Hunting for Hearts

Another note to my readers --- oh my -- another blogging post mistake -- the secone one in a week --perhaps I'm getting too old for this carry on -- I inadevertently posted my V-day post on my China blog-- thanks goodness I've good IT support (AKA Lianne). So here's a little blurb on how Julia and I celebrated. I used to long for the romantic celebration of the day -- these last 7 years -- I've loved celebrating it with Julia, the true love of my life.

February can mean the blahs -- but I find that there is something nicer about February than January -- a new semester for me helps shake it up a bit, a short month makes things easier to bear - we are one month closer to June -- and of course, there's Valentine's Day.

Julia got us started with her centre piece.

There were cookies to bake --adapted from Jan's great Christmas cookie recipe.

Even some red hearts -- however, I looked like Lady Macbeth
after rolling out the red dough -- a bit disconcerting.

And then the second annual Heart Hunt.

It is an easy way to make even hunting for toothpaste fun.

Julia was on the hunt for some essentials to take with us to China.

Reading one of the clues.

A treat that was waiting for her --

a little travel make-up case, just like Mama's (and Bryanna)

for health and beauty aids for the trip.

Ella Enchanted was hiding on the window ledge.

One of the clever clues I was crafting at midnight the night

before while watching Olympic highlights.

The big finale - some new PJs for the trip

(Julia's in a growth spurt and lighter easier-to pack pjs from last season are too short).

She loves this silky Wizards of Waverly Place pair. Oh yes, and the Smarties.

I'm struck by how much she looks like Maclean here.

I'm really not used to the big teeth yet.

Hope you all had a great time with your loved ones.

Happy Valentine's Day.