Valentine's Day: Cheesecake Factory and Identity Thief

So, today has been pretty fun! My Valentine's Day kinda began last night actually. To be honest, when setting up a date for our sitter to come over, it didnt even dawn on me at that time, what the date was. So upon going out with was fun to know it was also a special occasion. It put a little more sentiment into it, I suppose. A little after 7:30, we left our kiddos in the hands of our trusted sitter and headed out. We left our normal area and headed over to Arlington. Our first stop was The Cheesecake Factory. This place is so pricey, but oh so yummy. Im not talking just the cheesecake(talk about party in your mouth!) but the entrees and meals they serve are so delicious! This was our 2nd time going, we went on a date there last year at some point and then last night. Its not a place you can go in and expect to pay a $30 tab. It just isnt. We also wouldnt feel comfortable taking our busy toddlers there. At least in the evening hours. Perhaps lunch time it would be acceptable but I still wouldnt. Its a dimly lit and rather elegant and romantic place. I also think it would make a very fun mom's night. Its just definetly more of an older years kid and adult scene. It is no where even close to what they portray on the Big Bang Theory..that show is a crock of crap, when it comes to how it portrays the place..lol. Thats ok, I love the restaraunt and show anyways.

Now when you go in, know this, the menu is BIG! Making a decision is near impossible but also know you wont make a bad one. Judging from our own plates and those we could see around us, its all very good. Everything comes out cooked perfectly. Last time we were there I ordered the Shepard's Pie, YUM!, this time I ordered the herb crusted Salmon. It was of course crusted in said green herbs, laid over mashed potatoes(the have some chunks and skin in them, which I happen to really like), with a side of aparagus. Then, underneath it all they add a bed of a light lemony sauce. Obviously it is good with the salmon, but surprisingly it was also good with the potatoes and asparagus. Never would have thought either of those. I do not know what all was in the sauce except the lemon, but if you ever can get your hands on that recipe let me know. Or definetly try it yourself! Good stuff. Of course I only made it through half my meal. They start you with some amazing homemade breads that get you half full in the first place. Thats ok because they make you feel pampered and take your plate away and box it up for you.

To finish, no matter how full you are you gotta order some cheese cake. This is the point where they bring you a page and a half of types to choose from. Talk about a big decision!!! I finally decided on a slice of their Tuxedo cheesecake. I cant remember which kind Stephen ordered but he asked for his to go. It arrived on the table neatly boxed next my beautifully plated slice. I didnt finish my piece and ended up having to have it boxed as well. They really stuff you full there!

We finished our dinner with plenty of time to get to the theater in time for our showing of Identity Thief. This was a pretty humorous movie. That McCarthy is such a character! She really owns her roles. It's just so damn believable when she is on the screen. The otherside to the movie is it was down right scary how easy it was for her to steal the identities. It definetly has me taking extra looks at things from now on. It was funny, and had just enough actions and twists, to keep it entertaining and interesting. My husband said from the guy side, it wasnt that awesome but he enjoyed it overall.

Today, the kids woke early(had to take Daddy to work pretty early) to a special Valentine's Surprise for each of them.

They each ended up with straw cups, heart for Lorelai, robot for Finn. A stuffed monkey for Finn and a bear for Lorelai, and a balloon for each of them.


We ran Daddy to work, and came home and finished getting ready for the day. At 11:30, we headed to our playgroup Valentine's Party. We had an awesome time playing and visiting with friends. The littles exchanged little treats and cards. It was so cute and fun.

Now they are having rest time and we just finished signing their cards to Daddy. So overall, very happy Valentines all around! I think its one of our best yet! Im lucky to have 3 special people to be my Valentine's!

How was everyone else's special day? Any cute outfits. My 2 had some festive shirts but I forgot to grab a picture. Hopefully Ill be able to before the day is over!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY