Frugal Friday 463

 Happy Frugal Friday!

Here's how we saved money/spent money wisely/made extra money this week:

- My parents came to stay Friday-Wednesday for a big birthday week for Annabeth. She had the best time eating special meals, baking a cake, playing about 400 games, visiting the Eiteljorg Museum (thank you JCPL for the pass to get in free and for free parking - a $50 savings!), and so much more. 

- Friday night through Sunday evening Mark, Dad, and Mr. O camped out with Mark's Scout Troop. It was Dad's first time going along and they seemed to have a great time. They came home with a big of rocks, fossils, and crinoids. 

- Sunday afternoon I picked up the remainder of our sale items. I saved some books back for the spring sale, untagged several books to take to swap at our next homeschool co-op meeting and bagged up dresses from Annabeth for a friend. I dropped those off on Tuesday at her house.

- Tuesday I had an orthodontist appointment and since my parents were in town I got to go alone! They took the kids to the library, park, and out for a picnic while I went up north. 

- Wednesday was Annabeth's 11th Birthday. We always allow the kids one eat-out meal and one special activity alongside a day off school/choosing all of the day's activities. We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast, Italian Wedding Soup/bread for dinner, and eat-out lunch at Chicago's lunch buffet. We also went to the library, walked downtown. got treats at Hoosier Candy Cupboard, and played board games all afternoon. She had dance in the morning and the evening so we fit in birthday fun where we could.

Hoosier Candy Cupboard now has birthday pins!

We go for nearly every family birthday so this was a fun surprise. 

Wearing her favorite gift - macaroon Minnie ears from Owen

She can't wait to wear these on our next trip

- Yesterday we had our bi-monthly co-op. This year, we had school pictures taken and for the first time ever my 2nd and 6th grader will have "proper" school pictures and they were gifted by the photographers. After class, we packed out lunch to a park with friends. I also selected 5 new-to-us books from the Free Bin. We took some CDs, DVD, and a book to trade with others. 

- Last night, Annabeth took a 3D Printing Class at a local library. She learned about the history of 3D printing and designed her own 3D bookmark. Library staff will print it and we can pick up next week. I am SO thankful for our amazing libraries and all of the free classes and resources they provide. 

We had a busy week and the huge blessing of having my parents in town for many days. I am so grateful for time together. We are looking forward to a weekend of free, family fun!

Happy Savings to All!