The Magical Visit

We got a call from my friend Paul from university. He lives in Conneticuit but was in Halifax on his way to a meeting. He was free for the next 30 minutes. Could we meet. YES! We haven't seen each other for about 18 years (though we've kept in touch). Ron drove over from the university. I told the kids to get in the van. They went outside and said, "mom the van isn't here". Shoot! The van was in the shop. I called a taxi. The kids climbed into the back & were thrilled - they had never been in a taxi before. Paul looks exactly the same - just a little bit of grey. It was GREAT to see him. We went for lunch at the hotel dining room. They set things up so that Paul, Ron & I were at one end & the kids were at the other. We had the most amazing waiter ever - big shout out to Jose. He treated the kids like royalty. Matt couldn't decide between a caesar salad & fish and chips. Jose said they could have both - caesar instead of fries. When he brought them their food he put an order of grilled cheese and fries on the able too (I think the kitchen made it for someone by mistake). Our kids eyes widened in delight. He asked them about drinks. They said they would like Shirley Temples. Later on he asked them if they wanted another drink, assuring me "when I make the shirley temples I used just a little bit of pop. They are very healthy."

Our visit was over too soon. But it was a beautiful day. We walked a few blocks to the bus. And we got a bendy bus home! The kids love to sit in that middle part that moves, yelling with glee every time the bus goes around the corner. This brought a few smiles from bus passengers.