A Special Valentine's Day

This year the kids and I woke up to find this in the kitchen!

The kids got a sweet book from Daddy and a Dora book from Mommy along with her favorite snacks.  Natalie also got a rose and a precious card to which she responded, "Ah how sweet," after I read it to her! I got some new sewing tools and my favorite candy bar (score!).  We had a card and daddy's favorite candy waiting for him when he woke up a little earlier than us=)

BUT the special part of the day was getting to spend it with my sister and her family!

They were passing through on their way to West Texas and only stayed one night so I wanted to make that night fun and special....

As you can see, we had a delicious dinner and dessert!  My nephew, Evan, was beyond excited about the dessert. He made sure that everyone saw it and knew what it was!

The kids all ate really well (yes, even my child) and had fun at their own table!

After dinner we decided to open a few more presents. Brian and I got Evan and Audrey a little gift to help them on their long road trips and Mimi and Poppi sent gifts for the kids as well.  Evan opened his card from Mimi and Poppi to discover some cash and as you can see from the picture, he was thrilled!  The older three all got some cash and a Valentine mailbox with cards to decorate.  Since none of them are in a classroom this was a fun activity for them to "pass out" Valentine cards.  Joaquin got cash too, but he was more excited about the squeezy food pouches that came in his gift sack. He downed one immediately!  

Natalie really enjoyed this and wrote several cards to family and friends. Too cute! Thanks for the fun, Mimi and Poppi!

A couple of days before Valentine's Day the kids received a package in the mail from Grandma.  I wasn't able to hide the box from Natalie so we had to open it then=) I'll admit I was a little excited to see it too!

Grandma sent the kids a new book (always a crowd favorite) and some new slippers for Natalie. She thought they were so cool.  Joaquin really enjoyed his card and new shoes which were too cute for words!

Thanks Grandma for making Valentine's special for the kids=) Smiles were all around.

I'm so thankful for family. Not because of the gifts but because of how much they love my kids. What a blessing!  And so thankful to get to love on my niece and nephew for Valentine's Day this year!