User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4150752-20110715143802

Harry Potter........ My boys now 7 and almost 9 started watching Harry Potter when they were very small. within the last 3 years my 11 year old daughter has also became a harry potter fanatic. They are all very active in sports and our lives are often hectic due to their busy schedules. At the age 4 and 5 when the television stations would show the "Harry Potter weekend" you can bet even at such an early age they would be glued to the tv for an entire weekend. Only getting off the couch for bathroom and food breaks. This has always astonished me how one boys adventure could captivate 2 very little boys, actually keeping their attention for an entire weekend. Although to us a weekend seems to fly by, we all know that small boys simply cant sit in one spot for more than a few hours much less for 2 days. They would wake up early just to make sure they didnt miss the beginning of each movie. As they have grown older watching Harry Potter has become a family event. Me, my children, my mother, and even their friends all gather around with lots of snacks, just to enjoy movies that we have seen a hundred times. It is a family event that we have grown to love and I look forward to the times we are together laughing, crying, and talking. The characters on Harry Potter have been a huge influence on my children. In our discussions I have realized that through the characters my children have learned many things about personality and behavior, as well as whats wrong and right. I would have to say that my oldest son whom is only 8 is a die hard fan. He can tell you every detail of any movie. Back to the things that my children have learned, within this last year my 8 year old has began working to earn money. He does jobs for me as well as other family members, often skipping the "play time" with his friends. With this money he has earned he has bought all 7 movies, a wii game, posters and several action figures. And although he hasn't learned this from the movies per say, his passion for the movies have modivated him to do whatever he has to in order to buy his harry potter collection, even if it requires loosing what all little boys love most, playing outside with friends! We wait in line every year to see the midnight premiere. They will not sleep any the night before because they are so excited for their adventure the next day! Standing in line at the theatre they are like little zombies anxiously awaiting the movie. Discussing and debating what will happen. My 8 year old has a birthday party coming up in a few weeks and of course the theme is Harry Potter! He is so very excited. He wants to go to the theme park so very bad, but as a singe mother with only one income, he knows that the time will come, it just may be a while. He is very understanding and accepts that. As a mother I am very grateful for the influence Harry Potter has had on my family. Its not very often families are able to gather around and enjoy the "family time" anymore. I am impressed with the impact the characters, their hardships as wells as their triumphants have left upon my children. As a Harry Potter fan myself, I too have learned to accept so many things in life. This young boy and his friends have endured so much in their young lives, and they are still thanful and humble. Its a valuable lesson that many adults still haven't figured out! Harry Potter has become a tradition and legacy within my home, making memories that will last a life time!