Holy Quiditch Batman - It's Finally Here!

Here's to J.K. and the wonderful world she's created!

With just under 4 hours to go, I'm feeling the mixed emotions of the end of an era. I'm really excited to read 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' but am feeling the pangs of knowing that it is the final book of the series (even if she does write more later about Harry - I don't think it will be the same).
So, here are some of my predictions. By the time most read this, you may have already read the book. But, if not, feel free to add yours or tell me where you think I'm up in the night (which is where I'll be reading, I'm sure).
-Harry WILL NOT die - end of discussion.
-Snape will. I do not think he is really on Voldemort's side but I think the only way he can redeem himself, not only for killing Dumbledore -whether on Dumbledore's orders or not- but for being the truly mean, nasty person he's been, is by dying nobly in the fight against Voldemort.
-I think Harry WILL end up back at Hogwarts somehow for his 7th and final year even though he said he wouldn't go back.
-I think the phoenix that Harry thought he saw rise from Dumbledore's tomb will become Harry's companion. I think it will hold some essence of Dumbledore or some power that Harry needs (much as Fawkes did for Dumbledore). I think the phoenix will be Dumbledore's final gift to Harry.
-R.A.B. = Regulus A. Black - brother to Sirius and short-lived death eater.
-I don't think any Weasley will die - but Percy surely gets my vote if she chooses to off one of them ;)

-BB predicts that Harry will die in the first chapter and Book 7 will be about the rise of Voldemort to new levels of power.

Just Kidding!

-BB actually predicts that Neville's skill with magical plants will be pivotal in defeating Voldemort.

SO, I think that's it. I'm headed to Barnes and Noble in about 30 minutes so I should have a good chunk read by tomorrow but probably not all of it (I still have two kids after all).
Happy reading!

'Yo Ho Yo Ho' a Virtuous Life for Me

"You are not twelve years old anymore!" -said my mother after I described my boat-tipping escapades from last weeks' girls camp. This weekend, I was questioned by several friends and relatives, "How was camp?" But the question was definitely inflected with the tone that says, "I'm sure it was awful, how did you SURVIVE camp?" The answer, however, was that I had a complete BLAST at our three-ward girls camp. With a pirate theme and plenty of reasons to get the girls wet (and for them to reciprocate) - it was 100 degrees after all - what was not to enjoy? I came home with a mildly sprained ankle, about 15 new bruises (literally), a water-logged cell phone, about eight total hours of sleep for the week, and a fabulous relationship with about 20 amazing, obnoxious, funny, energetic teen-age girls...

Has Anyone Seen 'The Order of the Phoenix' Yet?

Got home from Girls' Camp on Friday and Brad and I went to see it yesterday. I think it might be the best overall movie yet... Any opinions?

Walk It Out

SO, I was raised by parents who pretty much thought anything made after about 1970 was pure crap and everything before was all inspired. Of course there were exceptions - but not many. So, I saw a lot of old movies growing up and was a big fan of actors like Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly. And, although I had not a shred of dancing (or singing) ability, I loved all the great musicals. Among my favorites was 'Damn Yankees'. That was where I was introduced to the great Gwen Verdon - one of the greatest Broadway dancers of all time. Below is a dance choreographed by her husband, Bob Fosse. The original music in this video was to 'Mexican Breakfast' and was performed on a TV show in the 60's but someone has updated the music. HELLOO!! It's brilliant! I found the original performance and the 'groovy' music they're dancing to is downright boring compared to this. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of my blog and turn off the automatic playlist so you don't have two songs going at once. ENJOY!

In Other News...

Little D had Birthday #2 last Sunday. BB free-handed a Curious George on his cake since that is who Digs has been likened to lately. He is quite the climber.

As the crazy month of June is coming to a close, we are gearing up for a big BB reunion this weekend. Everyone is looking forward to seeing all the cousins and family and spending some good, quality time in the sun and water...

Twilight

So - I finished this a couple nights ago. All in all, I liked it - especially Edward. However, I think she could have cut about 1/4 of the book by removing the ubiquitous references to his 'crooked smile' and perfect, god-like, Adonis features - I think we get the point. I would have liked a little more with James and the bad vamps at the end and I definitely think they should have vampified Bella - I think it would have made her more interesting...
Also, I'm pretty sure Bella was modeled after the author (see pic) which made me laugh a little at how every guy in school and two powerful vampires were all pretty much obsessed with her - I guess that's every girls' fantasy. As Daph says, "I want my own vamipire."

Life of Pi

I had this book suggested to me by one of my favorite people on the planet (my aunt) and am still sort of reeling over the ending. Has anyone read this? If so, PLEASE communicate. I know what I believe about the two stories but I'm really interested to hear others' opinions.
In other news, summer is upon us and we are learning a new meaning for busy for our little family. We're in charge of 3 separate family reunions, I have a soccer tournament that is ongoing until my team loses, have to go to girls' camp and Trek with the young women and we have to help my parents and sisters' family move - TWICE. We're also trying to get this basement finished and keep up with the regular demands of life. It's all good though - we're regulary reminded of how lucky/blessed we are and happy to be where we're at in life.
Oh yeah - and we're coming up on the one month count down for The Deathly Hallows...