Galentines Weekend.

Valentine's week was a bit hard for me.  I know that Valentine's is just a commercial holiday.  However, the girls always made Valentine's such a special day for Kevin and I.  They would always plan a special date night dinner at home for us.  For many years, they would decorate, serve us and leave.  The past few years, we have asked them to stay and enjoy the evening with us.  I knew it would be hard, so I asked my sister, Hallie and Terrell to join us for a 'Gal'entine's dinner.  It was fortunate that my sister was planning a trip down. 

The whole week I felt a bit blue.  I went to Costco and found this beautiful bouquet to brighten up the house.  It reminded me so much of Kevin and the flowers he used to buy for me.

The day of Valentine's, several of Kevin's friends reached out to wish us well.  Our dear friend, Richard, lives in Chicago.  He got ahold of Terrell and asked her to pick up some flowers and candy for the girls and I.  The thought meant so much to me!

 

For our Galentine's dinner, we had homemade pizza and Terrell brought a delicious chocolate dessert.

Sidney decorated the table and the dining room for our special dinner.

 

Kendall went to her first middle school dance that day.  It was from 3:30 to 5pm.  She came in the door looking amazing.  The dance was themed 'paparazzi'.  She and her friends 'dressed to the nines'. 

 

Hallie spent dinner with us.  Her boyfriend came over promptly at 6:30pm, which was the earliest we told him he could arrive. 

 

We each made or brought small valentine gifts to exchange with each other.  My mom was not able to make it down, but sent gift for everyone.  She got Terrell this super cute table runner.

 

My mom got my sister and I cute Valentine's towels and delicious chocolates.

 

On Saturday night, Hallie and Jeremy went to a movie while we tried our hand at ceramics.

 

 

On Sunday morning, we went to the cemetery to visit Kevin's gravesite.  It was the first time the girls had been.  They had wanted to wait until Aunt Stephie was here.  They felt that she would bring me great comfort.  She did!  She also made it possible for me to spend some one-on-one time with each of the girls while we were there.  Visiting is so hard.  Everything seems so permanent and final.  It is good, emotionally, to be there though.  We miss his presence every single day.

 

Reluctantly, my sister and Hallie headed home.  The girls and I will miss them!