Valentine's Party & Candlelight Dinner

February 11, 2010 - Mr. Galloway's 3rd Grade Valentine's Party - Edison Elementary

Today was Oliver's final radiation treatment down in Iowa City and we rescheduled his appointment for earlier in the morning so we could get back to Waterloo in time for his class Valentine's Day party at school. We hadn't told his teacher that we were coming so the class was surprised when we all came walking in! I've always loved helping out with my kids class parties and this year was no different!

The kids handing out their valentines.

Helping Ollie deliver his valentines to his classmates.

Oliver chatting with Takoda, one of his best friends.

Oliver and Grandma Young (my mom)

Ollie and all of his valentine goodies!

February 14, 2010 - Family Valentine's Day Dinner

Every Valentine's Day, starting when Oliver was 2 years old, we have a family Valentine's Dinner by candlelight! We started this tradition because we hated fighting the crowds in the restaurants. I came up with the idea of having a fancy dinner at our own house with the people we love the most, our own little family. Eden was almost 1 and 1/2 and Oliver was nearly 3 years old. We make fettucini alfredo or spaghetti, have garlic bread or breadsticks, salad and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. We even drink sparkling cider out of fancy wine glasses. The kids help decorate the table with linens, flower petals and candles. We also added some soft instrumental music in the background as well! We've loved this tradition ever since. The kids look forward to it every year!!!

The gang's all here!

Grandma & Uncle Chad

Stacy and Ed

Oliver - age 8

Eden - age 7

Jaren - age 2 1/2

Ollie being a goof! He was making us all laugh doing some hilarious 'Pistachio Disguisey' quotes from the movie, "The Master of Disguise" starring Dana Carvey! I'll have to find the video and post it!

"CHEERS!"

Eden and Ollie

Finn was hanging out in his swing next to the table. I didn't realize that he wasn't in any pictures. Oooooops! We love you, too, Finny!!! Hope you all had a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY and took the time to tell your family and friends how much you love them!!!