Seasonal Shopping

Even though there weren't any outstanding deals compelling us out of bed early on Black Friday, Stace thought it'd be fun to head out early with Cora, on a special edition of Daddy Daughter Date morning.

They were up and out by 6:30, while Violet and I slept on into the morning. We've all been fighting colds this week, so the extra sleep with the girls out of school has been welcome.

A trip to Lowes was the first of Stace and Cora's bargain-hunting stops, for a new kitchen stool and DeWalt cordless drill. Unfortunately they were already sold out of the stools, but the Lowes across town, in Canyon County, had some. So... back in the car for a short drive.

Of course, Stace and Cora stopped at Carl's Jr. for breakfast.

They then went Christmas shopping for gifts at the mall, Target and Walmart. The shops were surprisingly quiet. The checkout people said a lot of people shop on Thanksgiving evening now instead of early on the Friday morning.

Cora and Stace had a great time together. She looks so grown up and is a turning into a lovely young lady.

Violet approves of the new stool. For the first time since we installed the kitchen nearly five years ago, we have a proper height seat at the kitchen desk, so now we can comfortably use it as a desk.

Tiny tidbit - Violet is having a bagel spread with Nutella for breakfast. This girl loves Nutella, and when we're out, she asks daily if we have any more.

Another Thanksgiving weekend purchase for the kitchen - a new stove! Our old stove still worked, other than the digital display, but it lacked any special features and I'd been eyeing a new one for a year or so.

This baby has five burners, including the large one down the center; a self-cleaning feature, and a convection fan. I also love the huge window and nice digital display. I can even set the oven to go on at a certain time in the future.

Rigo was kind enough to give us this cute bicycle planter when Stace mentioned his admiration. It's the perfect place to show off a cute Christmas tree.