Valentine's Weekend

We usually don't do anything at all for Valentine's Day. I'm not a big believer in the Hallmark holidays (sorry Colie) and I can often be quoted as saying "I don't want flowers on Valentine's Day. I want flowers on a random Tuesday, just because you want to." And every year we briefly talk about doing something for V-day, which is usually ended quickly by saying "it's too much of a hassle."

But this year, I decided to break from the norm. I read an article in the paper about a bunch of events put on by the Three Rivers Park District for the big V and decided to sign us up! So Friday night, we started off by going to Timberlodge, which is unsual for us lately. I also realized after dinner that the gift card I planned to spend was actually for Outback. Oops.

Anyway, then we went to the Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Park Preserve in Bloomington. You know the giant ski jump you can see from 494? It's over there. They hosted an event called "Candlelight & Choclate" which was a 3/4 mile stroll (with ice cleats) through a portion of the nature preserve. The trail was lit by cute little tiny lanterns. At the building, they had outdoor bonfires with haybails to sit on. It was pretty crowded (and cold) though, so we didn't stay outside. Inside, they had coffee, a crazy amount of chocolate, cutsie V-day decorations, and live classical string music. I tried to post a video of the music, but I guess the file was too big. It was a great time, and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Dustin and Buck
(This deer head was hanging over us a t Timberlodge and we didn't even realize it until we were leaving.)

One of the little lanterns on the trail

Us on the trail

Inside the building

The "chocolate" portion of the evening

Okay, then on a completely unrelated note... We also cleaned an rearranged our den. It looks so nice! It looks more like a den now, rather than a giant pile of crap. Also, those of you who have spent the night in this room before: you will be happy to know that we finally hung curtains on the window. Privacy abounds. We also put the old area rug from the living room in there to warm up the floor a bit. And we plan to get a new living room coffee table at some point, so we'll put the old dark mahogany one in the den. Then once we get a slipcover for the couch (to cover up the gramma floral), we'll be set! A place for ladies happy hour, even if the boys are playing poker! Anyway, we're stoked. Thanks for humoring me. Boo yah.