spending time with his niece (Haylen)

Thomas had decided to use some of the vacation time he had accumulated and spend time with Lilyana, he had the idea of taking her camping at a site north of the city, after getting what he needed, he drove over to Haylen's place to get Lilyana

Lilyana and I were home, waiting for Thomas to arrive. She was more than excited about the fact that he took her camping and I was glad she got the chance to spend some time with him as well. She had everything packed up she needed and was now standing by the window, looking out for his car. I smiled watching her.

Thomas soon pulled up and parked near the building, then got out and walked over, "Mom, Uncle Thomas is here." Lilyana said out loud

I smiled when she said that.
"Good. You all done?" I asked and she nodded. It was clear she was excited.

Lilyana nodded in reply, at the same time, Thomas got to the door

Lilyana was already on her way to open it. Normally she didn't do that, but knowing it was just Thomas, I didn't mind. She greeted him with a bright smile.
"Hello!" she said as she let him in.

Thomas smiled back as he walked in, "Hello lass" he said to her, seeing that Lilyana was ready to go

I walked up to them, smiling a little.
"Good to see you." I said.

Thomas looked at Haylen, "Same here" he replied, smiling a bit

I smiled at him, greeting him, just like I always greeted the girls, meaning he got a hug and smile.
"She's been waiting for you all morning." I said, looking at Lilyana who blushed a little.

Thomas smiled back and returned the hug, "Has she now?" he asked, Lilyana giggled in reply, "Thank you so much Uncle Thomas" she said, "Your welcome" Tom replied

I smiled and watched them, glad they got along so well.
"At some point I'm sad I can't join you guys...but I bet you'll have a lot of fun." I said. Lilyana smiled at me. "Can we go now?" she asked eagerly and just shook my head a little.

"We will" Thomas replied, he then looked at Lilyana, "Yes we can go" he told her

"Yay!" she went to get her things. I watched her, smiling a bit. "Never seen her like that."

Thomas looked at Haylen, "First time for everything" he replied

"So it seems." I said as Lilyana came back. "All set, sweetie?" I asked her and she nodded then said her goodbye. "I'm gonna miss you." I told her.

Lilyana nodded, "I'm in good hands mom" she replied, Thomas smiled a bit, having been in the army and SAS, Thomas knew his way around the woods well

"That you are." I replied, giving Thomas a smile as well.

Thomas smiled back, "Lets go Lilyana" he said to her in Irish

"Aye." she smiled.

Thomas smiled back, then walked out the door, Lilyana followed him, her backpack over her shoulder

I watched them leave, knowing she really was in good hands.
Lilyana was all smiles and happy.

Thomas walked next to her, he smiled when he saw how happy she was

"So, you still don't tell me where exactly we are going?" Lilyana asked curiously. She's been trying all week to get that out of him and still didn't give up just yet.

Thomas looked at her, "We are going to a place called Beaver Pond." he replied