Off they go to Middle and HS. This year both kids have friends and neighbors attending the same schools so the bus should be a better experience. They both seemed excited and not overly nervous! And the busses stop near our house for once!

After some cleaning, rust removal, wood wax, metal paint, and a few extra rivets, which Bryant used to fix some sharp edges, the trunk was ready to decorate. It would even be good for storage. I might have to keep it!

And here is the project I’ve been working on- Lupin’s trunk. It had an old sticker on it with 1899 in the corner, maybe a travel date. Here are some “before” photos. It was made by Duluth Trunk Co. which opened in 1890.

We’re having fun preparing for Lily’s Harry Potter birthday. Here is a preview of her favorite craft so far.

This had lots of potential but the reality was, sadly, quite frustrating. It was insanely crowded. We arrived exhausted from the long, hot train ride, then battled the crowds to purchase sun hats and find our picnic basket. We recovered a bit after our riverside feast and decided to explore Hampton Court Palace rather than continue w the garden show. CJ and David enjoyed some educational talks and demos while we admired then Tudor kitchens and learned more about the dark history of the palace.

On a day trip from London to basingstoke, we visited the site of Jane’s childhood home in Stephenton, and on to Chawton, where she lived with her mother and sister on her brother’s Estate, plus lots of other Austen locations of interest.

Lily is pointing out the wand in Olivander’s that belonged to Rupert Grint/ Ron Weasley (below)

A fascinating look at how movies are made. I really enjoyed learning about costumes and props. It’s an unbelievably large and detailed process. Thousands of people worked on the movies. The sets look as if you could start filming anytime! It feels very surreal. I do wish they’d sell butter beer for a grownup palette. And no fire whiskey?! We put in over 7 miles of walking that day. And there weren’t any Hogsmeade sites.

Short journey outside of London…