"Happy Valentine's!"

"HAPPY VALENTINE'S!" This is what Caeden said all day yesterday.  He always forgets the "Day," but that's what makes it so cute!  We had a pretty fun, eventful day!  We actually started our festivities last week, by reading lots of Valentine's books and making our Valentine mailboxes.

Then came Valentine's morning, Caeden woke up to find a small present on the table from mommy & daddy: a new book & frog cup. :)  He then had a chocolate chip pancake - one of his favorites!

Then I just had to take a picture of the next pancake I made for him & Ella.  It was a pinterest idea, and they turned out super cute!  Caeden & Ella loved them!

After breakfast, we got dressed in our red Valentine's shirt (yes, I'm "that" mom), and made a simple craft that Caeden's Nonnie had sent for him to do.  It was a Valentine's monkey that he wanted to hang on the closet door.  I wanted to get a picture of him holding it, but he wouldn't let me...

His Nonnie had also sent a Valentine's card for me to put in his playhouse mailbox that morning.  He was super excited when he found real "mail" in his "mailbox!"

Next, we made our Valentine's cards!  Caeden & Ella each got to make a card for each other.  I tried to help them think of what the other person would like.  So, Caeden made Ella's card with purple paper, teddy bear stickers, and glitter.  Ella made Caeden a similar card also.  When they were all done, I let them put them in each other's Valentine's mailbox that we made last week.  Then Ella made a super cute card for her mommy & daddy with her handprints (formed into a heart) and a footprint.  Sorry...forgot pictures...  And lastly, they made a card with cookie cutters & paint!  (Another pinterest idea...)  Ella made this one for her brother Avery, and Caeden made this one for his Daddy!  This was probably their favorite card to make.

We then took a break, read some books, and played.  For lunch, we had heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches.  And after lunch...cookie-baking time!  We made peanut butter blossoms - but with chocolate hearts, instead of kisses (Thanks again, pinterest!)  This was Caeden's gift to his Daddy.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing and taking naps. :)  When Daddy got home, Caeden finally got to open his Valentine's mailbox that he had waited for all day.  In it were Valentine cards and small goodies from Nana & Papa and Mommy & Daddy.  The gift bag was a present from Nonnie & Grandpa.

We finished off the evening with Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti & Garlic Biscuits for dinner.  Caeden took a bath, got his Valentine's PJ's on, and watched "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown."  Then we all headed to bed, exhausted, but thankful for our day!