Holiday Spirit

Guess what?!? I am posting from our new computer! We got a new computer last weekend and could not be happier.  We even got a better deal on it than all the Black Friday sales.  And we didn't even have to shop on Thanksgiving.

Cherry Shortbread and Chocolate Covered Cherry cookies

We have been slowly working up to Christmas around here.  Gradual decorating, baking, shopping.  I can't believe that our Christmas party and Christmas with Josh's family is already almost here.  We are almost done getting everything we need.

Our major Black Friday deal!

We were so looking forward to our first long weekend at home in so long.  It has been pretty amazing so far.  On Wednesday, we stayed at home cleaning and making cookies.  Yesterday we spent the day at my aunt and uncle's house with family.  Avery had so much fun and she has been sleeping all day to make up for how tired she got playing non-stop.

Avery with Grandma and Grandpa

We did get up at 4am this morning to do some Black Friday shopping.  I have to say, it was one of my best experiences yet.  We started at the Home Depot by our house.  They let us inside to wait for the store to open and they gave us breakfast and hot cocoa (coffee for the coffee drinkers).  The customers and employees were so pleasant!  After getting everything we wanted there (even though the list wasn't long), we took off for Menards.  This time we had to wait outside in the cold for 40 minutes.  There were so many more people and they were not nearly as friendly.  I have never had good luck at Menards on Black Friday, but we got everything on our list (and a bit more).  Plus, we got this gem.  I have always been against these fake fireplaces, but we neededa space heater and this was cheaper or the same price and any we found.  A little ambiance?

Don't mind the laundry basket, or when I'm trying to roast mallows in the future...

Tomorrow, we will be going to Feed My Starving Children with our new church and then watching my brother's game.  Hopefully we will be able to get a little prep for our party in as well.  On Sunday, the Vikings play the Bears, so we will definitely be watching that game.

I am getting out of control exciting for the Christmas festivities!  Can't wait :)

Vacation and Surgery Recovery

Can't believe it has almost been a month again!  That month was mostly spent prepping for vacation, being on vacation, and recovering from vacation.

Before vacation, we had the chance to see the Cirque du Soleil show in town.  It was good, but not as acrobatic as the first show I saw.  Overall, a little disappointing, but still cool.  

We also had the chance to head north for Concordia's homecoming. It was nice to see friends and family.

When we got back, Avery had her first haircut.  We were a little nervous because my parents have had so many problems with Montana, and they have a similar look.  It turned out great though and we will definitely be special requesting the same person.

On the 19th of October, we took off for Tampa for the week.  We had a good time checking out the beaches and ocean and relaxing.  It was our first vacation since starting our "new" jobs.

For Halloween, we were the justice league (minus a few).  Josh was Superman, I was Bat Girl and Avery was Wonder Woman.

Today, Avery got spayed.  She made it through like a champ, but she is very out of it.  We will be taking it easy this weekend to help her recover.

Also, GOOD NEWS!  We should be getting our new computer soon, so hopefully I will get back to posting more!