Our October Treat

I've been so busy since the MacPhees' visit that I haven't had time to share about our time together. We had a jam-packed time, and I am so thankful that they could come and bring a little sunshine to our autumn. The kids were so excited to see each other that Jillian literally fell down when she first saw us at the airport! We teased her about that for the rest of the weekend! Tracy and I did quite a bit of shopping, although I don't think I got her to all five of our Winners stores, which was her goal. She was successful in leaving some money here, and I was able to spend some, too.

The boys attended the first exhibition game of the new London Lightning basketball team, and the girls giggled and screamed along with thousands of other little ladies at the Selena Gomez concert. I am so grateful that we were able to get tickets! Justin Bieber did not show up as hoped, but Janelle was having too much fun to care. It was such a special experience for Tracy and I to share with our girls.

Great Wolf Lodge truly is a kid's paradise. The waterslides, the wave pool, the lazy river, the water coaster, the giant splash bucket — all four kids loved it all. I told Chris that Great Wolf Lodge is a place I would have dreamed up as a child when imagining the perfect hotel. Since we were there in the middle of the week we practically had the place to ourselves, so no waiting in line for the good slides. The kids even got to dress up in their Halloween costumes and "trick-or-treat" around various places in the resort. It truly was very cool, and especially cool that my kids got to experience it with their cousins.

What I'm thankful for today, on top of a family visit, Selena Gomez tickets, and Great Wolf Lodge, is the reminder that one of my worst fears in leaving New Brunswick has not been realized. More than anything I wanted my children to grow up close to their cousins, sharing experiences with them, and staying in close touch often, and I was afraid that would change if we moved to Ontario. It hasn't changed. They love each other as much as they ever have. They have more fun together than with anyone else. And we can still make those special times happen, perhaps even more intentionally now. Tracy and I are pretty good at dreaming up fun plans to share together, so I think there's a pretty good chance it's going to keep right on happening. We counted down days for months before the special treat of this visit. I wonder what we'll do for the next one?