The days are flying by, and I can’t believe we are near the end of November. There are so many things I want to do with my time, and so much I want to write about, but alas, I’m tethered down by the daily demands of work. I’m thankful for the work though!

As I’ve mentioned here, my sister-in-law Cynthia is expecting her first baby in December. Yay, a Christmas baby! Last weekend, a few of us held a surprise baby shower for her.

It was in a wee village about half an hour north of our hometown, and we had a plan in place. While she and David were coming through on their way to a Sunday afternoon lunch together with Dad and Carol, they would stop at a shop where Carol wanted to pick up a couple things.

In the meantime, we would wait in the shop next door, so when they arrived, we could surprise her.

The store was called ‘Funky Junk’, and there WAS lots of funky junk. A good place to sit and wait, especially if you’re a little girl named Sophie.

When the van arrived and parked next door, we ran towards it (we weren’t sure what side she’d be sitting on!), not giving her a chance to notice us coming.

Surprisssseeee!

She was surprised all right.

Dad and Dave went on their way, and we went across the road…

…to Harry’s, a tea house!

Warm, cozy and Christmasy!

While we waited for the food, Miss Cynthia opened her lovely gifts.

My favourite – this sock monkey that Joan made.

And then, time for lunch – tea, scones, sandwhiches, soup…

Ice-cream for Sophie

It was a great afternoon – and what a luxury to spend some girly time with family!

Back row: My sister Eleanor, Cynthia's sister-in-law Kimberly, Cynthia, my sister Joan, my sister-in-law Nancy, our stepmom Carol. Front row: Me, Eleanor's daughter Sophie, and Cynthia's sister Joanne.

And a quick shout out to those missing – Cynthia’s mom and also her sister Eliana – both of them off in East Africa! They’re planning to be home in time for baby’s arrival.  It’s really going to be an extra special Christmas!

I wonder if Clyde and Tobacco will get jealous.