2023 Valentine's Love Day Dates

Happy Saturday! It is hard to believe this year was our 5th annual Love Day dates with our kiddos for Valentine’s Day.

It is hard to believe this year was our 5th annual Valentine's Day Love Dates with our kids.

When I was single in college I remember one of my girlfriend’s dads coming to take her out for Valentine’s Day, and for whatever reason, I remember deciding then and there that when I was a parent I would take out my son every year for Valentine’s Day so that he didn’t need a significant other to make the day special.

Zach and I still go out the two of us, but at some point in February, we each take out our respective kiddos on a “Love Day” date. When Caleb was little he used to call Valentine’s Day Love Day, and it stuck.

Their first ever Love Day date 5 years ago.

And now look at them. Daddy and his girls.

And look at this sweet little 4-year-old boy. It’s hard to believe Caleb is younger than Lily is today in this pic.

Now, look at him. Zah and I always keep our dates a secret, and this year I surprised Caleb with a trip to SkyZone, a local indoor trampoline park.

Definitely not a little 4-year-old right there. Side note, he has worn that Tua jersey for a week straight. I wish I was kidding and could say I forced him to let me wash it. But that would be a lie. Don’t worry, it’s going in the laundry tonight.

I would like to think that I am in good shape, but this trampoline park could convince me otherwise. It didn’t help that Caleb turned every obstacle into a race and that, consequently, I am too competitive to say no. I was sore by the end of these two hours with a bruise on my left knee to prove it.

I was NOT dressed right for this adventure. I was dying in that turtleneck. I saw a friend from high school there with his daughter, and I had to apologize for the sweat running down my face while I was talking. Ha.

We had so much fun. I took all of these pics either at the beginning or in the last 5 minutes of our time, otherwise, my phone stayed in the car. I try to be intentional about creating moments that are totally phone free with my kiddos [which is sadly harder than it should be].

Zach took the girls to the North Museum of Nature and Science by Franklin and Marshall College.

Here they are looking at a strand of Gracie’s hair under a microscope.

When I texted Zach for our planned ice cream run afterward he said they would join us later as they were having to much fun to leave yet, even for ice cream.

The museum offers a planetarium show which the girls enjoyed.

<sigh> This girl is 10 going on 16.

These are two of the biggest personalities and sweetest sisters around.

Last year I had a woman tell me that she and her husband started this same tradition because of reading my posts, and IT MADE MY DAY. In fact, it is the very reason I bother with the time to even record and share these moments because I want to make it easier for YOU to make quality time with the ones you love. After all, the number one predictor of human happiness? Meaningful human connection. Maybe it is time for you to connect.

On the blog this week, I shared my recipe for orange creamsicle scones, reminiscent of the old-fashioned ice cream bar with a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.

Another tasty and easy recipe? These cookie drop brownies are an easy dessert to make with your kids, last-minute company, or on your family vacation.

Find beauty in the everyday with this week’s podcast episode – award-winning author Kim Montenero shared simple and affordable tips to create a beautiful home including 3 amazing DIY ideas for cottage style decor on a budget.

Also, check out these 10 Scrabble Tile Craft Ideas to re-purpose leftover game pieces.

Let’s check out more inspiration from this week’s Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!

This tasty roasted garlic dip only has six ingredients that come together in minimal time to create a cool and creamy, garlicky dip that’s perfect for any get-together.

Learn how to organize your kitchen into work-friendly zones with ease, making it more functional and efficient.