On the Road Again...and Again

August 23 - 25, 2006: Well, before she could change her mind I quickly packed up the kids and headed to the P.E.I. ferry to visit Ailsa and her gang on the Island. The journey there was a great adventure for the kids who have never travelled on the Northumberland Ferry. It was a lot of fun and they had a great (though very windy) time watching the water for whales and seals on our way over to the island. No sightings though!

Our adventure on the Island was even better. We discovered that the east side of P.E.I. holds many beautiful sites and though we didn't see a lot of places, we quickly discovered that Basin Head Beach in Singing Sands Park is stunning. The kids were able to wander about the water finding crabs, star fish and quite surprisingly a lobster.

Photo (below): Grant and Cameron making a bed for their crab.

Photo (above): Ashley holding the starfish she caught at Basin Head beach

Grant, our resident dare devil, decided to jump off the pier which stands about 15 feet high. He emerged from the water screaming, "That was awesome!" There's actually a long version of that story but I'll save you some reading.

Photo (above): Grant making a splash with me directly above him getting set to jump

Photo: Grant climbing up the very high ladder back onto the pier.

Photo: Ashley and Maddie being "cool" at Basin Head.

Our adventures also found us in Cavendish which is more of a touristy area and Murray River where we went on a seal watch but didn't have much luck seeing many seals. We also went to Sandspit Amusement Park and to a cemetery (don't ask) where the kids tried to spook each other silly. We all enjoyed one another's company and were quite sad with the realization that it would probably be another year before we made company with one another again unless we make it home over the winter. Sniff, sniff!

FTV Sneak Preview: September brings Rob's sister Cheryl and her partner Brian for a visit as well as Rob's long-awaited Stones concert here in Halifax. Keep checking for updates!

Note to Ailsa: As promised, I looked it up and they have no beverage cans in P.E.I. because people don't recycle them. They have a 98% return rate on bottles...best in Canada. It's an environmental thing!

Happy 7th Birthday Ashley!

Once all the company departed and things settled a bit, Ashley celebrated her 7th birthday with a Hawaiian Luau on August 20th. We prayed for good weather and well, at least it didn't rain! The 10 girls and 3 boys bobbed for apples, had water balloon fights, coconut and tacky tourist relays completed with a pinata. I think the water balloons were the biggest hit but they all had a blast.

Photo: Ashley decided it's easier to bob for apples when you're in the tub!

Photo: Rob was brave (or dumb) enough to be the target for the water balloon shots.

And Finally...

August 12 - 16, 2006: The Provan family which consists of Charmaine (Bubbles), Norman, Taylor, Collin and Rachel were the last family to visit us this summer. Mitch decided his last summer before starting university could be spent at home earning some money for school.

Photo: Brad Pitt before he got messed up with that Angelina Jolie. Oh sorry, that's Taylor with Collin...but there is a resemblance, isn't there.

Photo: Taylor, Rachel, Grant and Ashley on rocks at back of our property.

Photo: Ashley and Rachel lost somewhere in a bubble bath

Everyone had a great time but we didn't see a whole lot of them as they were quite anxious to do their own exploring and came with a pre-planned itinerary. Of course we did send them to Lunenburg for the Lobstermen Tour and they all enjoyed that. Ashley and Rachel had a lot of fun just being buddies again and they got along very well. Grant couldn't get enough of his "big brudders" even if he told them several times a time to go away...but that's what makes Grant who he is! After leaving here they went on to P.E.I. and then home through the States.

Ding Dong the Bells Are Calling!

Photo: Ashley and Maddie at fishing wharf in Terrence Bay.
Nice finger Ashley...you must get that from your father

August 7 - 12, 2006: Sorry about that really bad title, I feel like grandpa Dempster with my really bad humour! However, part of the Bell family which includes my sister Ailsa and her kids Maddie and Cameron were the next to grace our doorstep. The boys (Grant and Cameron) didn't take long to get up to a lot of mischief. Did I emphasize a lot of mischief? Ashley and Maddie had a lot of fun together and tried their best to keep the boys in line. Ailsa did much of her own touring which included a trip out to Lunenburg for the Lobstermen Tour and a visit to The Ovens. I'm thinking that these Lobstermen guys really owe me big time for doing some heavy public relations work for them. We joined them one day for a ferry ride and another day at Dollar Lake where it was warm and sunny. Rob and his friend Win took them mackarel fishing to a really pretty spot in Terrence Bay but unfortunately the fish were pretty shy that day. Ailsa and the kids stayed in town for 5 nights with husband Dan and son Scott joining them for the final night before they headed out to P.E.I. for two weeks of cottage life. Lucky them! Little do they know that we really will be joining them for a night or two...sorry you offered, aren't you Ailsa!

