Valentine's Day

Mike made a heart in my latte

We really enjoyed celebrating Valentine's Day this year. Mike and I aren't big on gifts/dates to celebrate ... although he did wash my car and put gas in it, which was pretty much the best gift ever. But we do enjoy celebrating it with the kids ... and using it as an opportunity to talk about kindness beyond one day a year.

Last Sunday, we made cherry koolaid cupcakes and frosted them with hot pink icing. Then I got out all sorts of sprinkles, put some trays on the table, and let the kids do their thing. We had some beautifully festive cupcakes as a result. Then they got super excited and packaged them up to bring to the Pilchers at hockey and to all their bus stop buddies. I got the privilege of taking them on their neighborhood delivery mission and was so proud to watch them walk up to the door solo (together, of course) and surprise their friends. They loved delivering happiness - and getting hugs from their friends.

We weren't sure they were pink enough

The kids woke up Wednesday morning to new books and Twix hearts at their spots. They also each had a heart poster at their spot that said "We love you because ..." and each member of the family had written (or told me to write) one reason why we loved that person. The girls could read their own hearts and were so excited. Dec was thrilled when I read his heart to him.

All three had parties at school and Fiona's class also went on a field trip to see Frederick at Stages Theater. They all worked really hard on putting together their Valentine's and were so happy to pass them out. Oh my goodness, the sugar high when I picked them up! They spent time today carefully going through their bags and pulling out all the treasures.

The girls and I finished up the day by heading to sports camp to watch Dec play floor hockey. Then the girls joined D and a couple of their buddies and played a little hockey after class was over. We got home just in time to get some snuggles in with Daddy before bedtime.

As is our typical for Valentine's Day, it wasn't over the top in any way. But it was special nonetheless and we loved being able to spend it together. Some of us also loved the full gas tank and shiny car the next day!

When you just want a nice picture,
but you have a pre-tween ... sigh ...