Sunday, November 28, 2010

Thanksgiving and Black Friday...

This Thanksgiving was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable I can remember in a very long time. Probably because I didn't cook the meal! It is wonderful to have adult children that willingly pitch in and share the burden of such a huge meal. I cooked a ham and a turkey breast, Leslie took care of the scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn casserole. Becca brought the spinach dip & bread bowl, cheese ball, and green bean casserole. Her friend Adrienne brought broccoli & cheese casserole and pineapple upside down cake. Scott baked homemade braided bread and rolls. Mom, Dad, and "Mrs. Smith" supplied the pumpkin and pecan pies. (Ed wasn't able to be with us because he is still in Iraq, and Ryan was still on the rig in Oklahoma.)
After a delicious meal, the kids sat down with the sales ads from the paper to map out our plan of attach for the Black Friday sales. I don't think any of us actually had intentions of buying Christmas presents. Leslie wanted a Shark steam mop, crock pot, sheets, towels, and pajamas for the girls. Becca wanted a new crock pot because she had to toss hers after her pumpkin chili dumped all over the back of the van (long story). Scott only wanted the sandwich maker at Target. I didn't have anything in mind, so I went back and forth all evening about whether or not I was even going to go. Anyway, the girls planned our shopping trip, then we played board games until the magic hour of midnight.
Once the time arrived, I decided to go along. I grabbed shotgun, Becca drove, and the rest of the gang piled into the back of the van.

The funny thing is, Scott hadn't intended to go at all. At the last minute he decided to tag along to Wal-Mart. He ended up staying for the long haul.
I think he actually had a blast. He and Leslie got in the line at Target (we got there around 2:00 am) while Becca, Adrienne and I sat in the car. Around 3:00, Becca decided to move the van closer to the exit so we called to let them know the van was being moved. They talked Adrienne into joining them in the line. Becca took a quick snooze in the van, and I watched the crazies camping out in tents in front of Target, Home Depot, and Best Buys. It was unusually cold so people were huddled together with blankets. It was amazing how jovial everyone was!
Anyway, I think the total list of purchases included the Shark, Rubbermaid storage containers for all of us, sheets, towels, pajamas, a couple of fuzzy blankets, a couple of crock pots, Paula Dean cookware, a sandwich maker, and a bag of chocolates. Did we collectively save enough to make it worth staying up all night? I think so; maybe not in monetary value, but we laughed and giggled all evening.
We ended up getting back home around 5:45 am and had such a good time that we are looking forward to next year. Scott says we need to wear matching outfits and plan even more stops.

5 comments:

Amanda said...

So much fun! I wish I was closer to my mom and Sarah so we could have done some black Friday shopping. Casey worked all day and needed the car since the shuttle wasn't running (due to the holiday), so I didn't go out at all. I really wanted some of those Rubbermaid containers. I got some last year and liked them so much I've been planning on getting more all year. I guess there is always next year.

Kathy said...

On the daily 3 way call with the girls this morning, your blog was the chosen topic. How fun. I always end up too tired to do much shopping but I always want to. You are so blessed to have your kids so close.

The Monkeys said...

I wasn't going to go either this year, because there really was nothing I wanted, but I was awakened with pains in my back and eventually just got up and went around 4:45 am. Didn't find much, though and had my cart stolen to boot! Next year, only if I have friends to laugh with will I go!

Woolverton Girl said...

Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving! Glad you didn't have to cook everything. It really is nice to divide everything up. Love the last picture of them freezing outside! It was really cold, especially at the time of night. We went out to Walmart, too. :)

Cover the Day said...

This is Dan Keck from my new blog. Hi Searls family. It's been a while. Black Friday is great, but I enjoy Cyber Monday much better. I will probably change my preference when I have a couple of kids to go with me (1 almost here).