Valentine's Day Recap

Part 1 of our Valentine's Day fun was here. Part 2 is a recap of the rest of our Friday! Mr. Evans took the day off to celebrate his birthday, so naturally he chose to head to Il Ritrovo for lunch. If you've never been and live in the area (I'm talking within 2 hours), RUN do not walk. It does not disappoint. We gravitate to delicious and consistent restaurants, and this is one of our favorites. We over eat every time, but it's sooo worth it. Notice how we each order (and eat!) our own pizzas. See below... I actually took photos of our meal, which I am usually totally against (except I forgot about Mr. Evans's dessert... whoops)!!

Later that evening, the indulgences continued and I hosted dinner for six to celebrate Valentine's birthdays. My in-laws (my MIL had a big special birthday on the 13th) and my parents came over... we had a blast! Here's the menu I cooked up:

Ina's Balsamic Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Pioneer Woman's Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Pioneer Woman's Cheddar Bacon Wedge Salad

Dessert was Strawberry Lake Cake in our traditional heart-shaped cake pan

Just because...

Despite this non-stop snow that I (we) are totally over, this little girl brightens my day. I haven't even brought up my sun lamp this year!

I'm hopeful for spring and a long, hot summer!! Have a happy Tuesday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! Here are a few scenes from around the Evans household. Mr. Evans has the day off today for his birthday and tonight I'm hosting a special dinner for six. Stay tuned next week for a recap. :)

Here are a few of the projects Nina has brought home from daycare recently. Melts my heart!

For Nina's daycare Valentine's Day party, we had to bring in 14 valentines. Here's what we made together... I found the free printable online, heart cellophane bags in the Target dollar section, and Nina helped fill them will Teddy Grahams and staple the bags!

This morning, I received a beautiful bouquet of roses and thoughtful gift, and Mr. Evans gave Nina a special valentine's present before daycare... which she loved! The pasta was dinner last night. Stay tuned next week for the rest of our day!

P.S. Nina's 1st Valentine's Day was my favorite. Isn't she SO adorable here?
P.P.S. But, he's my real valentine and birthday boy!
P.P.P.S. Here are Nina's valentine's day cards from last year!

Read this if you're a mom!

This is such a great read... I had to pass it along! You'll relate, no matter what side of the coin you are on.

If you are a mother, please read this article: A Letter from a Working Mother to a Stay-At-Home Mother, and vice versa

via

P.S. Isn't this hilarious - Dr. Seuss explains pregnancy!

28+ Week Bump (baby #2)

Here's baby at about 28+ weeks along... from two sides. :) She's growing as expected and is surely keeping busy kicking and moving around. Most of all... I cannot believe I'm in my third trimester already! Crazzzzy!!

Happy Wednesday! 

P.S. We keep baby's name secret until she's born. We are working on choosing a name. Here are some of my favorite ideas to come up with a name -- what are yours?

- Go through the comments in these posts... here, here, here and here.

- Peruse imbd.com for movie or tv show cast names