Valentine's Day

 Love is in the air.

We celebrated with the kids' Valentine's Day parties at school.

 Arts and crafts.

 (Lorelei made this card at school. I got goosebumps when I looked inside. She had decided to draw an airplane and just happened to write "United" on it for the airline. I don't think she could have possibly known how significant that was to me, but I almost cried. I grew up flying everywhere on United Airlines because my dad worked there for over 30 years. Everytime I see a United plane, I think of Dad. Yeah, goosebumps.)

 Gryffy made me this sweet thumbprint bookmark. I love his little thumbprints and that boy knows I love to read.

Secret messages were revealed.

 Gryffy made all his Valentines himself. He was so proud to hand them out at school.

 We heart attacked our house and mantel.

On Valentine's Day morning, the kids went on a scavenger hunt for their valentines. It was so much fun watching their faces light up when they found each one.

 Big cards with big love inside.

Now the kids are playing with the bunny and rolling suitcases around (they're going on vacation with Mr. Tubbins) and Fed Ex is on the way with my surprise from Mark.  (I built him a desk. He loved it.)

So blessed by my Valentines--I love Mark and the kids so much. Happy Valentine's Day!

Lulu-Belle of the Ball

The long-awaited Daddy-Daughter Dance was tonight, and Lorelei squeezed into the same gorgeous red velvet dress for the third year in a row (it was our flower girl's dress). She always adds the wings for a bit of fluff, and pulls of a perfect Valentine's angel.

 Mommy attacked the car for the second time this week, turning it into the Pumpkin Coach for our sweet Cinderella.

Gryffy had to get in on the pictures.  While Lorelei and Daddy were at the ball, he had a special play date/make-your-own-pizza-dinner with friends Adria and Isaac (which meant Mommy had some friend time, too).

 Aren't they a stunning couple?! Lulu-Belle of the Ball.

 Time to go to Red Robin for dinner, then a stop over at Target to pick up a crown (Daddy's idea). "C'mon, Daddy!" Even from behind, you can see L's excitement.  She rubs her nose like a squirrel when she's hyped.

 They went to the dance through Blue Valley Rec this year, because their usual dance at Lifetime Fitness was on Saturday night, and Daddy had a gig. This one cost twice as much, and wasn't half as nice, Mark said. But Lorelei came home beaming ear to ear, so she must not have noticed. Mark said she spent most of the night drawing pictures on the song request forms.  That's SO Lorelei :o)

 Isn't she lovely?  This girl is such a joy to me--we totally "get" each other, and I love that!  I love my sweet girl so much!

My Funny Valentines

This year, Mark and I have made dating the priority that it should be, so I planned a few (six) date nights ahead of time, complete with gift cards. Mark loved the gift, which thrilled me because "gifts" just isn't my love language. Score. (He treated me to a full day at the spa, which was simply divine. O, I do love Valentine's Day!) 

 The kids had no problem bolting out of bed this morning after our Bible story for their Valentine's treats. I've started gathering them into my bed after Mark leaves in the morning, and waking them up to a story. It makes the morning run so much smoother (waking up has become a real battle of the whines lately).

 Of course, Valentine's Day simply isn't complete without a heart attack--the walls are smothered in heart doilies we made a couple weeks ago.

 And someone forgot to park in a hidden location last night, and suffered for it this morning. He should know better by now...

 Lorelei's class party.

 I love you a whole bunch too, Lulu-B!

 Gryffy's class party.

 Good lord, does that boy ever steal my heart!

After G's party we had lunch at Chick-Fil-A with Grammy, then speech and a trip to the library. As soon as we got home, the kids tore into their Valentine's gifts and began painting. These kids are crazy about art projects--sure, they make large messes virtually everywhere they go, but they are so creative and entertain themselves for hours.  Hours.  And they usually clean up their messes (with a bit of nagging).

And I just had to tuck in this photo, too, because G usually doesn't nap, but will bring a pillow downstairs every once in awhile and fall asleep in the middle of the kitchen floor. That kid can't stand the thought of missing out on anything!

 And notice my red coat tucked around him?  Big sister did that when I wasn't looking.  She sure loves her little brother, and he sure loves her back.

Funny Valentines. We're so blessed with love on this Valentine's Day!