Two Babies and a Brother!: Black Friday Shopping!

I have never really done black Friday before. I don't really even like shopping that much. I'm an in and out type of girl. So black Friday is perfect for me!

My friend Tara went last year, and she knew how to work this. We had a planning meeting, made lists for each store, mapped out where in the stores you can find what, and printed coupons. It was just my kind of shopping. Get what is on your list and get the h*** out!
We arrived at Toys R Us at 7:30 Thursday night, and the store opened at 10pm. There was less than 100 people in front of us.

Tara, me, Julie
The cold front has arrived!

We set up chairs, got out the blankets, gloves, hats, and scarves, and just sat and talked. It really was fun! Tara says its like girls night and camping rolled into one! So true!
Toys R Us is super organized. 50 people in at a time. Then, they waited a few minutes and let the second 50 in. I was in and out in less than 45 minutes. You did have to wait in line to check out, but it moved pretty fast. When I got to my car the line was huge, people were asking you for your carts, following you to your car. I couldn't even back my car out without everyone having to help me.
My big bargain you ask??

Half off, I bought 2, saved $100.00

I also got some other stuff that was on my list for my 3 nephews and my brother's girlfriend's daughter.

Next... half our group headed to Wal-Mart for the midnight opening. They said never again. That it was just unorganized, and trashy. I headed over to Target to wait in line. We set up 'camp' at 11. I was about 20 or 30 in line, but somehow when 4am came, I was like number 100 in line. Target was organized too, they passed out maps to tell you where you could find pallets of 'door buster' items. They had you enter and exit a certain way. Carts were blocking aisles so people couldn't cut. I will say, there was more drama at Target that I would have liked. The cops came out around 2am for people fighting in line. And at 4 am, more cops were blocking the doors because lots of people were trying to just rush in and skip the line. I was going to cry if they just let those people in and we had been there all night! I got just a few things here. I came home with a great deal on sheets, toys, and a Dyson. People were laughing at us because I was excited about 700 thread count sheets while everyone else there that early wanted the 40" LCD Flat Screen for $298.00. I could have totally gotten one, but we don't need a tv. When I got home, Brandon was like, well we could have taken it to the beach house.... ugh, it never even crossed my mind. NEXT year! I skipped out on going to Kohl's, and was in my bed by 5 am.

Tips:

Bring a chair and blankets

Have lists w/pictures or the ads

Divide the store up and shop for everyone in the group

I'm hooked. I am for sure doing it with them next year too!

Thanksgiving Day Recap:

We all went to my moms house at noonish. I have a feeling holiday gatherings will not be very relaxing for awhile. I never had a chance to sit and eat. I literally only had one bite of turkey.

Two 14 month old boys.... are very active!

Our plan was to go feed the ducks on the golf course: