All You Need is Love

Even though February weather is typically the coldest weather of the year here in Houston, I always look forward to February because we get to celebrate one of my favorite holidays - Valentine's Day! I mean, what could be better than a holiday that is all about LOVE, and is celebrated with candy, flowers, gifts, and love notes?! What's not to love? HaHa!! So...I'll tolerate the chilly weather while I chew my ju-ju hearts and send valentines to my loved ones!

Before we got to Valentine's Day, however, I kindof made an impulsive decision to join Tara in Southern California for the weekend. Most of the time when I join Tara somewhere she spends most of her time working while I enjoy a "vacation," but this time she was enjoying some vacation time herself and we had a great time together. We stayed at a hotel that Tara visits often and knows well (besides the fact that she used to live in that area), so she knew where to go and what to do! We enjoyed beautiful jogging time every morning, then spent our days shopping, eating at favorite restaurants, and taking advantage of local entertainment. Tara had even purchased tickets for us to a show in downtown L.A., "Backbeat, The Birth of the Beatles."


One of the traditions of my childhood (that I have learned must be geographical?) is the secret delivery of valentines on the evening of Valentine's Day. It's part of the reason I love Valentine's Day so much! We have delivered valentines every year and have found that no one (outside of Utah) knows what we are doing?!! Lee and I tried to make some secret deliveries to our little grandchildren in The Woodlands and Spring. We had to go early enough that they wouldn't already be in bed and they spied our car driving by, so weren't too surprised when they heard the doorbell and found treats on their front porch.

We celebrated another family birthday in February -- little Olivia turned 3 on the 25th. In fact, she had 3 birthday celebrations: a party at the park with friends and neighbors, a cookout and party on our patio with the family, and a birthday lunch on her actual birthday! Livi keeps all of us on our toes but brings us such joy and is a bundle of fun.

Tara doubled her fun by coming for the birthday weekend, and joining her sisters at the Houston Rodeo. Amy made sure they had tickets for the Gary Allan concert and Ben was the chauffeur & chaperone. Nick had a dinner event at work, so Lee & I helped out by taking all 3 of the grandkids to McD's for dinner; then bathed and in pj's; then Lee rocked and put Leo to bed while I took Livi and Belle home and got them in bed. Whew!!

Like I said....what's not to LOVE about February?!!!