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A Peek Into the Last Two Weeks

Gretchen’s $93 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

A Peek Into the Last Two Weeks

My parents organized a trip to Branson for my 40th birthday (we used to go to Silver Dollar City almost every year as kids and it was often around my birthday). Two of my brothers and their families were able to come, as well. We had a great time!

She asked me to ride with her on the Pirate Ship. I don’t enjoy this ride, but when your 16-year-old daughter asks you to ride with her, you do! And of course she wanted to ride in the top row!

Kierstyn loved getting to hang out with her cousins!

Baby D did SO well! He’s just one of the easiest babies ever and brings so much joy to our home!

My parents watched Kierstyn and Baby D for awhile so that Jesse and I could go around and ride some rides by ourselves and with the three older kids. It was so much fun!

The new water ride was a big favorite!

And we also found apple dumplings with cinnamon ice cream!

This sweet boy loves to give hugs and kisses. He fell asleep on Jesse like this.

My sweet friend, Kate, planned a special birthday night for me at her house — complete with my favorite food from the Cheesecake Factory.

Jesse and the three older kids planned a special surprise evening for me — including getting babysitters! I tried to get it out of them what we were doing, but no one would say a peep. They planned a fun Escape Game (which we escaped from — yay!)

Then, we went out for Indian food at a new-to-us restaurant!

We finished out the evening with cups of steaming tea. So delicious and it reminded us of our trips to India!

Gretchen’s $93 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

Aldi

1 bag Frozen Corn – $0.75

1 bag Frozen Broccoli – $0.89

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.75

1 Whipped Topping – $0.79

1 Orange Juice – $1.99

1 gallon Milk – $2.60

2 Half & Half – $1.55 each

1 Plain Greek Yogurt – $3.19

1 canister Raisins – $2.89

1 dozen Eggs – $1.53

1 bag Frozen Strawberries – $2.95

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $3.49

1 Pancake Syrup – $1.29

1 pkg Rice Cakes – $1.99

1 Vanilla Yogurt – $1.75

1 Maple Syrup – $6.09

1 MooTubes – $1.55

1 Steak Sauce – $0.99

1 Hot Sauce – $1.99

1 lb Butter – $2.66

1.64 lbs Peaches – $2.61

1 bag Kettle Chips – $1.24

1 box Chewy Granola Bars – $0.97

2 bags Chocolate Chips – $1.29 each

1 Cream of Mushroom Soup – $0.50

1 can Tuna – $0.65

1 lb Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – $4.35

1 Peanut Butter – $1.29

2.17 lbs Bananas – $0.80

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $1.25

1 Seedless Cucumber – $1.29

1 bag Mandarins – $3.69

1 pkg Strawberries – $2.49

2.34 lbs Red Grapes – $3.02

1 pkg Vine Tomatoes – $1.99

1 bag Oyster Crackers – $0.89

2 Avocados – $0.79 each

1 bag Spinach – $1.19

1 pkg Bagels – $1.49

1 pkg Romaine Lettuce – $2.79

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $2

Total: $86.89

Big Lots

I was excited to find a lot of markdowns at Big Lots, especially since they’d sent me a $5 off coupon! I’ll be sticking a lot of these in the freezer to use over the coming months.

4 boxes Cheez-Its – Marked down to $1.15 each

1 box Nilla Wafers – Marked down to $0.25

3 pkg Keebler Fudge Stripes Cookies – Marked down to $0.25 each

2 pkg Ritz Crisp & Thins – Marked down to $0.50 each

1 pkg Vanilla Creme Cookies – Marked down to $0.75

1 box Cheerios – Marked down to $1.45

1 box Blueberry Chex – Marked down to $1.25

1 box Rice Krispies – Marked down to $1.25

Used $5 off mailer coupon

Total after coupon: $6.30

Total for both stores: $93.19

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Eggs, Bagels, Yogurt, Spinach Smoothies, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Fruit

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Rice Cake Sandwiches/Grapes x 2, Mac & Cheese/Carrots x 2, Apples & Peanut Butter/Crackers x 2, Chicken Nuggets (from freezer)/Cucumbers/Peaches, Leftovers