Every year my sisters and I plan a Christmas shopping trip in early November. We go early in the season to beat the crowds and avoid bad roads. This year our trip fell on this past Friday and Saturday. We don't go too far, because we want to be able to return things if we need to. We started around 8:00 on Friday morning and go to a lot of different stores and the mall. We stay in a local hotel and often make a few more stops on Saturday. 
Here are Terri and Cheri, comparing coupons and Christmas lists in a toy store.
Look who we ran into at one of our stops - we thought perhaps Melissa was stalking us, or possibly she was spying and planned to report to Heather on what she saw in our carts!
Following a long day of shopping, our feet are aching and our knees are sore. We have made it part of our routine to have supper at the Olive Garden. Those of you who know us well, will not be surprised to hear that laughter is a big part of our day. Here is a picture of Terri, who is laughing so hard she can hardly breathe! (and no - we were not drinking!)
After eating too much at the Olive Garden, we went to the hotel. We always haul our bags up to the room so we can sort through them and mark down what was purchased on our lists. The night is filled with talking and more laughter and of course some dessert later. There was also a problem of noise during the night that kept a few of us from sleeping. I don't want to name the troublesome party, but I will tell you that Cheri and I were the ones that were awake! It's okay though - it gave us something to laugh about in the morning and I'm sure she will be harassed about it throughout the year! It's great to go home the next day and be able to say that most of my shopping is done, but what I really enjoy is the fun I have while spending time with my sisters. God has truly blessed me with a great family and I am so thankful that I am able to have fun and spend time with them.
Here are Terri and Cheri, comparing coupons and Christmas lists in a toy store.
Look who we ran into at one of our stops - we thought perhaps Melissa was stalking us, or possibly she was spying and planned to report to Heather on what she saw in our carts!
Following a long day of shopping, our feet are aching and our knees are sore. We have made it part of our routine to have supper at the Olive Garden. Those of you who know us well, will not be surprised to hear that laughter is a big part of our day. Here is a picture of Terri, who is laughing so hard she can hardly breathe! (and no - we were not drinking!)
After eating too much at the Olive Garden, we went to the hotel. We always haul our bags up to the room so we can sort through them and mark down what was purchased on our lists. The night is filled with talking and more laughter and of course some dessert later. There was also a problem of noise during the night that kept a few of us from sleeping. I don't want to name the troublesome party, but I will tell you that Cheri and I were the ones that were awake! It's okay though - it gave us something to laugh about in the morning and I'm sure she will be harassed about it throughout the year! It's great to go home the next day and be able to say that most of my shopping is done, but what I really enjoy is the fun I have while spending time with my sisters. God has truly blessed me with a great family and I am so thankful that I am able to have fun and spend time with them.
You sisters rock! What a blessing that you enjoy each other and experience so much laughter (even if sleep deprived, tee hee). It's not on being an only child, I need some sisters :-). Thanks for your kind comments Mari - bless you heaps (heaps as they say here in New Zealand)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun and look at all that loot you ladies scored! Zowie! A productive, fun, memorable trip, for sure! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a very fun day and what a great Christmas tradition.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for commenting on my giveaway for The Shoe Box by Francine Rivers. Some lucky person is going to really enjoy this book.
I have entered your name in the draw. Since you have read the book, I ask that if you win you pass it on to a senior or other person that would enjoy it. Good luck!
Blessings,
Mary
ewww! I thought you said that was a good picture! lol! i'm glad that you guys had fun. and don't worry, i won't tell heather about everything you had in your (empty) cart!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAt last, pictures of the sisters. I tend to mix them up. Cheri and I are thinking a meeting would be very sweet. You can tag along.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about your sisterhood of fun. I pray my girls will always be there for one another like you three are.
Yes, you are very blessed!
Alright, enough about the noise in the night. You may recall that I also heard some noise, it may not have been as loud as you heard, but it was still noise!! Why did I have to burrow under the pillows!??! That's probably what caused me to make noise because I could not breath.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great shopping trip!! You know I do love to shop:) What a nice tradition to be able to share with your sisters. When I lived in IL around my Mom and sister, we always went on day long shopping trips. Fun!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I love that laughter dominated the day. :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are the coolest !! I love that you plan a night once a year and go away and go shopping and go to OLIVE GARDEN (don't have that here but ate there a number of times when I visited home earlier in the year ) and stay at a hotel !
ReplyDeleteBy the way, those are the first pics that I have seen of your sisters. I'm glad to finally put faces with all three of the sisters!!
ReplyDeleteIt's really too bad that our pictures are now out there- I hate having my picture taken!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was such a fun time- can't wait for next year!
That sounds like so much fun! How neat to be able to share it with sisters. And man, it looks as though you found a lot of stuff! :)
ReplyDeleteI will be induced Monday around 9-10PM your time. I am really disappointed, this is not at all the way I wanted it. I am also sad b/c my mom won;t be able to come and see the baby before she flies out. I won't even get a chance to say good bye. Please pray for me----my heart is heavy. Thank you for all your encouragement and prayers! You are special to me! :)
I am glad that you guys had such a good time!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all had so much fun. And also that you got me all those presents... :)
ReplyDeleteActually I'd be happy with just a piece of that dessert!
WOW! That's a lot of loot! I am sooo glad you had lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful time!! And bought a lot of gifts!!
ReplyDeleteI'm an only child, and I always think it looks like so much fun to have siblings. You and your sisters are what I imagine sisterhood to be like.
Shopping. Laughing. Eating. Staying up all night. :)
Once again beautiful memories to behold! Sisters are the best!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a great time. Laughter is the best exercise... and there is no hangover if done without alcohol ;)
ReplyDeleteMy sister will be here Sunday and I can't wait.
Okay - so we might have to make that trip next year! That's a lot of shopping but I would imagine even MORE laughing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious time!
ReplyDeleteI tried to post early but blogger did something weird! Very impressive that you are pretty much done!
blessings,
Renee