The Hostess with the Mostess...

As I mentioned earlier, Lena had been wanting to host a family Valentine Party. She made the invitations on Friday and waited patiently for today to come. When morning came she got right to work on the homemade decorations. We then discussed the menu and headed to the store. She was very serious about the whole venture...not letting me even touch the shopping cart. As we gathered ingredients for Salmon and Asparagus En Papillote (I know fancy, huh? Really it is just a froufrou way to say salmon cooked in heart shaped parchment paper...the main attraction of the recipe) she giddily snapped up leftover Valentine goodies. Let me tell you...two days after the holiday is when you should buy the festive decorations. Cheap, cheap, cheap. Jason said we should celebrate all holidays that way...think of the money we would save...OK old man!

In the afternoon she decorated the house and then we started dinner. At the end of dinner when it was time to clean up I informed her she needed to help clear the table. She said with a grump, "Why does the hostess have to do all the work?" Welcome to my world, sister!!! All in all she did a great job and we had a bunch of fun. When we were in Montana this winter and Lena was riding the horse all by herself, my dad said that watching her made his heart soar. Today my heart soared with pride as she took on this special project. Thanks for a fun party, Lena!!

The happy cooks preparing their heart "cookers"...
Seasoning her fish...

Almost too pretty to eat...

The salmon is ready for the oven. Side note...Lena is wearing the apron that was made for me by my aunt and uncle when I was a little girl...

Our dessert waiting to be eaten...

The beautiful table...

Homemade napkin rings...

Hearts galore...

While dinner was cooking we took time to open our party favors. Annika made bookmarks...

The feast is ready. Of course we have to give a shout out to Daddy's steak...

We capped off the evening with the ever popular party game of Hello Kitty UNO. The fourth place "winner" threw her cards down in disgust. Wonder where she learned that, Nana??