Loving Februrary

As you know, we like to celebrate holidays around here.  Any excuse to make a big deal- we'll take it.  Valentine's day/month...perfect excuse.  Sadly, this February came and went almost before we even realized it.  That isn't to say we did nothing though.  On the contrary.  We'll just have to wait until next year to go all out pink and red!

So what did we do...?  See for yourself.

Playgroup this week happened to be at our house, so we had to make an event of it.  Unlike last year's endeavors to string necklaces, make homemade cards and frost cookies...we just went for the cookies.  I didn't see any disappointed faces though.  Who would with sugar-y cookies around?

And, right on time...not two days before the big day...it was Grandma Tina to the rescue.  A Valentine's package stuffed full of treats, toys and love.  I don't have to tell you that the kids enjoyed these for days after.  And perfect timing, for Andrew and I celebrated our Valentine's that night and the treats and movie that were included provided ample diversions for the babysitter!

And last, but certainly not least, was the Valentine's celebration at school.  To prepare, Gavin devoted many an hour working on his "mail box" while mom spent equal amounts of time making and frosting cookies for the big day.  Between these and the ones from playgroup- we are happy not to see another sugar cookie for a long time to come!

 At school, they did secret friendship gifts for their activity.  The gifts had to cost less than $5 in materials and had to be home made.  Gavin's secret friend was Riley and he made him a mug decorated with his name and lightning bolts- of course.  No sort of hearts here.  Such a boy.  He filled the mug with hot chocolate packages and marshmellows- one of his favorite things.  With their third grade buddies, they wrote clues for their secret friends.  Instead of describing his looks- blond hair, blue eyes, etc.  Gavin writes, "I have awesome eyes.  I am smart.  I like my hair spiky.  My favorite animal is a wolf."  How is that not obvious? :)  The present was a success...big hug for the picture.

And then it was Gavin's turn.  His secret friend was Michael.  He painted Gavin a piggy bank with his name on it.  Gavin was thrilled.  Again, big hug for the picture.

With cookies, punch, and these cute little donut hole ice cream treats that another mom brought in, the day was complete.  They had divided their Valentine's out the Friday before, so a box full of more sugar came home that day as well.  It wouldn't be Valentine's Day otherwise.

We hope your day was as great.  We love you all.  Happy Valentine's to you!