Valentine's Day Comes Early

Evan and gang held their second annual Valentine's Day Dinner for their lady friends tonight.  While last year was reminiscent of a lovely tea party, this year was a masquerade, complete with original music, an original drama and, of course, masks!

It never ceases to amaze me at how these guys pull this off!  The music was great, the drama was...a bit dark, but well done, and the food was really excellent (I got to sample the left-overs).  As I sit here typing, the remnant of the party is still carrying on in the living room.

Now for some pictures...

 Here are four of the seven who put this whole thing on.

 Now six, with their masks...kind of a scary bunch.  I hope the ladies don't have nightmares!

A little rehearsal before the ladies arrive.

The tables are all ready.

And then the lovely ladies arrive.

No pictures of the meal, but I can assure you it was excellent!

Apparently, my picture taking was a shocking surprise :-)

How many people does it take to blow out a candle?

The ladies also provided some musical entertainment.

Then, of course, there was just general conversation and silliness.

As the party started to wind down, we allowed the little girls to come in and see all the pretty ladies!  (My kids ADORE Evan's friends!)

And Evan ADORES his little siblings!

Callie even serenaded Zoe & Raelea at bedtime...complete with ukulele music.  We LOVE Callie!

Just don't ask...

More random pics...

Nina, who missed most of the party due to drivers' ed, did throw on a dress when she arrived.  Erin (who Nina is hugging) made both Nina's dress and her own.  She is so talented!!

  There you have it, Evan's party!

I didn't explain this last year, so I will take just a sec to do it this year - the reason that these guys throw this elaborate party for these ladies.  Most of these young ladies have made a decision to not "date around."  They are not interested in giving their hearts away, only to have them broken.  They are trusting God to bring them a husband when they are ready.  While this is a wonderful thing, it can be a lonely thing for a young lady, particularly on Valentine's Day.  So, these guys put on this party to show the ladies how much they appreciate, respect  and love them - not because they are trying to get something from them, but for who they are.  It really is a beautiful thing!