Valentines

Pretzel and cherry gumdrop heart arrows.

We have a few traditions we do here on Valentines Day. Usually, the day starts out with some kind of heart shaped breakfast. The kids get little packages on their plates. It’s usually something small like some See’s Candy. (See’s by the way, is the best chocolates and a California Valentine is not compete without a trip to the famous black and white stores! If you grew up here, you know what I mean.) I like to also get them a card with some money and a small fun gift like socks or a book. This tradition comes from my Mom, who always had little gifts for us kids at the breakfast table.

When the kids get home from school, we usually make a fun dinner together to surprise Dad. Some years we have set a picnic in front of the fire. Other times we moved the whole table by the fire. We light votives, make heart themed decor for the table and house. The last few years we have made a pork loin and a couple years we had swiss fondue. One thing we always do is make chocolate covered strawberries. So easy and they look beautiful for dessert . Champagne and sparkling cider in flutes is also mandatory! I love getting the boys helping in this too.

Later in the week, my husband Max and I will do a date night. Those first few years we did go out on Valentines night, but with the crowds, it never seemed special. For that reason, we choose to spend the holiday with our boys and it has been really sweet. We were engaged on Valentine’s Day 1996. That day is also special because our niece, Veronica was born on that day. After a getting engaged at a romantic dinner, we drove to the hospital to see our little niece. This year she will be sweet 16!