Happy Valentine's Day!

I have always rather enjoyed Valentine's Day. It is so much fun to exchange cards, decorate cookies, and try to sneakily determine the flavor of the chocolates in those packages that come without a diagram. (By the way, I can think of few things more frightening than biting into a chocolate without knowing whether it will be a delicious strawberry cream or a revolting mocha. Maps should be a requirement for all boxes of candy.) This year, Kelson was out floating around the ocean somewhere as usual, so I was at home watching Pride and Prejudice by myself for Valentine's Day. I stole Kelson from the Navy on the weekend so that we could celebrate properly. I have been having fun leading up to the holiday. I have been waiting to start my new job, so I have had an incredible amount of free time. Here are a few of the fun Valentine things I have been up to:

I saw this tutorial for an adorable felt valentines banner, and I decided to make one out of paper. I love how it turned out so much that I think I am going to design one for every month. It is perfect to hang on the bottom rail of this shelf. 

I have had a great desire lately to try making fancy sugar cookies with royal frosting. Valentine's Day seemed like a great opportunity.

They turned out so pretty! Not bad for my first attempt at cookie decorating.

I had way too much fun. I did spend 5 hours making cookies, but it was worth it.

We officially celebrated Valentines Day 3 days late when Kelson got home from his latest trip. We had a sunset picnic on the beach on Coronado. How romantic is that?

Yeah, I would say our picnic spot was a winner.

We had a delicious picnic of chicken salad sandwiches, watermelon, chocolate-orange brownies, and sparkling cider (which is what is in those glasses-nothing sketchy.) It was a perfect Valentines dinner.  I love you Kelson!