Does anyone really pay much attention to Valentine's day?

I don't recall it being a big deal when I was a child.  It was mostly a time to choose a box of kiddie Valentines and pass them out to one's classmates at school, and there'd be a box of candy at home. 

But other than that, it's never been on my radar as being a "holiday" (as usual, Dmitry hoped it was yet another day off from school, and was very disappointed to learn that, yes, he has to attend school even though it's Valentine's day).  I've got a card for Don, and expect one from him, but that's pretty much the extent of "Valentine's Day" for us.

Has it always been the over-the-top "celebration of love" it's turned into and I just didn't notice? 

That's quite possible, me being the unobservant person I am.

Or has it grown and changed over the decades, having attained an importance it once lacked?

This is cool!  Over at Alex's blog he told us that when the 7th Fleet Brass Quintet was in Manila and the Blue Ridge hosted a "big top" - a large, gala party for the host country's dignitaries - the Philippines' president was in attendance.  Ha!  MY SON has played for the president of the Philippines!

Bet she liked the tuba best.  ;^)

He also said the American ambassador to the Philippines has been with them, so I went to the Embassy's website and found a pair of  articles about the Blue Ridge's visit, plus three photos that have Alex in them:

Isn't the internet wonderful?  I love being able to "follow" my Alex around the Pacific. 

...who is the family's photomeister extraordinaire:

I said she is extraordinaire, did I not?  Notice SHE was able to get a decent photo of him!

Isn't this a super picture of Beth and Hannah?  And here's a charming one of Don and Hannah:

She was all about her G'anpaw....he was the only one who scored a proper good-bye hug today, cold-shouldering both her Uncle Charles and Gran.  Here's another photo of one of my nephews with Cole, this time Cole's Uncle Jordan, Justin's brother:

Cole had his eye firmly fixed on his uncle's plate, didn't he? 

He's at the airport, and presumably on the plane, seeing as how it's scheduled to take off at 2:05 for Chicago, where he'll connect to Providence, RI.

His visit was TOO SHORT. 

And while we were taking Charles to the airport, Beth and Hannah were fetched and taken to Mesquite.  Their visit was also too short, except I'm sure it seemed to last forever to poor Beth due to her severe allergies to our cats.  Still, they're here in the Metroplex and if nothing else we'll see them at Hannah's birthday party in two weeks. 

BION, the photo frenzy is drawing to a close, as tomorrow Charles leaves for Groton and Beth goes to stay with her father and Aunt Sue.  Tonight was a family gathering so the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. could get their turn to see the visitors before they take wing again.  Here's Hannah rapturously greeting G'anpaw, with Dad in the background:

Having a nice visit with Uncle Jonathan:

Margaret and Hannah and Dad; Hannah was tickled pink when the girls arrived!

She was equally thrilled when Cole showed up:

Jill with an armfull!

And here's one of Justin and Cole, because it's my blog and I like the photo.  ;^)

There were early birthday presents for Hannah, seeing as how she'll be back in Japan in March; lookit the Cabbage Patch kid from Aunt Jeanne....her name's Annabelle Shelby, and her birthday is same as mine - June 18.  Coincidence?  I think not. 

Jonathan and Marebear had fun with the basketball and soccer ball:

Was Hannah to be left out?  Certainly not!

Marebear and Hannah aren't really Rockettes in training....Meredith had just kicked the ball:

Ha!  Got 'im!

Beth and Hannah examining the latter's gifts after the party:

Tomorrow we'll go to 11:00 church, then leave immediately for the airport so Charles can return to Groton, and Beth's father will drive over to collect her and Hannah.  It's been a great time having them all here!  

This evening the Ivys got together at Kirstin and Matt's house, noshing
on fajitas and turkey sandwiches and cake. Oh, and Bethie got her
birthday present from us.....a telescope so she can see the moon:

Most of the evening was spent sitting and chatting:

Though Uncles Charles was his usual hit with the small fry:

Tell you what, though...sometimes I wonder if maybe I do take too many photos:

Hey, kid!  You just scored a 'scope off me; can't Gran take a photo or two or twenty?  

This afternoon Charles, Beth, Hannah and I drove down to the Chevy dealership my bro-in-law, John, manages to visit him and his daughter-in-law, Jill.  It's fascinating how every one of our little girls adores Jill right off the bat, and Hannah was no exception:

Uncle Charles was there, too, as I said:

But he was primarily interested in the new model Corvettes, wheedling a ride in one out of his uncle.  Once back, he deftly inserted Hannah into a snazzy black Corvette in the showroom.  Hannah loved it!

This morning I drove over to collect them from Beth's mother's apartment (which is gorgeous, BTW!) and bring them back here.

She was sure pleased to see Uncle Charles:

She particularly likes the riding horse.  ;^)                                         
                                                                                                                              

Sorry it's so dark, but the digital doesn't do too well in low light conditions.

 

She was especially enthralled when "G'anpaw!" came home. 

Of course, he was equally enthralled with her. 

When Don was at the airport at Decatur, Illinois, he was taken aback by the minuscule size of the terminal....two gates, sharing one doorway.  Very, very small!

There was a young lady whom he'd noticed, when he arrived on Sunday, was outside signaling and motioning the airplane (this was the teeny planette) into place.

On Tuesday she was at the gate counter, checking him in.

Then she was the one who collected the boarding passes when it was time to board.

And doggone if he didn't see her yet again, this time de-icing the airplane! 

Don said he'd no doubt had the pilot fallen ill, she would have taken his place in the cockpit and cheerily asked the eight (EIGHT!) passengers where it was they wanted to go.

A true Renaissance woman, she. 

Evan?  Here is a photo of him from an article in the New York Times, Man Down:  When One Bullet Changes Everything:

Bless his heart and all our soldiers in Iraq.