Love One Another

Neal and I think Valentine's Day is cheesy and a reason to sale overpriced flowers.  I truly think Neal is totally romantic and a great catch everyday.  Sometimes it's the warmth of his hand holding mine.  Other days it's washing and drying dishes side by side.  Yet another time it's laughing at (I meant with) our children together.  And then sometimes it's bringing me home a cookie or sweet from work, when they've had food there that day.  And some days it's patiently and respectfully talking things through when we are beyond frustrated with one another.  I love this man!

Having said that, we had a blast celebrating Valentine's Day with the kids. We started the morning with bull's eye heart toasts (an egg fried in a heart shaped cut-out piece of bread) and purple love potion (blueberry smoothie). 

The kids were excited to take their valentines to school.  Sophie, on this rare occasion, chose to wear her valentine tights and a skirt for her school party. 

The kids had heart shaped PB and J sandwiches and pink yogurt for lunch. 

Rhys' preschool class got canceled last minute due to illness at the teacher's home (that being where class is held) and so he helped mom at home preparing food for dinner later and playing.  No worries, they will be celebrating Valentine's on Thursday.

After picking up Sophie from school, we added our friend Kenzie to the bunch and headed over to visit our local senior living center to hand out homemade valentines and candy at their Valentine Day party.   The kids were well behaved and very friendly.  Sophie gave the best hugs.  They actually crowned a king and queen and recognized some princes and princesses with sashes and flowers. 

Upon arriving home Sophie and Kenzie were excited to share all their Valentine Day fun with us. 

Before the evenings festivities we had an elegant, candle lit dinner despite the plastic kid plates and cups.  We served spaghetti with heart shaped turkey meatballs.

While the kids were playing in the playroom, Cupid stopped by our back door and delivered the first of many notes leading us through the house on a treasure hunt.  When I told the kids this, Sophie asked what Cupid was and I told her "he's a baby in a diaper that shoot arrows at people so they'll fall in love," she fittingly declared, "That's weird" and that was that.  At the end of our hunt was a pan of fudgy brownies to share (Okay, so they had black beans and chia seeds in them but shhh!  Don't tell).

At bedtime we read a few Valentine Day children's books we checked out at our local library and gave goodnight kisses.  It was an energy packed, fun day. 

Thanks to all that sent valentines to our cuties.  They adorn our mantle and the kids talk about them.  Happy Valentine's Day to you!