It’s no secret I love Valentine’s Day.
Darling Ben made it my favorite holiday twenty-two years ago and I’ve added to the decorations and celebrations every year since.
We’ve filled the day with traditions: decorating sugar cookies, staircase sledding, doorbell ditching and my very favorite of all, making Valentines for each other.
No matter how many sparkly papers and cute stickers I buy, they tend to use the plain paper and their wild creativity.
this pull-tab Valentine Xander made for Gabe might be my favorite: All the things I love about Gabe… his face, his kindness, his brains, his hair, his street cred, that he’s my brother. Love, Xander
We were lucky enough to entice a few friends to the party. Will, our adorable next door neighbor. As Mary describes him, “My sixth brother. The one I never fight with.”
The lovely Jacque and Audrey White, from Massachusetts, at the end of the table.
dear Mary, you’re my favorite sister! No doubt about it. Love, Xander
Dad- thanks for filling my empty head with sense. Love, Ben
The inside of the bicycle card reads: Dear Hans, You are such a good son and a good person. I wish I was a 17 year old again so I could hang out with you. Love, Dad
dear Mommy, my love for you is endless like this loop. You are great; don’t ever change. Love, Hans
Dear Xander, you’re so silly and funny and smart. I am glad you are my brother (most of the time). Love, Mary
Ben stayed at the table even after everyone else had moved on to sugar cookies. He did have three years of Valentines to make up for.
Our neighbor found this baby bunny in a snow bank three weeks ago. She’s worked her way into our hearts.
more staircase silliness, and serenading Hope
Cath
The expressions of love between your family are what makes this holiday so sweet. I’m always touched by it. And I have to say, one of your gifts is to connect people. I’m so grateful I have met some of your friends too. xoxo And Happy Birthday to Ben!
Tracy
I look forward to this very post every single year. LOVE. xo