My Forever Valentine

Jeff and I spent our first Valentine’s day shopping for cars. I had gotten in a small fender-bender which “totaled” my Geo Metro. My man and I went searching for a good deal on a drizzly Saturday which lasted until dusk. We found a cute Honda for which my then-fiancé had to co-sign so I could qualify for the loan. Nothing says “commitment” like a financial commitment.

Twelve years later I’m still lucky enough to call him my Valentine. This morning at work I was talking to my coworker about sending his girlfriend flowers for Valentine’s day. “When do you send them if Valentine’s is on a Sunday?” He asked. “Definitely Friday,” I said. “Better early than late.” He agreed; when dating you have to show the public sign of affection by sending flowers to the office. “Yes,” I said, “because you are still in the courting phase. Myself, I no longer expect flowers on Valentine’s day.” Wouldn’t you know it that a few hours later I was delivered flowers by a cute old delivery man who proceeded to tell me that his Great Grandmother was a Banks and was responsible for renaming the town of Merino, Idaho, to Banks, Idaho. Anyway, the flowers were from my loving husband. And not just ol’ roses, but cute tea roses and daisies and a card that said simply, “KAVU.”

McCall Winter Carnival

Playing on the ice/snow sculptures...check out the kayaker!!!

We had fun walking around town, playing in the snow, and stopping at the Golf Course Clubhouse for Family Bingo Night (no, we didn't win).  And how about those cute new hats for the kids?

There were even some carnival rides at Winter "Carnival" this year -- Jeff was the good parent and went on the Spinning Apples with the kids (ugh - can you say dizzy?)

Peyton is not afraid of getting up close and personal with snow.  At the end of the night his socks and gloves and fleece jacket were dripping wet--you wouldn't have known it from his attitude, though!  Isn't he cute in the ice sculpture bathroom?

Ashley is an Ice Princess herself.  Is there really anything more fun than running, climbing, and jumping in the snow?  Not when you're 5 years old (almost 6! -- check out Ashley in front of the number ice sculpture!)

One Man Band -- McCall Style

The kids pose with an ice version and the "real" version of the Payette Lake Monster.

Last, but not least, the man of my dreams...