a little surprise!

Sometime last year while I was still in Japan, Mom found me the best seat sale we've ever seen to fly to Nova Scotia so she booked it for me and I paid her back when I got home... what an awesome decision that was! I kept it a secret, and only told my aunt who is the official 'airport pick-up driver' about a week before my flight.

So... last Monday, I flew to Nova Scotia and surprised my family and friends that I haven't seen for 7 years! I had an amazing time shocking people... it's a family tradition ;)

I had a wonderful time with my family and some church friends. So many precious memories were soaked in. I loved every minute of my time there and the week went way too fast!

Here's the video I took when I walked into my grandparents' house...



So much fun!! :)

and here's just a few of the pictures I took...

I spent the evening with Gwen, Eric, Gillian and Jennifer- friends from church (Gillian is like an older sister to me because she became part of our family when she drove from NS to Saskatchewan when we moved there in 95) We had an incredible time together... I have not laughed that hard in a long time! We skyped Mom and Dad and got them in on the party too! What a blast! and what a blessing that good friends are!

More special church friends from way back... Barb and Larry :)

Had to include this one even though it's almost the same as the last one, but I love the joy that was captured :) I don't remember what was said to make us all laugh, but I love this picture!

Part of the gang that went out for lunch at Wendy's after church :)

This is Victoria Park in Truro... Lissa and I used to go there lots in the summer with Grammie Purdy :)

My lovely second cousin and special friend, Laura :)

Long, long friends... together again!

Auntie Debbie (Dad's sister)

Enjoying the sunny day at my aunt Lorraine's house (Dad's other sister) with Grammie and Lorraine

I got to see my cousin Christopher... sounds sad, but I don't remember the last time I saw him. (he's got a unique character...)

Enjoying some time with Grammie and Grampie (Dad's parents)

And enjoying some time with Mom's side of the family at Auntie Chris's house... these are my cousins, Brett and Blake

Auntie Michele and Brett looking at a decorating magazine with Grammie Purdy :) (yes, Chris's house is always this fabulous!)

Hope that gives you just a tiny taste of my special week! I had a fantastic time... but it was so short!

On the way home, I had a 10 hour layover in Montreal so I ended up meeting up with our old neighbours that Melissa used to babysit for (their kids were 3 and 4 and now they are 16 and 17 I think!) I got to do a little sight seeing so that was great! Boy was I exhausted when my plane finally landed in Winnipeg just after midnight! I was SO ready for bed and slept quite well last night! :)

That's about all I can think of to say about my trip. Thanks to everyone who put me up for the night with little to no notice :) I had a wonderful time with everyone! Can't wait to come back again... hopefully not 7 years from now!