Valentine’s fell on a Monday, which happens to be Mandy Monday, the day of the week I get to hang out with that wonderful West family.

I texted Kimberly in the morning to offer to babysit so she and Silas could go on a date. She called me back and said that a friend had already offered to watch the kids, so why didn’t I come over and we could have a vegetable-filled meal and eat in front of a few episodes of Modern Family.

Beef bourguignon, peas, salad, wine … crème brulee! It was an absolute feast.

A few hours later, Silas picked up the kids. They were in such a good mood from playing with friends.

In the chaos of getting ready for bed, Silas said something sassy and playful to Jedi. Jedi marched over, pushed up his sleeves, and took a fighter’s stance … sort of. He jabbed at Silas playfully, and then the two wrestled. Elijah came up, first defending Jedi, then switching teams. Adia piled on, on Jedi’s team. Soon Elijah and Adia were chasing each other around the guys on the ground. Finally, Priya came in after finishing her toothpaste-muffled ABCs song. She sort of fell onto Silas, trying to join Jedi’s fight for justice.

Kimberly and I stood and watched and laughed. And then it was time for bed. Elijah had the hiccups while Kimberly was hugging him goodnight. “BAAAAH!” she yelled, trying to scare him.

I feel very lucky to be in a house with so much love on this, the day of love.