Harry Potter in Ballard

I love Harry Potter.  I love the magical wizarding world, the slightly dark quality, and the wisdom of Dumbledore.  I like how Rowling shows qualities of character, strength, and heroism through ordinary people (ordinary people who also happen to be wizards).  When I'm in the world of J.K. Rowling, I feel relief that there are adults in the world who will put themselves in harms way for the greater good. 

Not only does living in the Puget Sound mean I am able to enjoy lush greenery, mountains, water, and a delicious food scene.  I am surrounded by well-read, nerdy people.  Another lover of all things Halloween, October, and Harry Potter constructed his very own Diagon Alley.  Randomly, the house is right in our old neighborhood.  Maybe you've heard about this bit of Harry Potter fandom.  A guy left his job to build a model of Diagon Alley in his driveway and got a little carried away.  He put it up for Halloween and has since left it up.  Earlier this month Dumbledore visited.  I'm sad I missed it. 

I feel so lucky that as a fan, something was happening for free right in my own backyard.  The kids and I drove down to Ballard to check in out. We were not disappointed.

 Linus was my photographer for the bulk of our trip. 

 Check out the dragon on top of the Gringott's Playhouse!

 Being in Ballard, we cruised the Olympic Hills Christmas light scene.  Despite a deep desire for a Cupcake Royale holiday cupcake, I couldn't deal with the parking scene.  Instead we made a quick stop by the grocery store on the way home.  Crowds were light so each kid managed their own cart.

The fact that someone took it upon themselves to create the world of Harry Potter for everyone to enjoy free of charge, is proof there is still goodness in humanity.  It was a fun night.  One of these days I will finally make it to Universal Studios to see Harry Potter.  In the meantime thank you random dad of Ballard.   You are my new hero.