play date fun

although we've enjoyed some mild weather and sunny days as of late, february in minnesota can be so depressing and long. thankfully valentine's day breaks up the monotony a bit, and scheduling get-togethers can be so revitalizing to me as a mom and it's so good for stella to play with other kids in addition to the bsf children's program and sunday in the toddlers' room. stella and i have had the privilege of getting together with friends three different times in the last week and a half or so. the first get-together was with my friends kim and andrea. kim's bo is only about seven weeks younger than stella, and andrea's elizabeth is seven months old. prepare yourself for some major cuteness:

on thursday, my friend jessica was helping out in her son's kindergarten class making a craft for their valentine's day party. i watched her two girls, madeline and greta. we had a great time! stella followed madeline wherever she went, and she adores "baby" greta (turning one next month) as well. stella refers to all children as babies, which cracks me up.

dancing to disney music

stella shares some cheddar bunnies

bubbling over with joy

greta enjoyed pushing stella's doll stroller - she will be walking any day now!

and last, but not least, stella and i headed over to my friend sarah's house on friday morning. i met sarah at bsf in our discussion group. she has two boys, james and sam, and unfortunately i didn't get a picture of them playing with stella because i waited until the very last minute, and stella was really tired. i did, however, get a picture of their adorable dog, waldo. stella loved him and referred to him as "cute doggie walwo."

i am feeling immensely blessed to have such sweet, kind, fun friends - whether i have known them for eight years, ten years, or a few months. God is good!

did everyone have a fun valentine's day? i really love this holiday. brett made a dinner of bacon-wrapped scallops and asparagus; he bought a balloon and fox stuffed animal (my favorite jellycat brand-so adorable and soft) for stella, and earrings from patina, bath salts, and a latte for me. stella and i bought some caramel-dark chocolates for brett. stella was absolutely thrilled to see her daddy walking in with those fun gifts, and i was relieved to see him walk in the door (it was a surprise) a couple hours earlier than when he usually gets home (6 or 6:30). 

brett picked up some delicious desserts from lund's

stella's valentine's day loot: elmo card from grandpa and grandma; picture from greta, monster craft from the johnsons (the craft jessica made for the class party); cars valentine from bo; valentine and bracelet from madeline