Photo: Grant, Maddie, Ashley, Cameron and Scott on the rock in front of our house

Welcome Hailey and Katie

Photo: Katie, Ashley, Hailey and Grant at a chilly Rainbow Haven Beach

August 4 - 11, 2006: Ashley and Grant were very excited to welcome Mary, Ian, Katie & Hailey who flew in from Ottawa for a visit. Ashley and the girls were good friends in Ottawa and she was really looking forward to spending some time with them again. We played tour guides and went on the Lobstermen Tour in Lunenburg, to Rainbow Haven Beach and down to the waterfront among other things. Unfortunately, this year's Natal Day fireworks changed its positioning from last year so our strategic viewing area wasn't so strategic! Our guests also went on their own to Bras d'Or Lakes in Cape Breton for a few days which didn't present them with the greatest weather. Isn't that a big surprise - not!

Photo: Grant learning to ride the waves at Rainbow Haven Beach

Photo: Ashley kissing a lobster (yuk!) with Hailey in background. Note: I thought you were supposed to kiss the cod??

On the Road Again...

July 8 - 23, 2006: After playing host to the Wilkinsons the first week in July, we started our own summer adventure in the wee hours of July 8. Our trip would take us to Toronto and Ottawa with numerous stops and visits in between.

We drove to Quebec City the first day and after finally finding our hotel, we rewarded the kids for their excellent behaviour during the car ride with a nice swim. A reward that might be disappointing to some, but not to them! Our time in Quebec City was short-lived as we continued our journey on to Cobourg the very next morning. The kids couldn't wait to get to Cobourg and love going to the beach. Unfortunately, some heavy rain put that plan on hold but they were able to hang out at Thingamazoo while mom, dad and grandma did some shopping. After two nights in Cobourg we continued on to Toronto with plans to return to Cobourg on our way back.

Our journey on to Toronto started with a visit the Forgies for 3 nights. The kids had a blast meeting up with aunts Sharon, Charlene and Cheryl as well as cousins Casey, Sarah, Elizabeth, Bobby and last but not least, auntie Margaret and grandma & grandpa Forgie. Aunt Charlene even joined us at the Toronto Zoo and the kids loved having her tag along. They also got to join Sarah, Elizabeth and aunt Charlene for lunch the following afternoon and still talk about all the dead fish they found at Kew Beach...wow! Aunt Sharon's hospitality was very appreciated and she didn't bat an eyelash when Grant kept giving her his not-so-easy-going attitude. I even managed to have a dinner date with my friends Kelly, Jenny, Jacqui and Kim.

Photos: (left) Grant & aunt Charlene at the Toronto Zoo (right) Grant getting what he deserves from cousins Bobby and Casey.

Photo: Ashley and cousin Elizabeth.

Photo: Grant giving poor aunt Sharon more abuse.

At the end of the week it was time to send dad back home on an airplane to earn some money so we could continue our journey. The three of us said goodbye to dad and the Forgies and headed to Newmarket to visit the Bell and Dempster families.

Our first stop was with the Bell family. Ashley and Grant had a great time catching up with Maddie and Cameron. On Saturday, uncle John had a get together at his house and he and aunt Shelley played gracious hosts to the three of us, plus the Bell and Leblanc families as well as auntie Linda and grandma& grandpa Dempster. The kids had a blast swimming with all their cousins and fulfilled their obligation to annoy the older cousins! Actually, they all played great and it was nice to see them having fun together.

Photo: Grandpa Dempster, Ashley, Grandma Dempster

Photos: (top) Cameron, Grant and Colin (bottom) John with his kids Erin and Colin

The following day we continued the barbeque and swimming adventures but this time we all headed to the Leblanc home where Fiona, Claude, Jeanette and John played host. Again, the older cousins were great with the younger ones and everyone had a lot of fun.

