Will You Be My Valentine?

 Today has definitely been the best Valentine's Day ever!  After enjoying a rare chance to wake L'ie Bear up, Chad surprised her with a new V-day shirt.  It was perfect for the day, and I was especially impressed that he went to a Toys R Us, all by himself, to pick it out.

Since I had to work, L'ie was scheduled to go to daycare.  She spent 4 hours playing with other kids and really seemed to enjoy herself.  We are certainly blessed to have found such a great daycare provider, who allows us to bring her on an as-needed basis.

Once my morning in court was over, I picked L'ie up.  I still had to get some valentine's goodies for Chad, so the Bear and I jumped in the car, turned up the radio, and ran some errands.  After that, we headed home for a much needed nap.  

Chad surprised us again by coming home early, so we decided to exchange gifts before dinner.  L'ie Bear got a new stacking toy and Chad even gave her a rose.  I think it is so sweet that her first Valentine's Day flower came from her dad, and I hope this is a tradition that continues as she gets older!  

One rose for mommy and one rose for L'ie

Once we finished opening gifts, we headed out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, the Hacienda El Paso Mexican Grill, for dinner.  Chad and I chose the restaurant because they were having a live mariachi singer and L'ie loves their refried beans!  The singer was VERY loud, but it turned out to be perfect, because the Bear was able to make as much noise as she wanted without disturbing any other tables.  Plus, she really enjoyed watching and listening to the singer.  Perhaps we do have a budding musician in our future!  We finished the dinner with an ice cream sundae and sopapillas, and we even gave L'ie her first small taste of ice cream.  She is a big fan.  (Note: Boy will her birthday be a fun event)

The Bear at dinner!

Understandably, L'ie Bear was exhausted by the end of the day and is now fast asleep in her bed.   And after spending the day/evening with my two loves, I am certain that I could not have asked for a better Valentine's Day!   Nearly 8 years ago, everything changed for the better when I agreed to spend my future with the love of my life.  And nearly 1 year ago, we welcomed L'ie Bear into the world, I suddenly had another love in my life and once again everything changed for the better.  Many things will change over the years, but the one thing that will remain constant is the love I feel for my sweet little family!  Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Photo taken right after Chad proposed on May 12, 2004

Photo taken during a family outing on January 29, 2012.