Valentine's Day 2016

 I think one of my favorite things about Valentine's Day is all the fun crafts that the kids make.  I remember looking forward to going to school as a kid, because we'd get to make homemade valentines and the boxes to put them in.  On a particularly snowy day in February, the kids and I decided to cover our home in hearts.  This picture doesn't even do it justice.  Bright red and pink hearts were on almost every surface that would stand still.  The kids also enjoyed making paper rose bouquets for their teachers in preparation for the big day.

This is how red Emma's face was tonight when she admitted to all of us at dinner that she has a crush on a kid at school. She's never mentioned boys until that night when she quietly and sweetly asked if maybe she could give him two Valentines at school.

My friend Janette hosted an adorable Valentine party where the kids got to play outside, make crafts, frost heart cookies and exchange valentines.  It was a fun break for the mamas too.

The night before Valentine's Day, we joined our friends Phil and Alicia and went on a date downtown.  We had pizza at Il Vicino's, Ice cream at Josh and Johns, and then we walked around the Broadmoor, which is always romantic.

Valentine's Day was on a Sunday this year, so we had time to exchange our gifts and enjoy a nice breakfast.  We had strawberries and bacon hearts, and maybe a chocolate or two. 

For dinner, we invited my mom and dad, and Cathy and Hannah over.  We had roast beef, grilled artichokes, roasted potatoes, and an assortment of german salads.  For dessert we enjoyed strawberry parfaits and watched the ever-romantic, "Notebook."  My parents snuggled and even cried a little.  It was a very sweet holiday.