Photo: Cousins Maddie, Jeanette and Ashley

We ended the day with a short drive back to grandma and grandpa Dempster's in Cobourg where the kids finally realized their wish to go to the beach. So, the following day we packed up the sand toys and swimming gear and headed to the beach which is always a pretty spot. They played for hours and even went on to swim at the beach pool so no complaints were received that day from anyone.

Photo: Me, Grant and Ashley at Cobourg Beach, Lake Ontario.

After two nights in Cobourg it was time to bid a teary goodbye to grandma and grandpa Dempster and make our way to Ottawa where we would spend time visiting some old friends. Diana was kind enough to host a pre-birthday get together for Ashley & her old school friends since we would be back in Halifax by the time her birthday rolled around in August. Ashley & Grant loved spending the afternoon with Brock, Sabrina, Amber, Alexandra, Brayden, Charlie and Jamie. I loved catching up on life with Diana, Lara and Debbie. It was a chaotic but very fun afternoon!

Photo: Enjoying a pre-birthday party at the Wilkinsons in Ottawa

The moms even managed a night out at O'Connors that week and engaged in conversations that didn't include comments like, "stop pushing your sister, enough whining...!" Our time in Ottawa was spent visiting friends and hanging out. The kids had a great day with the Provans who include cousins Mitchel, Taylor, Collin and Rachel. Grant refers to the boys as his "big brudders" and Ashley and Rachel got along great and try to convince others that they're actually sisters! We are all very excited to have the Provans coming for a visit to Halifax in August.

Photo: Grant & Ashley outside of Benjo in Quebec City

Well, our plan to spend 4 nights in Ottawa got cut short by a night after learning that Rob needed to fly out earlier than planned so we'd need to get home in time for the dog. We started the journey home with our first night's stop finding us back in Quebec City where the kids got to spend hours in their favourite toy store, Benjo. Benjo caters to those of a smaller and younger stature. The price tag was fairly painless at the end and was worth the hours of entertainment they enjoyed.

Photo: Ashley & Grant at wharf in Fredericton (Holiday Inn, Mactacquac)

The following day we spent our last night of the trip in Fredericton. We were really impressed with Fredericton and loved the Holiday Inn as it's located just outside of town on the Saint John River and has a pool, outdoor playstructure and wharf. It was a relaxing final night and we took full advantage of the beautiful grounds. The next day we arrived home to find Rob had been busy during his week alone. The house had been painted and lots of landscaping had been done. We had a great time and have a quiet week or so before it's time to get ready for the new leg of visitors.

And the Tourist Season Begins

June 29 - July 7, 2006: The end of school brought the arrival of our first summer guests. The Wilkinsons (who include Steve, Diana, Brock, Sabrina and Amber) arrived on June 29 for 9 days of Forgie hospitality. As we're learning, the East Coast is a bit behind Ontario in terms of weather schedules so early July is a bit more unsettled than it typically would be in "central" Canada. However, we took full advantage of the good days and managed to keep busy on the wetter days. So, here we go with some of the highlights:

June 29: Ashley lost a day or two in her countdown so we were able to surprise her at her evening soccer game with some unexpected company. She was easily able to spot some familiar friends amongst the crowd and quickly forgot about the task at hand...which isn't too unusual.

June 30: This was a day reserved for picking up report cards, doctor's appointments, social lunches and other errands.









Photos: (left) Grant at Hubbards Beach in St. Margaret's Bay (right) A much warmer Grant flexing his six pack at Kearney Lake.

July 1 (Canada Day): You know, the ocean really just isn't all it's cracked up to be. While the idea of going to an ocean beach always intrigues visitors, it's definitely not BayWatch... at least not here and not often. If you enjoy water temperatures of 14C with strong winds, you'll enjoy the ocean. If not, stick to the lake because at least 27C air temperature really means 27C air temperature at the lake. We planned for a day at Hubbards Beach which has a beautiful ocean view with great sandy beaches. However, the agony of watching Diana wrapped up in towels and multiple sweaters while the kids braved the cold water was too painful. We soon decided to pack up and head to the oh-too-popular but always warm Kearney Lake where she was able to lose the multiple layers of clothing.

We wrapped up Canada Day by going to DeWolfe Park at the Bedford Basin for an absolutely amazing Canada Day fireworks show. Being from Ottawa, I figured Canada's capital would have one of the better shows but this was definitely the best we've seen and the kids really enjoyed it.

