Valentine's Day

I just looked back at Valentine's Day post from last year, when I received flowers and diamonds from Jonathan and took the kids to the zoo.  I was wondering whether I'd receive any jewels this year from him.  I didn't, but I thought I'd post about how we (the kids, anyway) spent Valentine's day.  (And, let me say that I am thankful that Jeff was not out of the country this year, but safely at home!)

Jonathan made a "Valentine's Advent Calendar" for me.  He used the box from his Advent calendar (from Christmas, of course) and put surprises behind each door.  I was supposed to open one and build it each day leading up to the 14th.  Yes, friends, I was privileged to get a Lego surprise each day.  What mom wouldn't love that?


Jonathan's Valentine art from school.  Notice how it's all about the grid.  Even art has to do with building something around here.


After Jonathan came home from his class party, he used some of his surprises to make this for me.

Also, he made a "scavenger hunt" for Jeff and me.  I put that in quotes because he put little candies in plastic bags and spread them around the house.  We were supposed to look for them.  They were pretty easy to find!

And, Jeff and I each got one of these.  As you can see, our little guy is pretty into this holiday.


I did the same scavenger hunt for the kids that I've been doing for the past couple of years.  Jonathan requested it, so I think it has become a tradition.  It was really fun to see him lead Grace to each spot this year.


Instead of little treats at each location, I just had one gift for them at the final destination.  (A new shirt for each kid.)


We made heart-shaped muffins (yes, from a mix.  It was a big accomplishment for us to bake at all, and we squeezed it in during Benjamin's naptime.)


Mixing!

Here's my littlest Valentine. Look at those cheeks.  He is filling out much earlier than either of the older kids did.  I'm still having to help him a bit with the nursing, but it's much easier with him than it was with Grace.  I'm thankful!


He is a major back archer like Grace was.  Aunt Connie, do you recognize the romper?


I tried to get a picture of him smiling, but I couldn't time it right.  Take my word for it, though, he did smile.

Hope you all had a Valentine's Day that was as sweet as ours!