V-Day
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The big heart day… and it was a busy one.
On the way to the house that morning, a sleepy Puck (who had once again risen shortly after five), presented his Nana with a dark pink rose and a handmade note reading, “Be my Valentine”. OLeif had guided his little thumb into a pad of pink paint to print the petals of the flower on the cover.
Once at the house, he handed the remaining five roses to Mom, one each, for Grandma Combs, Mom, Carrie-Bri, Rose, and Linnea. He was a little grumpy after the extended ride in the car, but he soon came round after helping sort the wrapped Dove chocolates.
Dad had also given something to Mom — a little stuffed brown dog with a pink heart on its pink ribbon collar that read, “Kiss Me”.
Then Grandma Combs arrived, bearing gifts. Everyone got a Valentine’s gift. Puck received a piano book (an actual baby-sized keyboard affixed to a music book), a pile of colored harmonicas (to share), a glowing rubber duck, and a box of 64 crayons. A baking set for Linnea (red velvet cake mix, frosting, a silicone baking pan for heart-shaped muffins) and a box of light ropes. For Francis — a model tank — which he loved, of course. For Rose, a red shirt, and a white shirt. A model outhouse for Joe, which he also loved. A 16-language word translator and currency convertor for Collette and Carrie. Also an Irish doll for Collette (reminiscent of former visits to Hermann as a girl). And turquoise heart zipper pulls for Mom, Collette, and Carrie. OLeif was given gourmet chocolates, including Ghirardelli peanut butter, special European, and dark chocolate mint. Dad got the gag gift. A stuffed vulture. Dad got a good laugh.
“It’s a stuffed mother-in-law!” Grandma exclaimed, chortling.
“Yes,” said Dad with a big grin. “Francis, where are those darts of yours?”
“Snicketts!” Grandma scolded him, still laughing.
After sharing a large red and pink rose-covered Valentine’s ice cream cake from Baskin Robin’s, courtesy of Grandma, most everyone split for Linnea’s game. A loss — 24 to 30. Once again, so close. And Eleda made an impressive two free-throws, back to back. The English’s grandparents were also in attendance.
Afterward, there was a trip to Hobby Lobby for Carrie to put together pieces for her tribal fusion costume, including metal beads, cut-out ribbon, thin chains, colored yard, etc.
Then to Francis’ game – another stunningly close defeat. 20 to 18 or so. Rose snapped pictures, after having returned from Annamaria’s birthday celebration with Hitchcock movie. She later departed for a swing dance with Annamaria and some of her friends.
A full day of February the 14th.
On the way to the house that morning, a sleepy Puck (who had once again risen shortly after five), presented his Nana with a dark pink rose and a handmade note reading, “Be my Valentine”. OLeif had guided his little thumb into a pad of pink paint to print the petals of the flower on the cover.
Once at the house, he handed the remaining five roses to Mom, one each, for Grandma Combs, Mom, Carrie-Bri, Rose, and Linnea. He was a little grumpy after the extended ride in the car, but he soon came round after helping sort the wrapped Dove chocolates.
Dad had also given something to Mom — a little stuffed brown dog with a pink heart on its pink ribbon collar that read, “Kiss Me”.
Then Grandma Combs arrived, bearing gifts. Everyone got a Valentine’s gift. Puck received a piano book (an actual baby-sized keyboard affixed to a music book), a pile of colored harmonicas (to share), a glowing rubber duck, and a box of 64 crayons. A baking set for Linnea (red velvet cake mix, frosting, a silicone baking pan for heart-shaped muffins) and a box of light ropes. For Francis — a model tank — which he loved, of course. For Rose, a red shirt, and a white shirt. A model outhouse for Joe, which he also loved. A 16-language word translator and currency convertor for Collette and Carrie. Also an Irish doll for Collette (reminiscent of former visits to Hermann as a girl). And turquoise heart zipper pulls for Mom, Collette, and Carrie. OLeif was given gourmet chocolates, including Ghirardelli peanut butter, special European, and dark chocolate mint. Dad got the gag gift. A stuffed vulture. Dad got a good laugh.
“It’s a stuffed mother-in-law!” Grandma exclaimed, chortling.
“Yes,” said Dad with a big grin. “Francis, where are those darts of yours?”
“Snicketts!” Grandma scolded him, still laughing.
After sharing a large red and pink rose-covered Valentine’s ice cream cake from Baskin Robin’s, courtesy of Grandma, most everyone split for Linnea’s game. A loss — 24 to 30. Once again, so close. And Eleda made an impressive two free-throws, back to back. The English’s grandparents were also in attendance.
Afterward, there was a trip to Hobby Lobby for Carrie to put together pieces for her tribal fusion costume, including metal beads, cut-out ribbon, thin chains, colored yard, etc.
Then to Francis’ game – another stunningly close defeat. 20 to 18 or so. Rose snapped pictures, after having returned from Annamaria’s birthday celebration with Hitchcock movie. She later departed for a swing dance with Annamaria and some of her friends.
A full day of February the 14th.