Ru Cousins at Hogwarts

Potter Mania continued into 2013 thanks to Maxine’s birthday celebration at “Whimsic Alley”.  The MLK weekend was spent in magician mode as our Hubei girls recreated Hogwarts in a fantasy party worthy of their 9-year-old imaginations.

Magician Cousins

Magician Cousins, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Since Helen and Maxine both dressed up as Hermione this year for Halloween, they were well prepared for this birthday outing.

Art Gallery Gazing

Art Gallery Gazing, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

It was especially sweet to see these Gryffindor cousins enjoying the art at LACMA.

Potions Class

Helen in Potions Class, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

The party itself was cleverly constructed starting with the sorting hat, a spell casting competition, and a potions class (which included a large dosage of pop rocks).

MLK Ru Girls 2013

MLK Ru Girls 2013, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

We enjoyed a series of Ru gatherings including swimming at the Green’s (since it’s never too cold to swim in LA.)

We Are Family...

Ru Birthday Cake 2013, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Our celebratory cake featured the a simple and melodic sentiment – “We Are Family – I’ve got all my sisters with me!”

Movie Screening and Microwave Popcorn

Movie Screening and Microwave Popcorn, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

We had our very own “Cinderella Moon” Screening – a movie made by Half the Sky Founder, Dick Bowen. HTS is a beneficiary of a generous portion of the profits from this film.

Grandma's Birthday 2013

Happy Birthday Grandma 2013, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

In other birthday news, we celebrated the 1-year anniversary of Grandma’s broken arm by doing what we intended to do last year but couldn’t – an intensive day of shopping at Ikea!

Welcoming 2013

I can’t remember the last time we spent a New Year’s Eve at home – 15 years, or maybe more?  For Helen, it was the kind of New Year’s that I remember from my childhood.  There was great food, endless games, and the ball drop in the background.  

Fondue with Friends and Fixin’s

New Year's Eve Fondue 2012, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Chris cooked a traditional Japanese dinner including ozoni soup, and Margaret and Steve brought a fondue pot and all the fixin’s. They also brought a very fun card game called “Scopa”.

Turning 14 years old in 2013

Chula on NY Eve 2012 and almost 14 years old, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Chula, who is ever the party girl despite her creaking bones, promised to hang in there for another year.

Helen Stays up for the New Year

Helen Stays up for 2013, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

Helen had no problem staying up until well after midnight, thanks to the stimulating games and good company. We tried to get the ball drop, or at least “2013” in the background, but instead we captured a televised kiss!

Visiting Gigi and Tahoe Trip

Gigi's New Coat for 2013, a photo by Chris & Kelly on Flickr.

In the few days between Christmas and heading back to work and school, we were able to visit Gigi on our way to Tahoe. Here she is modeling her new coat! We skied for two days at Sierra at Tahoe and Helen got right up to speed. She breezed through her first mogul run, which although not entirely intentional, was handled with much finesse.