Valentines Eats 'n Treats

Our family likes food. That ain't no mystery. And when it comes to the holidays, we like to have fun! I love to incorporate hearts and red and pink in everything when its Valentine's Week. Its basically a Valentine's explosion.

While I went to Ella's preschool party on Friday, Joey graciously stayed home with Cali(she wasn't feeling good). I have missed a lot of things at Ella's school either because I was sick or out of town, so I REALLY wanted to go. Joey was so sweet in staying home for me. I considered it one of the best Valentine's gifts-thanks honey! And not only did he stay home with Cali, he went all out to create a little fun for her too. . .while her sisters were at school partying, she had a little sandwich party of her own! Joey took this adorable sequence of photos. . .

Thanks Daddy!

One night we had our traditional Papa Murphy's heart-shaped pizza for dinner. . .

Daddy and his girls about to enjoy. Mommy behind the camera. She enjoyed too...probably more than her share.

One day when the kids were all home sick, we made these Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies(idea from the lovely Bakerella). They were super easy, yummy and fun!

Then, on Valentine's Day, we made and decorated the traditional heart-shaped sugar cookies. The kids worked hard and did a fantastic job! The older girls made candy faces on their cookies. They were really cute.

Even Cali got to enjoy some of the action this year. She was so good spreading her icing and carefully placing her candy on. She was also good at taking off all the candy and eating it. Then licking the icing off the cookie. She was all about the toppings. Forget the darn cookie!

Oh yeah, and after she was done she decided to put the plate, frosting side down, on her head. And instead of telling her no, we encouraged her with a "Say cheese!" Dumb parents:)

Here is my pretty cookie. I was only able to snap a shot of mine(I was last finishing) because everyone had already started eating theirs before I got the camera out again! Oh well, I know Aubrey used her camera to take a few shots. She'll post theirs soon. :)

One other thing I did was "consider" making heart-shaped pancakes again this year. They were a hit last year. But then I woke up yesterday really tired and decided-naaah. I'd rather not have a bazillion dishes to do! So, I got out Eggo waffles, popped them in the toaster, used heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out waffle hearts and topped them with strawberry syrup. The kids were just as happy as they would have been with homemade pancakes, but without all the work for Mom. Hooray! Just an idea I thought I'd share!

And no, I'm not done posting Valentine's pics yet. . .more coming. . .oh yeah, lots more. . .you've been warned.