Valentine's Day 2011

Ever since I became a Mom Valentine's Day is one of my favorite Holidays.  I think it is because all the wonderful memories I have growing up with my Mom making Valentine's Day special with little notes in our lunches, Valentine's presents like cards, candy, and books.  It is fun to now carrying on some of those great traditions and adding some of my own.

 I love decorating the house for Vday.  This year while Ryan was in Las Vegas on a business trip he surprised me by bringing home these cute Valentine's Chair backers from the PB kids outlet there.  I had been wanting these little mailboxes for a couple of years but couldn't ever justify buying them (they were kind of spendy).  It was one of the best presents he has ever gotten me (seriously)!  I was so happy and surprised.

The mailboxes have little slots on the top to put Valentine's in.  The whole family had so much fun making and putting in Valentine's cards into each others mailbox secretly.  The kids were so excited to finally get to open all their mail on Valentine's Day. 

Ashby wrote some really cute cards to me and Ryan.  She is so mature for her age it always surprises me with the things she thinks to write by herself.  Her card to me said, "Dear Mom, I appreciate all you do.  Happy Valentine's Day."  Another one she wrote to me said on the front, "from your secret giver"  Then on the inside of the card she had various sayings like, "you're sweeter than chocolate" and "best cook award". 

For Ryan's card Ashby wrote, "Be mine" and in a little foam heart she wrote the words, "My hero!"  How cute is that?! 

Dalton's mailbox loot

Ashby's mailbox loot:

Ryan found these great Mario Brothers pull back action cars for each of them.  Princess Peach for Ashby and Mario for Dalton.  He also found these cute little heart gumball machines.  The kids LOVED them!  I love that I can totally trust Ryan to do any kind of shopping for the kids.  He is so good at it!  He always gets the cutest things but that are also inexpensive.

The kiddies checking out their stuff V-Day morning.

I loved how each of the kids took the time to actually read all their Valentine's cards.  They really loved it.  It was fun to watch.

For Ashby's lunch that day I made her a heart shaped sandwich along with all red things in her lunch (like strawberries, red fruit loops, etc.).  I also put a little heart shaped note in her sandwich box as a surprise.  She loved it.
Ryan and I went to the temple and dinner last Friday b/c on actual Valentine's Day Ashby had a basketball game.  We decided to do take-out that night after her game.  It was delish!  Ryan also surprised me with a coupon for a new maternity swimsuit since we booked our flights to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary!!  So excited!!

Happy V-Day!!