We did a 'Lord of the Rings' theme this year. Pops was Gandalf, Dave was Eomer (the horse prince guy), Becca (Michael's sister) was Eowin (horse prince's sister), Simon (Becca's son) was an orc, Owen (Michael's nephew) was the Witch King, Mary (Michael's niece) was an Elf, Stewart (Michael's newphew) was Legolas, Mikey was Elrond, Michael was Aragorn, Ellie was Frodo (yes, she even had a ring!), and I was Arwen. We had a blast!
Pops helped everyone (Dave and Karly's kids were there, too, of course) stay together with his awesome staff. Michael made it out of wire, tape, pvc pipe and paint. He put a flashlight in the top so it glowed! People would be driving by and stop, roll down their windows and shout, "Look there's Gandalf!" Some of these people were not little. The kids kept saying, "Stay with Gandalf-Pops!" or "Gandalf-Pops! Wait up!"
Pops got into it and when we'd cross a street he'd stay in the middle and shout, "You shall not pass!" When we'd be done at a house, he'd raise his staff and say, "Thank you" to the host.
Loved the memories.
