OUR FAMILY:
Sophia and Steve Thiros of San Diego, California, and our kids, Louie, age 14, Lexie, 10, and Elena, 3
OUR TRADITION:
Throughout the year -- and every day between mid-January and Valentine's Day -- we receive visits from two small creatures we've named the Love Bugs. When they're around, they bunk at the hotel we made for them and leave us notes and treats, such as Hershey's Kisses or pink and red M&M's. Of course, our family always writes back, and we trade valentines with the Love Bugs on February 14. Although we've never laid eyes on our little friends, we feel that we know them well!
THEIR FIRST VISIT:
A few years ago, we noticed the flag was up on our indoor mini-mailbox. Curious, we opened the mailbox door and discovered the Love Bugs' first note and a few chocolate candies! The kids were thrilled, and they wrote back with some getting-to-know-you questions. When the bugs responded, a friendship was born.
WHERE THE BUGS STAY:
Not long after we met the Love Bugs, Lexie (who writes most of the notes to the bugs) decided they needed a place to sleep when they visited. She turned a tissue box into the Love Bug Inn, which she outfitted with bug-friendly furnishings, such as cardboard beds topped with fabric blankets and cotton-ball pillows. We know the bugs are in residence when their beds are unmade.
ABOUT OUR NOTES:
At first, most of the notes were written on construction paper hearts and contained a single question or greeting. Now we write back and forth in a notebook that sits next to the bugs' hotel, and we include more detailed updates about what's going on in our lives. The notes have become a great memento of the tradition; we've saved every one.
WHAT WE'VE DISCOVERED:
All sorts of fascinating information! We've learned that the Love Bugs' names are Skizzle and Hearts, that Skizzle is striped and Hearts is pink, and that they're best friends. They favor sweets, but they also eat healthy foods. In the summer they visit their families in Love Bug Land.
WHAT'S NEXT:
We can't wait to introduce Elena to the Love Bugs when she gets a little older. And if Skizzle and Hearts invite any friends, we may need to expand the inn!
WHY WE LOVE IT:
Sophia: This tradition has turned out to be so creative and inspiring. It's been fun to see Lexie take it to a whole new level.Steve: The Love Bugs' replies bring everyone together. They're very entertaining!
Lexie: It's really fun to write to the Love Bugs. I've asked them so many questions, and they always answer. Their handwriting is pretty good too.
