Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Day Tea Time

Yesterday, we had Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Day Tea Time at Gracie's school.  She had been talking about it for weeks - ever since her school gave her the flyer to bring home.  Everyone around here seems to be fighting a second round of sickness, but there was no sickness that was going to keep us away from this.

It was precious.  We got all dressed up, her in a dress and me in something I'd wear to church.  She watched me the whole time.  When we got to the church, we had to stand in line with all of the other daddys and daughters to get our pictures taken.  There were so many daddy/daughters there!  We took our picture on a little bench, Gracie in a boa.  I can't wait to see them.

Then, we went into the gymnasium and found two empty seats.  None of her good friends were around, so we sat at a table and met new people.  Then, one of her friends from her class, Kendall, showed up and sat across from us.  She was happy about that.  And I met Kendall's dad, John.  Nice guy.

Then, we played BINGO.  Gracie was one of the first to get BINGO, but instead of saying "Bingo," she had to say, "Daddy."  She got stickers for winning.  And then, we played until everyone won.  There were M&Ms and Sweet-tarts - she was in hog heaven.

After BINGO, they brought out tea and goodies to the tables.  The goodies were cookies, icing sandwiches and more cookies.  Gracie loaded up :)  We talked together, about the different candies, about her friends that weren't there, about Kendall, about the tea gloves that she didn't want to wear - it was really a great time.

Then, before we left, the teachers told everyone - "Daddy's look over at your daughter and tell her how much you love her and daughters, give your daddy a kiss and tell him how much you love him."  I hugged Gracie hard and told her how much I love her and that she is the light of my world.  She gave me a kiss and said, "I love you, Daddy."

What can be any better?