getting ready for the 14th

Yesterday morning we drove out to see Matt's Grandma Ruth.  At 88 years old she is our only living grandparent and the children's only great-grandparent.

Grandma Ruth lives in a home for older people and the boys did a decent job entertaining themselves in a place filled with tempting yet "no touch" items... with one notable exception.  John Paul pulled the fire alarm.

It was awesome.  In a "I can't believe my child just pulled the fire alarm" kind of way.  All the staff were sooooo gracious.  And calm.  And quick to say "No problem.  Don't worry about it.  It's okay."  They were seriously wonderful.  I was glad to see no one rushing towards the doors or hallways full of wheelchairs heading for the snowy zero-degree outdoors.  I mean, it could have been a disaster!

And if you are ever in a nursing home with a super curious child be forewarned that the fire alarms are at child height (for all those wheelchair riders, I presume) and that there is no little plastic piece preventing a child from pulling that tempting little red handle.

Anyways, we soon moved on to less disruptive activities like piano-playing and flipping through magazines trying to find pictures of interest.  Thank goodness Grandma was along for the visit to help entertain the little troops!  Matt enjoyed showing Grandma Ruth lots of pictures and we had such a nice time.

Later that evening Grandma started a Valentine's Making Extravaganza (while Matt, Luther and I headed to the hockey game).  This is the kids first year in a place where 'exchanging valentines' is commonplace.  Last weekend the girls spent a long time picking and choosing the perfect box of Valentine's for their classmates.  I wasn't totally sure they got the concept, but they seemed eager to find just the right thing.

In the end, it looks like they'll be making Valentines for most of their friends (though Lydia is eager to gift those pencils she's holding and Julianna will be giving out candy along with her hand made cards).

They are loving this activity!  They worked hard last night and have all their creations hanging on our south window.

They were back at it again this morning.  And off and on all day.  Notice all three are still in their pajamas - Lydia never even wore real clothes today.  She did go outside but just put snow pants over her pjs.  Tonight she showered and changed into a new pair of pjs.  That's my kind of day!

And the one I found hanging on my bedroom door when we got in late from the game last night.

Might be my favorite so far this year :)  Mostly because it includes a bag of conversation hearts :)