An Evening with Ella Enchanted

We started reading Ella Enchanted as a family last fall on a car trip up north (I think that was when it was....)  And we finally finished it last Saturday! It was fun sharing a story together, especially this story. I love this book!

For the most part, everyone enjoyed it (even my rough & tough handsome cowboy) although Zoe didn't pay too much attention....she did the best she could for being 4. And Molly....well, she was merely a distraction when we tried to read it!

To mark the occasion, we had an Ella Enchanted Dinner Party Saturday night.

I put up a royal invitation (on the fridge) to let the Shakespear kingdom know of the upcoming festivities. This was met with much anticipation throughout the land. Each of the invitees were encouraged to arrive in fancy party attire.

And they did not disappoint.

Ryan arrived in a lovely suit coat two sizes too small and a ruffly pink boutonniere. And you have to give him props. The poor man had the flu, but he still wouldn't miss the royal party!

 Zoe was a beautiful fairy.

 Emmett was an elf in a blue hat (can you tell that was a last minute costume?)

Sam and Weston wore their Dad's clothes and said they were sleepy giants!

On the menu we had....

Torlin Kerru (Garlic & Butter sauteed mushrooms)
Areida's Rolls
Giant Potatoes from Uaaxee's farm (with chili, cheese, ranch and ham )
Quail Eggs (Deviled eggs)
Tonic (The BEST Party Punch)
Roly Poly Pudding (Oreo Pudding Poke Cake)

Before we sat down to dine on our luxurious feast, we had a rousing game of Ella Says (instead of Simon Says). Since Ella is cursed to do as she's told I thought it was a fitting game.  The kids loved it. And I kept getting out! Ack! Need to pay attention better....

At dinner I asked some Ella Enchanted trivia questions....they got almost all of them right!

We had the kids try No Thank You bites of the Torlin Kerru. They gagged on it. But at least they tried the mushrooms! Needless to say, we didn't get any mushroom converts.

And then we got into our jammies, grabbed some blankets and pillows and snuggled up to watch the movie Ella Enchanted.

And I know, I know, people. The movie is NOTHING like the book.  Just about the only thing they have in common is that they're both about a girl named Ella who is cursed with obedience. It's crazy how much the stories differ.

But it was still fun to watch. And the kids hadn't seen it before. I wonder why the producers, writers, the powers that be, decided to change the story so much. If you haven't read the book and you've only seen the movie, you're doing yourself a serious disservice. Read the book! It's grand.

Now we're reading Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George. It stars a castle that grows new rooms when it gets bored....so fun, right? I read the first chapter to the family tonight. Weston said, "Can you please read one more chapter?" Don't you just love that question?

Alright, now what are you reading?