A Family-Fun Valentine's Day!

Yes, I know...it's that made-up, kind of silly, kind of romantic holiday that rolls around every February 14th. Happy Valentine's Day to all. Now remember, you don't have to celebrate Valentine's Day, or even have a "valentine" to spread and celebrate love. In fact, all through my dating and even most of my engaged and now married years, I have always preferred ignoring the "normal" Valentine's Day traditions (i.e. flowers, chocolate, romantic dates, etc) in favor for a more laid back, fun and quality time kind of Valentine's Day. 

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with all of those things, and if that is how you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day, then have at it and I hope if makes you feel loved and cherished. For me, and for many of you, I think some of these suggestions will be more up your alley for how to spend a fun Valentine's Day evening and perhaps weekend. So, find your kids, read some of these fun ideas and activities that are going on in the Metro area this evening and take a vote as to how you are going to spend your Valentine's Day:

- Okay, so today at 1 pm in Yukon there is the Yukon Chocolate Festival! Who doesn't love chocolate? It only costs $8 to enter the festival and that is good for 8 different samples of chocolate. Here's the address: Robertson Activity Center
1200 Lakeshore Dr
Yukon, OK

- Tonight is also Family Fun Night at JumpZone. For $25 dollars, 2 adults & 2 children can get in, get one large pizza, and a 2 liter bottle of pop! Sounds like a great way to spend some time as a family. More info here: http://jumpzoneparty.com 

- How about the Hugs & Fishes Valentine's Day Dinner, tonight starting at 6:30 pm at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Registration is required, so get on your phone or their website now! 918-528-1503 or http://okaquarium.org/

 - Check out the Chocolate Extravaganza at the Warr Acres Library this evening from 6:30 to 8 pm. This event is FREE!

More info on these events can be found at: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar

Are you on a tight budget and would prefer to just make a special meal at home for your family tonight? Check out these great recipes below:

1. Valentine's Day Strawberry Muffins....yuuum!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Valentines-Day-Strawberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx

2. Valentine Meatballs...so cute
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/valentine-meatballs/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=valentine%27s%20day%20dinner&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e13=A%3aSearch%20Results-List%28control%29&e7=Article%20Hub

3. Valentine Pizza
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/valentine-pizza/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=valentine%27s%20day%20dinner&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e13=A%3aSearch%20Results-List%28control%29&e7=Article%20Hub

4. Easy Oreo Truffles for dessert!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-oreo-truffles/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=valentine%27s%20day%20dinner&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e13=A%3aSearch%20Results-List%28control%29&e7=Article%20Hub

Ten more great recipes for kids on Valentine's Day here! http://www.parenting.com/gallery/easy-valentines-day-recipes-kids?pnid=132155

Well, if you are staying in for the evening, how about a fun "at home" activity that you can do as a family? Here are some fun ideas:

Cute and creative Valentine's Day cards for your kids to give out. Look at some examples here:
http://spoonful.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-cards

More cute and creative crafts on this website from moms and dads just like you:
http://www.savvymom.ca/index.php/guides/valentines-day

I hope today's ideas will inspire a creative and fun Valentine's Day celebration for you and your family, no matter how you choose to celebrate. The most important thing to remember is, expressing love should not just occur on this day each year. You should show and tell your kids and your family that you love them, every day, each day of the year! Enjoy today, enjoy your week, and enjoy your kids! Chao ya'll!