I'm definitely a little late in posting about our Valentine's Day, but I wanted to wait until I had pictures available to post. We all had a great Valentine's weekend! Even though we missed her very much, Lucy spent the weekend at her Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson's house so that Darin and I could get a little time for the two of us. We firgured that this Valentine's Day won't be one she'll remember so if there's a year to be away from her on such a holiday, this was a good one to choose.
Darin and I had a nice time together and it was nice to give each other some undivided attention. With our sweet Lucy and another on the way, it would be easy right now to put our relationship with each other on the "back burner" and I think most young/new parents could agree. We're doing our best to work on avoiding that and a weekend such as this really helps. Other than sleeping in, checkin ginto a nice hotel on Friday night and several nice meals for the two of us, we also attended a fun "Mystery Valentine's Dinner" hosted by a family in our church whom we look up to. There were eight couples in all, a great meal and a rousing game of the "Newly Wed Game"
which, I might add, Darin and I took FIRST PLACE in! Woo hoo!
It sounds like Lucy had a GREAT time with Grandma and Grandpa and we've seen some sweet pictures of her opening her present from Mommy and Daddy while there. Unfortunately I don't have those pics to share, but have some other fun shots of her opening presents from others before and after the weekend :
Opening her gift from Grandma and Grandpa Stevenson
Aunt Dawn spoiling Lucy (she also spoiled us with movie theatre gift cards and an offer of free babysitting!)
Digging into her fun package from Mama Gail and Grandpa Rick!
Being at her grandparents' house must have inspired her because as soon as she got home she started to CRAWL! She's enjoying her newfound mobility, though I'm not having to chase after her as much as I'd expected. She's often happy still sitting and playing with toys in one spot. Such a sweetie!
In other news, we had a difficult farewell yesterday. For the past four and a half years, Darin and I have befriended an international student who attended a nearby university here. We were a part of a program through the school that matches volunteers to international students who indicate interest in being "adopted" by a family here. Rahul has been a part of our family for these past several years and he has now graduated and gotten some valuable work experience. It is now time for him to go back home to Tanzania where he will take a larger role in his family's successful business, enabling his father to retire before too long.
I can't tell you how much this relationship has meant to our entire family and I would encourage you to look into some of the local colleges and universities to see if such a program is offered near you. It is sad to think of how many students come to the U.S. to study and spend their entire time here without having ever been invited into an American home. Since Darin and I have both spent time overseas, we realize how lonely that must be. We've also leanred so much about other parts of the world and other cultures which is always valuable to us.
Yesterday Rahul stopped by to say a final goodbye to Lucy and I before he went to the airport (Darin was able to go to the airport for his "goodbye"). By the time Rahul left the house yesterday, he'd hugged and kissed Lucy so much that she smelled like his cologne! : ) So sweet, but also a bittersweet reminder throughout the day that it will be awhile before we see him again.
Lucy with her "Rahul Uncle"
Opening an early birthday present from Rahul Uncle before saying goodbye yesterday!
We'll always love you and miss you, Rahul!
