Traditional Valentine's Dinner

Who wants to pay a babysitter while you sit and wait hours for a table at a restaurant with everyone else in America?  Every year since we've had kids, we've made a very nice Valentine's meal and included the kids in on the special day.  Many of the food items are "very grown-up."  Many are new recipes that we are trying...because the kids are more apt to try them on a "fancy" night than on a "regular" night.  We also always try to have something that is heart shaped. This year we made:  Chicken Cordon Bleu, heart-shaped (and red dyed) cheese ravioli with "pink sauce" (homemade alfredo sauce with tomato paste to turn it red), and a squash casserole.  We also have our traditional Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider. 

 Nice flowers, candles lit, and romantic music playing in the background are, of course, a must too.

 Usually, everyone is excited, despite some facial expressions in some pictures.

 And there is always some wonderful kind of dessert.  This year it was Chocolate Banana Split Pie.

Dad always has cards and candy for everyone.  It is always fun to sit around the table and read them.  This year, Madison also had some handmade cards that she was very proud of.