Complete: 8. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando with Garrett

So this was actually a goal that I wasn't sure if we'd get to, but luck was on our side! Hubster gets a fall break since he's interning in the public schools and they have a fall break whereas BYU does not, so we took full advantage and not only went to the Wizarding World, but also the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (so delish - much yum).

I'd been to the Wizarding World before, but not since they added Diagon Alley, and Hubster has never been and I knew he would love it. I was totally right. It was a lot of fun to see his reaction to everything.

Diagon Alley is amazing. Totally worth going again. I love the new ride Escape from Gringotts. We rode it 5 times? 6? The single rider line for it is super great, but it's cool to see the ambience of the line, which takes you through Gringotts.

We ate at both the Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks, had regular and frozen butterbeer (frozen for life), and Earl Grey lavender ice cream from Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlor. It was a little bit of a let down after the amazing food at Epcot, but still pretty okay.

I love the ambience. It's so immersive. I love that they pump the film score through the speakers. I love watching people be so excited about things. Another thing they've added is they have interactive wand spots where you can do "magic" with the shop fronts, etc. It was fun to watch everyone make things happen.

We spent so much money on the trip that we didn't come home with any souvenirs, but there was much coveting of expensive robes and house sweaters. I really wanted a Ron or Harry Mrs. Weasley sweater, but I wasn't paying $80 for one. Time to get better at knitting!

Here are some pictures as proof of our exploits!

It was super great. Highly recommended. 10/10 stars. They just took out the Dragon Challenge coaster and they're building a new ride on the Hogsmeade side, so I guess we have to go again soon!

Complete: 19. Re-read Harry Potter

I love Harry Potter. I haven't re-read the whole series in a while (and maybe only once before now?), so I needed to do it again. It was really like sitting down and catching up with an old friend. 

I was late to the party - I got the Sorcerer's Stone for Christmas in sixth grade and Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban had both already been released by then. I caught up fast and made it to a midnight release party for Goblet of Fire. I remember being proud that knew how to pronounce Hermione's name because my dad knew it.

Harry and I were the same age when a few of the books were released and I savored that connection. The seventh book came out when I was studying abroad in Japan. I wanted to read it so badly, but I to wait until I came home, at which point I devoured it. I did manage to satiate my hunger by reading the Sorcerer's Stone in Japanese that summer, though.

It only took me 18 days to get through them this time! I'm pretty proud I could do it on a short deadline, and especially that I could finish the before our trip to the wizarding world. I'm grateful for all that Harry taught me. I'm excited to introduce it to my children to come.

No time to blog!

Because I'm trying to finish all these Harry Potters before we leave for our trip! One week to go, and I'm very close to finishing the 5th book. Fingers crossed I manage it!

Complete: 29. Watch all Studio Ghibli movies in chronological order

I just love Studio Ghibli. Love love love it. I put this on my list hoping I would see the journey of the studio and Miyazaki in particular, and I feel like I did. So many cute creatures, silly airplanes, and strong girls.

I started with Castle of Cagliostro and Nausicaa even though they're not Studio Ghibli, because they're just great. I'm striking The Red Turtle from my memory after watching it for item #45 - it doesn't count as Studio Ghibli to me. I didn't want to watch it again. I never want to watch it again.

I don't think I can rank these films because I'd have like 5 #1 picks, so I'll just break it down into the best, the good, and the okay.

The best:

• Spirited Away
• Whisper of the Heart
• Kiki's Delivery Service
• Only Yesterday
• Nausicaa
• The Cat Returns
• My Neighbor Totoro
• Howl's Moving Castle
• Ponyo

The good:

• Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro
• Grave of the Fireflies
• Castle in the Sky
• On Your Mark
• Princess Mononoke
• My Neighbors the Yamadas
• Arietty
• From Up on Poppy Hill
• The Wind Rises
• The Tale of Princess Kaguya
• When Marnie Was There

The okay:

• Pom Poko

Actually there's a fourth category, the terrible - stay far away from these:

• Ocean Waves
• Tales from Earthsea

With that, I've finished 20 items on my list! This month will be busy, but I'll have lots more to report soon!