July 2: A rainy day didn't dampen the enthusiasm of 5 little people who donned some rain gear and a few fishing nets and headed to the neighbourhood pond to feed the ducks and terrorize some fish. Photo: Ashley, Brock and Grant at Kingswood Pond.

July 3: Upper Clements Park (Annapolis Royal, NS). This was definitely a day to remember. The sun was shining so the decision to make the two hour drive to the beautiful town of Annapolis Royal for a day at the amusement park was made. The kids had a blast and Brock proved that he definitely has no fear. Our own little dare devil Grant experienced a lot of disappointment as he repeatedly learned he was "too small" to ride. Finally, a kind operator made his day by agreeing that he was just tall enough to ride the log ride. Grant turned to us after what must have been his tenth turn and said, "I'm big now mommy, I can ride the big rides!" Of course, Ashley, who is big enough to ride had no interest in putting herself into the seat of anything that could cause her stomach to jiggle. The kids enjoyed everything from zip cords to bumper boats and water slides. The park is located at the Bay of Fundy and hosts spectacular views and beautifully kept grounds. It's a definite must see and a great value if you're in the area.

View from Upper Clements Park overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

The kids having some rest time outside the ice cream shop.

Grant riding the zip cord (Sabrina in background).

Ashley on the kiddy bumper boats

July 4: This day was spent at the Halifax waterfront. The kids enjoyed a ferry ride across the harbour to Dartmouth. We managed to convince them that the $1.40 for the transit ferry was almost as good as the $20 Theodore Too tugboat harbour ride.

July 5: This was another really good day that found us in Lunenburg, one of our favourite places. We all piled onto a lobster boat and took a tour of the Lunenburg harbour where Lobstermen Tours showed the kids some authentic lobster traps and even let them hold the crabs and lobsters. They couldn't get enough of the tour and it proved to be one of the highlights of the week.

Ashley holding onto one of the lobsters caught in the trap.

A view of Lunenburg from the lobster boat.

Grant watches on but never got quite
brave enough to actually hold the crab.

July 6: This was a day of rest. The dads went golfing in the morning and the moms went shopping in the afternoon. For the evening the adults called in the babysitters so we could have some grown up time. We went to the Nova Scotia International Tattoo for some pipe bands and acrobats. A little long but the night off was well deserved. Diana managed to stay somewhat sober this time! Hey Steve, where'd you put the peanuts?

July 7: Ashley joined the Wilkinsons on their last day for a visit to Peggy's Cove. Peggy's Cove has become to us what Niagara Falls and Parliament Hill are to people who live in Ontario...very pretty, but been there so many times we could probably have a street named after us there.

Well, that's pretty much it. The very next morning we packed ourselves up and headed to Ontario for 2½ weeks of visiting and fun. Stay tuned, we'll have stories and photos from that as well as more from our other hosting duties coming up in August. Hope all is well...keep checking!

Who Loves Brownies?

After completing two years as a Spark, Ashley has now advanced on to Brownies. Our shy little Spark actually volunteered to read aloud and did a great job. Congratulations! Mom is joining Brownies with Ashley next year as a leader. Not sure if that's going to be a good thing or not.

Roll out the Red Carpet

The first weekend in May found us welcoming visitor number four, Diana, haling from the lovely village of Stittsville, Ontario. This was one of Diana's first tastes of freedom from the kids in many years as she came on her own for a quick weekend visit. We had a great time and did some sight seeing, though not as much as we'd hoped since a "flu bug" had her feeling under the weather on a hot and sunny Sunday after an evening at Salty's, Lower Deck and the Olde Triangle. (Nothing to do with martinis but enough said as I want Steve to think she's in good hands the next time she comes out. Besides, when you're a novice drinker two drinks can put you over the edge). The countdown is on until the whole Wilkinson family visits us at the beginning of July and our kids can't wait...Rob and I are quite excited too! We are looking forward to a summer of reunions and fun. Photo: The weather wasn't the best on Saturday but we managed to get in a quick visit to the standard places such as Peggy's Cove and the waterfront. (Ashley and Diana in foreground, Grant in background).

Survivor Halifax

Well, today we entertained fourteen 4-year-olds and in my mind, those folks on Survivor have nothin' over us. Not sure how we ended up with that many kids but you know that expression 'it just started growing arms and legs' - well that would be a pretty good explanation for the extensive guest list.

