The best part about having kids is that I get to have an excuse to throw parties for all of the fun little holidays throughout the year and see them celebrated through the children's eyes. I have always loved Valentine's Day but apart from a date night with Andrew, we never really did much to celebrate. I had some house decorations that always seemed like a waste of energy to put out, but now is so much fun, and what could possibly be cuter than having an excuse to make all of that heart-shaped food in my cookbooks?
So, this year, we planned our first ever Valentine's Day party at the house. Really, it was a lunch, playdate and craft with two other moms and 5 little friends. Well, it was supposed to be that way until I got a little carried away with my heart cookie cutters and red decorations and it turned into a bit more of a celebration :)
We played, made a mailbox to put our valentines in, ate a festive lunch and exchanged valentines. The kids were so excited to have their friends over and everyone seemed to have a great time.
So, without further ado, here are some photos from today's party. Happy Valentine's Day from Ben, Nate and Abby!
We made some flower valentines to hand out to our friends; of course, a lollipop is the highlight in the center. The two babies got brass fasteners instead :)
Abigails's valentine from her two brothers. I had cut out the parts for the cards and the boys had a blast assembling them.
Abigail in her cute little Valentine's outfit from Nana (along with Valentine's Day socks!), all smiles as she waits for her friends to arrive.
Abigail and her buddy Adriana, my friend Crystal's little girl. She is about 3 months older than Abby. We were laughing at Dri's complete lack of hair and Abby's excess in that department :).
All the kids in their Valentine's outfits. Aw, what a cute picture! We had two families with us today - Tyler, Samantha and Brianna Kriebel and Alyssa and Adriana Savignano. Of course, with their moms Amy and Crystal, too! Wow, the three boys definitely lucked out to be completely outnumbered at a Valentine's party :)
The craft! I prepped some paper plate mailboxes for the kids to decorate and then they went wild with glue, jewels, felt hearts and doilies to decorate their mailboxes.
Once they were dry, everyone took their mailbox and we exchanged valentines. Here are all of the valentines in a basket, waiting to be handed out. Below that, is a picture of all of the big kids handing out their cards.
Samantha wanted to pose with her completed (and filled!) mailbox so I took full advantage of this opportunity since it's often like pulling teeth to get the boys in a photoshoot! :)
And finally, the food! Yes, we went a little heart-crazy but when else can you serve heart-shaped grilled cheese? The boys helped to decorate the cupcakes and cookies and had such a good time making treats for their friends to enjoy.
Must. Have. Jello.
Hand-written valentine cookies! (the boys were in charge of the sprinkles :))
Chocolate-covered strawberries.
XOXO Brownie cupcakes.
Finally, the chef in her new Valentine's apron. Thanks, Nana, for the valentine, I love it!!
Pretzel rod cigars!
Abby watching her brothers eat their snack from her little seat. LOVE this expression!
The many faces of Mr. Nathaniel Joseph. Silly! 
Serious.
Nate and Nana at the train display.
Chase...
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