Valentine's family night.

After hearing that both of my parents had a hard week my sister Annie, (Who has been living with us while working a temp job before she leaves on her mission.) thought it'd be nice to do a surprise family night that allowed us to let Mom and Dad know some of the *many* reasons we love them.  She was going to be home the next Monday and just asked everyone to participate digitally. We all sort of last minute decided to actually be there for the surprise family night. So Annie and I prepared the meal and lesson etc... so that Mom wouldn't wonder why the portions were so big and wouldn't plan family night herself (she's a superstar like that). 

We've always had a family focus for Valentine's in our family, so it's always been a holiday that was fun to celebrate for me, even though I never had a *special someone* before Kevin. (we got engaged a few days before Valentine's Day.) Our family always decorated brown paper bags with our name and hearts the first week of February and hung them on our doors.  We then gave each other handmade Valentines throughout the month.  It's a tradition I LOVE and will carry on with my family.  Valentine's is about love but not just romantic love, there are so many people who have touched my life through their love and friendship, why not celebrate it?
 
Annie was absolutely the mastermind behind the whole thing, and she likes to go big...always.  So, on top of a delicious meal she also decided to try a new recipe for dessert. Mini conversation heart cheesecakes.  (see recipe here.) And wanted to decorate a little too.  So, I made a banner with felt hearts, card stock and twine.  Lately, I tend to do enough to *get by* but I'm glad Annie pushed for the details that made it a really special night. We'll miss her in Australia. :) (as she reminds me frequently)

conversation hearts. (unfortunately I didn't get a pic until they were almost all eaten.)

*banner to celebrate the parentals*

Happy Valentine's Day!