Surprises, Family and Hockey!!!

For months my Mom, sister and I had been planning a surprise visit to see my Brother in North Carolina and I am finally able to share the story...but let me start from the very beginning!!!

Ever since my brother was a little guy, he has always wanted to play hockey.  From the age of two he got his first pair of skates, and basically my parents couldn't keep him away from a rink.  In fact, my first outing, as a new born, at only about a week old, was watching one of Bobby's games; and I have loved watching him, just as much as he loves playing the sport, ever since.   Somehow we knew that it was long over due to see another of Bobby's games...but how could this be possible?

In September my Mom and I were discussing the possibility of her coming for a visit to Grenada. As we went back and forth, looked at the cost of flights and the timing of the trip we started thinking about the idea of somehow getting all the family to Grenada; after looking at the cost of flights however, we knew that wouldn't be a possibility.

Ever week we try to catch the highlight reel of Bobby's games. Yes, since age two he really hasn't stopped playing hockey; first playing in the OHL at the age of 16 (Ontario Hockey League), then going semi-pro in Mississipi at 19, to getting a Hockey Scholarship to the University of St. Francis Xavier (Where he obtained his Teaching Degree and his team won Nationals), and now playing Semi-Pro in North Carolina...he really hasn't stopped.  For him, I think hockey is just a part of who he is; it does not define who he is as a man, but instead is a part of the man he has become! Truthfully, hockey has been good to him and opened many doors; many that otherwise may never  have been possible.

Player Profile: University of St. Francis Xavier

Playing for St. Francis Xavier (University Days)....and one great hit!!!

So...as we looked through the highlight reel, and my mom filled me in on Bobby's weekend roadtrips, we started mentioning how awesome it would be so see him play again.  As we began to think about it, the last time I saw my brother play hockey was when he was in University...and that was almost 6 years ago!!!

So the plan was in motion! We contacted my brother's girlfriend, April, and began planning the trip.  My sister was a mad woman and ran around trying to finalize all the details to get her passport, time off work and making the arrangements for us all to be in North Carolina!

Finally, the tickets to North Carolina were booked in November, and for almost 4 months I had to keep a secret...this was a challenge all in itself!!!  But February came, and after months of my sister and I planning and organizing some day excursions, a trip to Myrtle Beach and shopping plans (of course),  I boarded the plane to surprise my brother in North Carolina.

Bobby is close to making the decision of whether to 'play for another year' (hahah something we hear almost every year) or deciding whether it is time to 'hung up the old laces' and move on (although we know hockey will always be a part of his life/career plans).   Because of these reasons, we felt that this year was important to make the trip; it might not be long until we do not have the chance to see him play at the professional level.  As Captain of his team this year, Bobby having an incredible season, and the team having a phenomenal season (in the number two spot) overall, we really just couldn't see a better time to watch Bobby do what he loves!

And so, on February 20th my Mom and sister fly from Toronto to North Carolina and we all met up in the Raleigh airport. April finally told Bobby, a few days before our arrival, that they needed to go to the airport because he had visitors coming. And so they waited for us to arrive!!!

It was such a fun feeling walking through the terminal waiting to see my brother's reaction!  Although, what I mostly remember is my sister jumping up and down, yelling my name 'Nick's here, Nick's here'. Lol...I guess that's what keeping a four month secret does to you!

Our first stop of the night....PF Changs for family dinner:

It was a fun filled week and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend some time, not only with my brother and April, but with my family in general.  It has been a long few years of ups and downs for all of us, and of course with Dave and I  traveling all over with Med. School,  this little family vacay was a long time coming!!!

Here are the photos from one great family surprise and family reunion!

Myrtle Beach:

Almost in Myrtle Beach

About to go on the Sky Wheel! Sibling love!

Nance and Boberto

Mrytle Beach

My Big Sis and I

Deep in thought!

My Big Bro!!

Boardwalk!

Reed Family

The Fam Jam

Bobby and April!

Hockey!!!

We made shirts for Bobby...he will tell you he was embarrassed, but we know he loved it!

FireAntz Entrance!

Bobby (#19) and opening face off!

Photo by Debbie Arrant (One of Bobby's NC Moms)

Photo by Debbie Arrant (One of Bobby's NC Moms)

Nice goal Sam!!! (Photo taken by: Debbie Arrant)

Bobby Scores!!!! We went crazy lol! (Showing it on the Jumbo Tron)

Some of Bobby's dearest fans, and his North Carolina Family!

Bobby (#19) faces off again!

Action shot...LOVE THIS!

Mom and the FireAntz mascot!!!

Team Reed!

At the glass...screaming and cheering, like mad!

We made the Jumbo Tron!

Nance's moment on the Jumbo Tron!

Captain Reed

Getting as many photos of Bobby as possible!

Dancing for a shirt lol!

Antz for the Win!!!!

After the big win, in the dressing room!

Me in Boberto's stinky gear!

After game #1 there was a 'Meet and Greet' with the players:  This is his cute, number one fan!!!!

Out after the game!

April and I!

Great time, with great family!

Game two: Military Night

Opening face off!

Boberto is Player of the game!

Boberto is player of the game!

After the second game, they auctioned off the players Jerseys....Bobby's went for the highest, at $800.

Signing gear for the fans!

Bobby Signing away!

 I sure do miss going to every one of Boberto's games, but was so thankful we got to spend some time enjoying his life in North Carolina!  Go Antz Go!!!

Trivia night! One of our last photos in NC!