valentine's day

ah, the day of love. we like to think that every day is a day to celebrate love...but hey! why not set aside an entire holiday just for all that good stuff? anything that involves heart-shaped cards and flowers and chocolates and date nights and presents and decadent meals is just fine in our books, even if some people think it is a cheesy and commercial joke of a holiday. cupid, we like you around here.

this year, we dropped off miss elinor at the grandparents' house on friday night and enjoyed some happy hour time together before heading home to enjoy an evening all to ourselves. i am talking sappy romantic movies and popcorn and chocolate and candy while snuggling on the couch. it was bliss. and on "the big day" we got to sleep in a bit and then relax together to the sounds of hozier spinning away on the record player while sipping decaf french roast with grass-fed butter (our obsession. try it, it is great). and then, off to brunch at southern rail.

we grabbed a table that was perfectly placed half inside the restaurant and half al fresco. a delightful breeze was blowing, the sun was shining, and we feasted on some incredible food. croque madame for me and biscuits and gravy for him. aaaaand we split a sticky bun for dessert because brunch dessert is a must on valentine's day.

after our tummies were full, we went to pick up elinor from her playdate and she regaled us with her adventures from her sleepover. swimming time and walks in the wagon and ice cream and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and carousel rides on horses and rides on the choo-choo train. wowee! she sure enjoyed herself.

after a much-needed afternoon nap, our little family gathered together for a special meal. so sweet to get to share this day of love with our daughter because gosh, we love her lots.

ben is always extra sweet on valentine's day. he really knows what he is doing. he opts for chocolate and sour heart candies over flowers because he knows that i would much rather indulge my sweet tooth than care for pretty flowers that will inevitably die on their own or that i will kill by my neglect. so, we enjoyed a few treats after dinner which was such fun. elinor nibbled on some chocolate with us and even got a sour gummy or two (which i feel okay about since they are from whole foods so...healthy).

and when it comes to presents, ben is the most thoughtful. and now that elinor can get in on the fun, it is extra great. she is so tickled when she learns that a present is for her. and she even likes opening cards! what a doll. i don't know how many times she said, "thank you muuuuuuch" during the course of the evening. ben gave "his girls" brown paper packages tied up with string and kind words tucked away in glittery cards to accompany them. what a guy. and what a weekend.

i sure do love my little family. they are such a blessing. i am so honored to be loved by ben and what a delight to watch him love our little girl too.