Natchez Trace, a treasure hunt and valentine's dinner

Don had a week off with his transition to his new job (which starts tomorrow). So it has kind of been vacation time at the Gale house. And it has been wonderful! We spent a few days at Natchez Trace with Don's mom and dad. We had a lovely time. We hiked a few trails with the kids, saw some animals and ate some yummy food! It was so so relaxing and enjoyable.

The Lord is so creative.

When we got back it was around lunch time on Valentine's Day. Don and I celebrated earlier that week together. I like going out a week early for it and then being home on the actual day with the kiddos. Plus you bypass the crowds. We did a treasure hunt for their Valentine's surprises. It started with one heart in the living room. And each heart gave them a clue as to where the next heart in the house would be. We only did 4 hearts.

(excuse the blurriness). Heart #1 "Go to the place where you can find your milk."

Heart #2 "go to the place where you play in bubbles."

Heart #3 "Go to the place where you watch movies!"

Heart #4 "Go to the place where you close you sleepy eyes."

Then there were their treats! It was simple. They had a little tin mailbox with a few treats in them.

For dinner we had grouper, roasted potatoes, green beans with a honey mustard vinaigrette, homemade focaccia bread and red velvet cupcakes with milk chocolate in the middle. I really enjoyed making everything for the family. Sadly, I don't always have that attitude about cooking sometimes.

the bread! It turned out better than I had expected

the one without frosting was for O. He doesn't get frosting yet. They were good, but the chocolate in the middle didn't turn out just right. I think I didn't let the chocolate freeze long enough. I will definitely try them again. After the kids went to bed Don and I exchanged our gifts. We never buy each other anything on Valentine's, but just write each other something. It was a sweet time. Hope you all had a great day :)