Valentine's Party

The kiddos invited a few friends over on Valentine's Day for a little party.  Keeping with my theme for the year {Keep It Simple} I kept it pretty simple. 

First everyone decorated a bag to put their valentines in.  I laid out crayons and stickers...mess free.

They played a few games like Duck, Duck, Goose, Hot Potato and Freeze Dance.  They love these games as much as themed ones I spent time and money making up.

They played Valentine Bingo with candy hearts.  I printed the bingo cards off at Crayola.com. 

My friend, Julie, made cookies even though her kiddos got sick and missed the party.  She makes the best, soft, thick sugar cookies {recipe below.}  She even brought icing and sprinkles and the kids all decorated their own.  Thanks, Julie!

I kept the food minimal as it was after lunch.

I made up a pink punch with raspberry sherbet, pink lemonade and sprite.  I also cut up watermelon and cheese with a heart cookie cutter.  Then I put out a few bowls of candies.  That with the sugar cookies was plenty for these little ones.

Last they exchanged valentines.  I love seeing what people came up with and they loved looking at their valentines and showing them off to their dad when he got home. 

We ended Valentine's Day with sushi and then chocolate fondue.  Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day yourself!

Now for the recipe.  These sugar cookies are soft, thick and have a hint of lemon flavor.  Try them.  You won't be sorry!

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies*

2 1/4 cups sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten well
1 Tbsp heavy cream

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg and then sift again a second time, set aside. Add lemon rind to butter and cream thoroughly. Add sugar gradually and cream together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and cream then beat thoroughly. Add dry ingredients gradually and blend. Chill overnight. Form into balls or roll then cut shapes.  Bake at 400*F for 10 minutes.

*My friend got this recipe from another friend.  We do not know the source.  I claim no rights to this recipe, I just wanted to share it with you.