Happy Heart Day

**Flashback** Valentine's Day 1997

After some flirting and hinting I purchased Nathan a "heart gram" which consisted of a small carnations bouquet anonymously delivered from our school paper. On the included note I wrote a very cheesy three verse "roses are red..." poem that ended "this could be the start of me and you".

**Twelve years later**

Blissfully married with three delightful kids we celebrated Valentines Day with heart shaped pepperoni and sausage pizza, brandy old fashioned sweets for the parents, kiddy cocktails for the kids, and (if you look in the background of pictures 2 & 3) those carnations that make an annual appearance.

Maybe it is just a hallmark holiday to some but it was the start of something I certainly find wonderful, my blessed marriage and my happy family.

a-The main course.

b-The husband.

c-The boys "doing cheers."

d-The girl enjoying her pizza.

Moon Rise, Sun Set

While I was driving back from the Twin Cities somewhere in the middle of WI I had the moon rising out of one window and the sun setting out of the other window. While driving I (carefully) snapped pictures of each. Since I thought they were neat I thought you might too.

Wild Women Weekend

The first weekend in February I had the privilege of getting together with ten college girlfriends in the Twin Cities. We talked, laughed, reminisced, shopped, ate, cried, giggled, drank, reconnected, made new memories, relaxed, and counted ourselves blessed to have such great ladies to call friends. We'll be doing it again sometime. Love you ladies!

1: Naomi, Steph, and Brigitta lounging.

2: I wish I remember what story Erin was telling. Steph is laughing, Naomi is bewildered, and Amy's jaw has dropped. Must have been good. :)

3: Bucca picture uno.

4: Bucca picture dose.

Fun with Family

The last weekend in January Kevin and Mary stole away from their busy days to come play with us. Nathan and I knew they were coming but kept it a secret from the kids. When the doorbell rang I sent them to answer it (which was easy since they love to answer both the door and the phone). Squeals and giggles quickly erupted from kids as they realized Grandma and Grandpa were here. On that Saturday morning Nathan and Kevin headed to church to work on a small project while Mary and I bundled up the kids and played outside. Our snow pile was heaping so the kids took turns climbing to the top to be "zoomed" back down by Grandma. Although the visit was quick it was wonderful.

1: Hans, Lydia, and Grandma on the snow pile getting ready for a big, big push.

2: Lydia after a big push.

3: Hans built a snow castle on the sidewalk.

4: Evan repeatedly filled his sled with snow to more it to another location in the yard. Why?? No idea.