Valentine's Day, February 14

We were up at 6:30 this morning to get ready to travel a couple of hours south to Son's and Daughter-in-Law's house. Before we left, Hubbie, Mother, and I exchanged Valentine cards.

It was sunny today, but windy-cold. Signs of spring are everywhere, though. The yellow crocus is blooming in our yard, and along the way south, we noticed that certain varieties of trees are budding, and purple clover is in some of the fields.

We arrived at Son's before 11 a.m. and started heating double batches of chicken noodle and 11-bean with ham and Rotel soups. Mother and the other daughter-in-law fixed a tray of deli turkey and ham, and a variety of cheeses. A nephew and wife provided a couple of types of chips with dip. Everyone provided their own favorite soft drinks.

Thirty of us gathered for lunch. I was surprised that most of the family chose the chicken noodle soup over the 11-bean. I figured they'd rather have the spicier soup.

Following lunch, we gathered in the living room to present gifts to the birthday honorees. This month, both Son and Daughter-in-Law celebrated birthdays, as well as Grandson, Granddaughter, and two nephews.

After the gift giving, fifteen-year-old Great-Nephew entertained us in a recital of bluegrass music. He played several numbers, both on fiddle and guitar. We were all appreciative of this very talented family member.

Then we enjoyed chocolate and vanilla cupcakes that Mother had made, with a choice of chocolate, vanilla, and butternut ice creams, provided by one of the daughters-in-law.

Before everyone needed to leave, we gathered in the yard for family group snapshots. By 4 p.m., we were ready to get on the road home. It was great visiting with family in Son and Daughter-in-Law's very pleasant home, and getting to cuddle the newest babies, who are now pulling themselves up in preparation to walk soon. They advance so much between times we get to see them.

When we got back home, we had more soup and sandwiches for supper, and then settled in to relax in front of TV. First, we watched "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown," followed by favorite one-hour programs that I'd recorded on DVR.