The Wand Chooses The Wizard: Universal Studios, Disney, Make A Wish

So many times people think Molly and Kennedy are ACTUAL twins instead of Irish twins.

Oftentimes they (and I) have found it rather annoying…

Then…then…then…

You go on a trip to Disney/Universal for the youngest’s Wish.

Because Kennedy is SO in love with the Harry Potter books/movies/everything your very first stop on your very first day is none other than Ollivander’s so you can beat the crowds you’d heard were so crazy and have a chance at your little one getting the most awesome treat of being picked by Ollivander to get her very own wand.

It truly was our first day so we had no idea the true meaning of the magic of our Make-A-Wish badges and buttons…but within the walls of Ollivander’s Wand shop we learned quickly.

We also learned that it can be a good thing that people think Molly and Kennedy are actual twins…

Because when Ollivander selected those that would get their wands –

He picked Kennedy AND Molly.

(Here is where I would insert the video if it was not such a colossal mess of flipping sideways and darkness and not being able to hear everything. Sorry. The tale alone will have to do.)

First, he learned their names, then the wand selection began.

First, he handed Kennedy a wand made of Willow with a unicorn hair as its core. She waved with a “Wingardium Leviosa” and…well…the shelves went crashing down.

Then, he handed Molly a wand of hazel with a unicorn hair as its core. He instructed her to light it…and much to our surprise, she said in a very strong voice despite the crowd “Lumos!”  Lightning flashed through the building, loud claps of thunder.

Ollivander used a quick spell to disperse the storm, and turned to my girls, tutting that they were indeed very difficult…

Then, the moment of brilliance.

He picked up the wands before each of the girls, making a statement to their twin cores…before crossing his arms so that each girl got the opposite wand to their first attempt, Molly with the willow and Kennedy with the Hazel…and then…

The moment of perfection, light and wind brushed across them as they found their perfect wands…or the wands found them.

Of course, we happily paid for the wands because they were chosen by Ollivander himself and brought them home with us. They had a prominent place until we began packing up to move. Soon enough, they’ll be on display again…and put to good use within the park itself.

It is true magic to see the wands choosing its wizard…and pure joy that both our girls got to experience the magic…together.

 

 

Wordy Wednesday – The World of Harry Potter with my Youngest

THE NEW YOUIn case you missed the flashing neon news flash, we went to Disney World last year. The trip included two days at Universal.

The absolute best part about that addition?

My youngest, Kennedy, had just discovered the Harry Potter movies and absolutely LOVED them. So around the time she made her wish it wasn’t just about Disney, it was about “seeing Harry Potter,” too.

Her excitement was palpable the whole few months leading up to the trip. She could hardly contain herself.

To help pass the time, I made a crazy suggestion.

Harry PotterWhy not read the books?

And so the journey started.

Together.

We’ve had some spurts where we don’t read, but usually it’s Kennedy and me, snuggled together, getting lost in the world of Hogwarts.

It’s certainly not my usual rapid pace for reading.

It’s definitely different reading aloud.

But I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

Seeing the excitement in my baby girls eyes whenever I take out one of the books.

For Christmas she got my old Harry Potter complete set (as it was already worn and some spine breaking was all right), while I got a new set (isn’t it pretty?).

She pores over them when I’m not around (she thinks I don’t know), looking for her favorite parts.

Ron is her book boyfriend.

Hermione is her hero.

And there is nothing I love better than sharing my love of Harry Potter with her.

Everything is wrapped in the pure joy, excitement, and hope that there is a world of magic out there that she could take part in, even through the page of a book.