From the moment his feet hit the floor this morning he was full of excitement and kept asking, "Is it time for my pawdy (aka party) yet?" Not yet Grant, very soon. "Aw, dats not fair, I been waitin' a long time!" Finally the moment arrived and I don't think he could have been any more excited as his friends arrived, gifts in hand. Of course, he was not the least bit shy about escorting the gift to the party table and remarking on how many presents he had. I'm not sure he even noticed the kids handing him the gifts but I guess he's still young enough to get away with such poor party etiquette! "I'm so excited!" was a common phrase throughout his afternoon.

Grant's actual birthday is April 15 but that would bring us into Easter weekend and it's pretty difficult to schedule anything on a long weekend. The party was held at a preschool that rents out its gym and kitchen so the venue was perfect. Trying to get all those 3 and 4-year-olds to want to do the same thing at the same time, that wasn't so perfect. However, Grant had a super time and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. He has made some really sweet little buddies that I hope he continues to share friendships with.

We are now relaxing at home, unpacking toys, installing batteries, and repeatedly reading instructions just trying to figure out some of these "preschooler" toys. I have had to increase the coffee intake today just to keep ahead of the game. Cheers Grant, happy birthday big guy!

It Was Good To Be Home

The weekend of March 31 found me visiting family and friends in good old Toronto. Rob and the kids surprised me with a weekend plane ticket home to visit as I think the signs of missing the family were becoming too evident. (I don't think I was that psychotic, but it depends who you talk to). Kelly was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and do chauffeuring duties. I spent Friday night with the girls (Kelly, Jenny, Jacqui and Kim) and met the new babies and toddlers that have arrived since I left. We ordered Chinese food and chatted. It was great seeing the girls again and I had a wonderful time chatting about everything and nothing! Sadly, I either forgot to take my camera out or left it in my sister's car so photos of my weekend home are almost non-existent.

I returned to mum and dad's house that night and kept dad up way past his bedtime!

On Saturday, my sister Ailsa and I went for a pedicure in Cobourg and she made fun of my "problem feet". It seems if she inherited any of the good family genes, they were in her feet. LOL. My brother Stuart and his family including new baby Alexandra were also home from Calgary for a visit so I managed to get my first view of cousin number 21 for Ashley and Grant. That night we went to Ailsa's house and had a great visit but not before a pit stop to see Fiona and the family who are all doing well and were busy redecorating. It must be a family thing! We finally made it to Newmarket and enjoyed a great visit with Maddie and Cameron...and Dan too. It was really good seeing them again as I haven't seen Maddie since just before she got sick. She is doing well and gave me the biggest hug when she saw me...that made everything good! Cameron is hilarious and spunky and reminds me so much of Grant (yes, that's a good thing). That night we joined Roxane (our childhood friend) for a late dinner and drinks in Newmarket. After a nice visit from my brother John and his kids, Ailsa took me shopping the next day and it felt good to spend money on a Sunday! Ahhhh, the smell of Sunday shopping...it was better than I remembered. Unfortunately, someone was in a bit of a hurry and rear-ended her car but fortunately it was minor and with the exception of a short scare, we were all okay.

Photo: Maddie and Alexandra at Grandma and Grandpa Dempster's house.

While it was sad to leave, I was missing Rob and the kids and was looking forward to getting home to see them. Ailsa brought me to the airport and I managed to keep the tears to a minimum...but did she? The whole family will be joining me for a visit to Ontario in July and I hope to see everyone while we're in town. Although with the size of our families, that could be a tall order!

Photo: Maddie and Jenna (aka Stew) in her room made possible by a huge handful of volunteers and local companies.

Hey, does anyone know what I have in common with Jessica Simpson besides the obvious?! We can both burp the alphabet. Perhaps that's a talent many of you didn't know I possessed. Maybe I'll perform for you next time I'm in town and completely drunk!

If This Isn't Global Warming...What Is?

Well, it's March 12 and while they may be pushing it a bit, the kids actually had their bathing suits on today. I'm not sure what the temperature got to but I ended up in my jeans and a t-shirt. I think temperatures soared everywhere this weekend. Grant, Ashley and her friend Taylor ate freezies and ran around the yard in their summer swimmers...a sure sign that summer is on the way, right?

It's Been A While

Photo: Ashley (pink jacket, grey pants) behind her instructor.

