Leaves and trees

I've said it before.... the thing I miss most about the south is the trees. I have been thoroughly enjoying the scenery since I've been back and have confirmed my thoughts that this is the most beautiful place in the world. At least to me. I love the rugged beauty of the north and it makes me happy every day but there is something about the trees, the ocean and the hills of the maritimes that makes my heart sing.

Today was a beautiful fall day for leaf pictures in the back yard, even though Oliver wasn't digging the new texture.

Touching grass for the first time and enjoying the view.

Just Play

We made it.

We finally got to Saint John after staying that extra night in Halifax. The morning flight went off without a hitch and made it to mom and dad's by 10am. It feels great to be around my family. This trip is extra special because my sister who has been living in Calgary the last few years is back in Saint John so we get to spend lots of time together. I've also been anxious to get our boys together so they can get to know each other. Unfortunately, the first meeting didn't go well. Erik, who is a year and 4 days older than O, took one look at my mom hugging "his Oma" and lost it. He is used to being the king of family's attention and was not happy about sharing his throne. Over the last few days he is coming around and I think they'll be good friends by the end of the trip.

So far the trip has been great. We've settled in and have had the opportunity to see a few friends and family members. There is nothing like hanging out with friends from way back, Lots of stories to laugh and reminisce about. I've also had the chance to get my hair cut and did some shopping. I seem to have fallen back in to the southern swing rather easily. The thing I've enjoyed the most so far is taking O to Just Play. It's a huge indoor playground that they have recently opened in Saint John and the kids had a great time.

Oliver loved watching the colors flash and change on the LED game floor.

Erik really likes the slide.


O is obsessed with the stairs lately so these are stairs he's allowed to tackle.



Way way up on the bridge.


A good time was had by all. Not sure about the kids but I for one can't wait to go again.

So close...

Guess what? Would you believe we're still not home? I'm sitting in a hotel in Halifax instead of having beers with my family in Saint John. So close, yet so far away!

We were on our way down the runway in Iqaluit and and the plane slowed right down. Some kind of light went off in the cockpit that they had to check out before we could leave. Luckily it was nothing and we headed back out but at that point we were already an hour late and I was going to miss my connection. There were no later flights getting in tonight so we'll be taking our last leg in the morning. It's been a long day and am exhausted so I'm off to bed.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back tonight! Hope you all had a great Halloween.

Happy Halloween!

Planes, kennels and birthdays

We made it out of Cape Dorset and the flight went well. Oliver seemed to enjoy himself as you can see.

Tonight we are staying at the Nova in Iqaluit. I was surprised when we got here that they didn't have a portable crib or playpen to off their littlest customers. I kind of thought every hotel had those types of things. I guess I was wrong, or maybe I'm just in Iqaluit. Either way, the idea of Nick, myself, Oliver AND Tank all sleeping in the same double bed was a nightmare. Then I remembered Jen's strategy when she was traveling with Ezri last time. Sometimes having a dog pays off in the strangest ways.

Since it's close to midnight as I write this I'll send out a HUGE and loving HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband. Happy 31st on the 31st baby.

More changes

So I lied... I said that my next post would be from the south and It's not. I'm not, nor will I be tomorrow night as planned. Oh, travel in the north is always interesting. After getting the news that we had to leave Friday instead of Monday I got everything organized and was ready to go. Then tonight at supper time we find out that our flight out tomorrow morning is cancelled! That means we are now staying the night in Iqauit then going the whole rest of the way on Saturday. Instead of a leisurely overnight in Ottawa and a afternoon flight to the east coast, I and a very sleepy Oliver won't arrive till midnight. AND I'll miss the trick or treating. I think my annoyance is mostly about the trick or treating.

Oh well, as an ex-Air Canada employee I've been traveling on standby passes for years and am used to things changing and having to replan a routing or flight times at the last minute. As someone living in the north, I'm well aware that this can happen, and does often so I'm pretty easy going about it all. I would imagine that the hotels in Ottawa and Nova Scotia think I'm crazy since I've booked and rebooked 3 times now. And the dog. Tank was originally going with Nick, then going with me and is now going with Nick again so AC Cargo must think we're losing it too. I think we are ready to go again so we'll see if there are any more surprises for us tomorrow. I sure hope not.

Once again I sign off but I'm not sure where the next post will be from. Iqaluit, New Brunswick.... the way things are going the last couple of days who really knows.

Shifting it into high gear

Nick called from work today and advised me that he now has to fly out of Cape Dorset on Friday instead of Monday as planned. (Has to because the first week of his 'vacation' is actually work related so he goes when told) Overall this isn't a huge deal for me, getting to take Oliver trick or treating with his cousin is great news. The problem is my carefully planned packing schedule has gone out the window. But hey, I can roll with the punches so I've been spending my day madly running around getting things into suitcases and changing the required reservations.

The only real negative is that Nick's birthday is Saturday too and he'll be in Nova Scotia instead of with us in New Brunswick. Oh well, I'm sure he'll enjoy partying with buddies from his last posting. We'll celebrate when he comes home.

Sorry Aida, I guess our meeting isn't going to happen on Monday. That's disappointing! Maybe it'll work out some other time.

Next post from the hopefully sunny and not so snowy south. Ciao!!