Luckily lots of our Halloween decorations could double as wizardy/dungeony stuff, so I just left them up, added a few things, and strung stars to the ceiling:
When the kids came, we introduced them to wizard training school, and they received a hat and wand:
They each received a training manual with several stations to complete.
A Magical Creature Hunt:
The broom flying course:
Teaching your owl to fly (Throwing stuffed owls through hoops, which kids, including Calvin, surprisingly said was their favorite part.):
Spells and Potions:
They did the blow up a balloon with vinegar and baking soda trick, but we called it swamp water and ground up bones or something clever. Carrie acted as the Snape-like dark wizard and made it awesome.
Adorable wizards wandering the yard:
I love this one. Bunches of wizards looking fierce.
The highlight of the party was the real-life wizard (magician) who came to perform some spells!
Calvin being the helper.
Chasing a cloth mouse as all of the kids shrieked and squealed.
I love this picture. For one trick, the magician was opening a can of soda that had been shaken. Autumn curled against the wall, cringing and shrieking for him not to do it! After the soda exploded, she was the one who laughed the loudest, but the anticipation definitely stressed her out!
The Magician and his assistant doing their final trick.
Calvin has a cute little friend that couldn't come to the party because he'd broken his leg. Luckily, the sitting portion of the party was perfect because he could be with us. His awesome mom brought him just for the magic show.
The whole crew.
The birthday boy. We loved the wizard. He did a fantastic job and was great with the kids. Autumn asked him to come back for her birthday, so he was a hit!
After the magician, we wrapped up the party with treats and presents.
Usually we throw away a ton of food after these things, so this time we kept it simple with unicorn hair, pickled serpents, wizard hats, and dragon lips.
Nicky carrying a cupcake and Calvin's new wizard staff.
Cake time!
Tricky sparklers that kept lighting. They were a hit.
Party favors:
It was a madhouse, but Calvin was sad when it was over, and the other kids seemed to have a great time. I'm so glad that the birthday boy thought it was the perfect party.
After the party, Nicky stole Calvin's gifts (and made them into crowns) until he went down for his long overdue nap.
Calvin played with his gifts and practiced his new magic tricks.
We had a low key afternoon and evening. Calvin received Nintendo Monopoly from his grandparents (he literally jumped and squealed when he opened it, he was so excited), so we kind of played it as a family. By kind of, I mean we all started, but then Andy ended up rolling and moving for me and Autumn while we drifted away.
Nicky and I played while I should have been concentrating on Monopoly:
And then we piled onto the bed, hanging out and talking about our favorite parts of the party:
It started out a busy, stressful, magical day and ended cozy and quiet. The very best kind of day.
Happy birthday, sweet boy. I hope that your 8th year is the best one yet!