Okay, I know I haven't been keeping my posts current and I suppose that it could mean I'm soooo busy...but it doesn't. It just means that things have been rather quiet. January and February passed by rather quickly which is good since winter tends to drag on. While there were only a few short sightings of snow here this winter (like everywhere in Canada I think) I did find myself getting tired of the cloudy days and actually wishing for some white stuff. There's not much to do on a February afternoon if there isn't any snow. Ashley and I got some skiing in and for a little girl that hasn't been back in ski boots since she was a preschooler, she did great. After a short lesson she was back on the lifts and the two of us managed to get some really good runs in. The boys decided skating would be more up their alley this winter but promise we'll all go often enough next winter.

As for Grant, he has become quite a good little skater and prefers the outdoor ponds to the indoor rinks. In fact, when he learns we're going to an arena, he nearly falls apart. He likes to drag his hockey stick along which I think causes more falls than anything...however, boys will be boys as they say! Well, everyone has managed to keep busy and happy that Spring will soon be upon us.

Some More Friendly Visitors

We were extremely excited to welcome visitors two and three this past weekend. Mary and Janis, former neighbours and good friends from Ottawa, came for a visit without the kids and husbands. We managed to consume some alcohol, do some touring, giggle, consume some alcohol, laugh hysterically and did I mention consume some alcohol? Perhaps we're all joining detox after the visit but we did have a lot of fun...at least I did! Janis is native to Nova Scotia but Mary has never been out this way before. We managed to get her out to Peggy's Cove and had a quick tour of the waterfront and Citadel Hill. Mary was so impressed that she is planning a trip back here this summer with the family. It was really great seeing some familiar faces and this summer is shaping out to be quite busy for the Forgie Hotel. Reservation dates are dwindling quickly so book now to avoid disappointment! The kids loved having the moms here and Grant sat at the airport after they left saying, "I'm gonna miss them Mommy!" Photo: Janis, Ashley and Mary at Peggy's Cove. (Click on photos to enlarge)

A Little Snow Fun!

While snow has been quite sparse this winter, Ashley and Grant were quick to call their friends over for some tobogganing and snow fort building in the front yard last week when some more of the white stuff finally arrived. Brooke and Lane are also brother and sister and very close in age to Ashley and Grant. They have a lot of fun together and play extremely well...touch wood! Judging from the Lane's hat -- they're keepers! Go Leafs Go!

Merry Christmas from Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Fortunately, the fears of two youngsters were put to rest when Santa made his delivery to the Forgie home on Christmas Eve. Ashley and Grant must have been very good this year for Santa seemed to be extra generous. They were a bit concerned that Santa wouldn't know where to find their new home but a glimpse at the tree on Christmas morning left no doubt that he knew where to find them!

So, I suppose I need to explain the photo. While Ashley has always wanted a little sister, she has had to make do with what she has. Therefore, she tends to dress Grant up like her little sister and Grant is only too happy to oblige. He was quite proud of his "nightie" and I think dad is a bit concerned that this dressing up in girl's clothing is a reflection of future habits. Don't worry dad, he's all boy!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

December 10 brought our first snow fall. The kids couldn't watch the weather channel without seeing snow everywhere else...but here. Well, yesterday their wish finally came true and here it is...snow, and lots of it. It's actually quite beautiful although Rob might disagree since he was the one actually clearing it out. The kids made their first snowman of the season. It looks as though the joy could be shortlived as they're predicting rain and warmer temperatures over the next couple of days. Click on the photo to get a better view!

Ashley lost tooth #4 today which means she is now toothless in the front...top and bottom. Hard to believe she's getting to be such a big girl..even Grant is amazed at this wonder! I will avoid singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" since I'm certain Grandpa Dempster has already began humming it as he's reading this...

A Friendly Visitor

Congratulations Kelly! You are the first guest to stay at the Hotel Forgie in lovely Halifax, Nova Scotia! The weekend of December 2 brought our first visitor, Sharon's good friend Kelly. Kelly is Ashley's "fairy god mother" and has always been great at visiting us wherever we are. We did some brief tourist things including a trip to Lawrencetown Beach (Ashley's favourite place) and the Lower Deck (every drunk in Halifax's favourite place). It was a lot of fun and the kids loved having Kelly here and abused her completely. I'll bet you had a good sleep when you got home, didn't you Kelly!