"Mom, I love you!" (While he is standing behind me, with his arms wrapped around my legs)..."I love you more than my army guys!" ( Walking away into the other room) Will he stay this way forever?...I hope! I guess I am just happy to beat out those Toy Story Army guys these days.
Justin had been off his mission for about a month and a half when he asked me out on our second date to Tucanos for Valentine's day. At that time I was just happy I had been asked out on a date for Valentine's day. I had no idea that we would get married two years later, but I can say, that on that date, I realized he was definitely someone special. We were pretty much attached at the hip from that day forward.
For Valentine's day this year, I thought it would be fun to go again. This time we invited our friends, the Hoelzers, to come with us. Tyler is also in the residency at the U with Justin, and Ali and I have become great friends. Her last two kids are the same ages as Zach and Kate. 
For the kids we made them pancakes, with a few of them heart-shaped, and gave them a few treats. Later that night, we went over the uncle Jeff's and aunt Britt's house for dinner, and afterward the kids got to decorate sugar cookies and dip strawberries into chocolate. Needless to say they had a very sweet Valentine's Day. In Zach's words, "This is the bestest day ever!" 
Justin's new Pearly Whites! He got his braces off, and could not be happier about the outcome. What a boost of confidence this brings. And what a handsome daddy and hubby the kids and I are spoiled with. 
Tonight after FHE, we were eating our treat and Justin says, "Guess what is this week?" Zach says, "What?" Justin answered, "Valentine's Day!...(and goes on to say)guess who I get to go out on a date with?" Zach replied, "Oh, are you going on a date with Kate?" Justin answered, "No." Zach replied again, "Austen?" I busted out laughing. I can only think Zach's response is due to two things. 1. That we obviously don't go out on dates enough, or 2. I need to seriously be worried...
Did I mention I love this kid?
This picture was taken over Christmas break. We went to the Children's Museum in Portland, and they had an area where the kids could do their own face painting. This is what Zach created for himself.
