Valentine's Weekend 2009

Valentine's Day has always been a fun holiday for me, especially while growing up. Not only did I celebrate Valentine's Day with candy & cupcakes at school... but the day after, we celebrated my Dad's birthday! In the backstretch of the long winter months, those 2 celebrations have always been a bright spot.

Nowadays, mid-February is bittersweet. Although my Dad has been in heaven for 8 years, I still miss him. Yesterday to commemorate my Dad's birthday, we all sang "Happy Birthday Grandpa Laurie"... I am sure my Dad heard us and enjoyed it just as much as we did!

Elliott definitely enjoyed Valentine's Day this year. We picked out Spider-Man valentine's, which he exchanged with other kids at daycare. And he came home from his celebration giddy on chocolate & sugar, wearing his Valentine's Day crown (see picture). Truly, it's amazing how much joy Elliott derives from wearing his crown! Of course his delight bubbles over to us, too.

Rosemary's big discovery this weekend has been the magic of a balloon. When Steve first walked in the door with the balloon she was wide-eyed and silent, watching the shiny red heart bob through the house. Soon we pulled the balloon down close to her so she could bat at it... No! She didn't like it! But she did like holding the string. And realizing that if she tugged on the string the big balloon would dart toward her. Soon it wasn't too scary after all.

Steve brought home a pretty bouquet of pink and yellow roses for me. Elliott has had a hard time resisting the urge to touch "Mommy's Flowers" -- they are so enticing, sitting the vase of water in the middle of our dining table.

This weekend has been topped off by a day home from work due to the closure of daycare on President's Day. The kids and I are enjoying a calm day at home... changing out of pajamas around lunchtime and snacking on chocolate covered almonds (that would be Mommy!)