Lavender.

AND Ron's baby has the red hair to prove it.

The final party was amazing... we ate in the great hall, played Potter Jeopardy, had the Imperius Curse cast upon us, had a Tri-wizard Tournament, and so much more.

Thank you Andersen family for the memories!! (Again, all the amazing pics were taken by the amazing Janet.)

Mischief Managed.

How to snack properly during a movie.

My opinion of the last Harry Potter movie?

I think June sums it up nicely:

I pretty much was smiling (and maybe some crying) the whole time. As soon as my brothers get their act together and finally see all these movies, I'll talk more about it.

I also discovered my favorite movie treat just last night.

Here are the directions:

1. Sneak large bag of Peanut M&M's, Peanut Butter M&M's, and Gummy Bears into the theater.

2. Bring refillable Harkins $1 Drink Cup and fill with Coke Zero

2. Buy Large popcorn

3. Get cardboard tray that holds drinks and popcorn

4. Go into theater and place drink in chair's cupholder

5. Dump popcorn into large section of tray.

6. Sprinkle both flavors of M&M's amongst popcorn (I didn't know M&M's eaten WITH popcorn tasted so good.)

7. Fill "cupholder" portion of tray with gummy bears.

8. Unintentionally eat everything on your tray during the previews, before the movie even begins.

I created this diagram in case I was unclear about anything:

How I came this far in life without having this treat while watching movies in a theater is beyond me.

Voyaging into the Realm of Nerds Part III

Remember that everyone is entitled to engage in one nerdy thing in their life, okay? I have 3 or 4, but who's counting?

I love good storytelling.

That's why I love movies like True Grit, Inception, The Dark Knight, The Little Mermaid, 3:10 to Yuma, Back to the Future, Star Wars, and so many more...

And that's why I love books like The Giver, Where the Red Fern Grows, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Road, The Lightning Thief, Matilda, etc.

Of all the stories I know, I think the story of Harry Potter is one of my favorites.

My good friends, The Andersens, share this love for Harry Potter. For the last 6 (or 7?) years now, they've thrown a party each time an HP book or movie came out. This party consisted of Hogwarts classes, eating food, games, book and movie excerpts, and some serious laughing. It wasn't until about 3 (or 4?) years ago that we actually started wearing costumes.

I'll never ever ever ever forget these amazing experiences.

Here are some pics from each of the costumed parties:

This is the 1st year we dressed up.

Starting from the top, going left to right: Mrs. Weasley, Rita Skeeter, Moaning Murtle, Professor Trelawny, Snape, Mad-Eye Moody (one of my favorite costumes of all time), and Ginny Weasley.

And this is me dreaming of marrying Harry someday.

Second year we dressed up:

Sirius Black, Death Eater, Luna Lovegood, Bellatrix Lestrange, Professor Umbridge, Tonks, Dobby, and Pavarti.

Here's my mug shot:

The 2nd year was a memorable year. We arranged a surprise visit from Voldemort (William in a black sheet and mask) to come and "duel" with everyone. (Basically an American Gladiator-styled game of jousting)

The third costume party, a few more people were added to the guest list:

Fred and George Weasley, Harry Potter, Hagrid, Nearly Headless Nick, Dumbledore, Fleur, Professor McGonagall, Centaur (My other favorite costume of all time)

I love this picture because I'm laughing so hard at Hagrid.

And here's our hero:

My sister-in-law, Marci, said she thought I looked like Janet Napalotono. Hillarious, BUT it pretty much scarred me for life (and unfortunetly not a lightning-shaped scarred for life).

The 3rd year was also a fun year because we prepared a video called "Life After Hogwarts".

And here's my other favorite picture, entitled "Harry Riding Centaur":

All the photos were taken by the A M A Z I N G Janet of JustmeJanet. (She's Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore, and Umbridge) See more of the parties on her blog here and here.

With the 7th and last movie coming out this Friday, we did our last and final Potter Party last Thursday. Those photos will have to be posted later.

Until then, I'm going to enjoy this Butterbeer.