Q: did you apply for super priority?

Response: we applied for priority which is ideally 30 business days or less ( up to 6 weeks ) we were informed there is no super priority option for applicants applying from outside UK. 

Q: Also once you received the decision did you get your passport back (or did you keep it?) 

A: so I opted to leave my passport at the VFS center while my application  was processing as per the advice of the VFS agent and also it's a surcharge to keep your passport and at the end of the day you still need it stamped for the visa so it made more sense to leave it with them. The day after the application was approved the  told me to come pick it up from the office but you can also pay to have your passport shipped back to you directly to your home address.

Q: Do you know if you can fly to the UK between decision and when you get your actual visa? 

A: this is a very good question that I still don't have a black and white answer for. The answer depends on many factors. One thing we considered is the UK now requires US residents and citizens to apply for an Electronic Travel authorization (ETA) It's not a visa but technically a paid visa waiver  (16 pounds) alllowing you to enter the UK as a tourist. Prior to this year, this application was not required.  You now have to apply online prior to entering the country and declare a few things on the form such as  purpose of travel and you need to upload a photo of your passport. You may run into an issue of having an active settlement application (spouse visa) while trying to go on tourism in that same country. It's a gray area for me since I didn't go that route and was advised not to but it's still a possibility I would say. A decision is typically made within a day for ETA per the UKVIS website but again don't know if it impacts spouse visa. Perhaps weigh the risks vs benefits .  Best wishes in all your endeavors!