Sydney got a letter in the mail last week from a secret admirer, inviting her on a special Valentine's date. She was so excited, bouncing around the house and trying to guess who it could be all week. She thought it might be her beloved cousin, Mason (who lives 4 states away), or Santa. We weren't sure what her reaction would be when her daddy knocked on the door. But her reaction melted my heart.

Waiting for her date. She picked out her outfit - my skirt and necklace (the skirt fell down to her feet during the date, so maybe next time I'll choose her outfit). ;)

She was beaming and felt like such a big girl. Tommy took her to a fancy restaurant, and when the waiter asked if Sydney wanted a kid coloring sheet, she said no. She was on a real date, after all.

My sister, Malinda, started the Valentine's Day tea party tradition, and we carry it on her name. In fact, as I was laying out the place settings and goodies, Sydney said, "I wish Malinda made this!" ;) Maybe crackers and Cheese Whiz wasn't the kind of fancy Sydney had hoped for. But we enjoyed it just the same.

Noah serenaded us with the accordion while Max danced the jig.

Noah hasn't quite mastered the art of drinking out of a cup. 

We are loving the 70 degree February! I think we will eat all our meals outside.