wrap up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been nearly 7 weeks of summer fun here in Ontario. There have been countless adventures, many visits with friends, road trips with family, road trips to New Hampshire, visits down memory lane, dinners with family, weddings, babies... it's been lovely.

I was nervous at first to send 7 weeks away from home, but now I look back on these 7 weeks as a much needed awakening from my world in the Yukon. I feel as though I belong in two different places. It is both easy and difficult for me to feel as sense of home, here in Ottawa and there in the Yukon. If that makes any sense at all.

While driving through Quebec a few days ago (on our way to New Hampshire), I saw a few scattered trees that were starting to change colour. There were orange leaves (maples), something we don't see in the Yukon. I felt a pang of sadness that I will miss on Ontario fall once again. Something that truly makes me happy.

But on the other side of it all, is the beauty that the Yukon holds. The Yukon knows how to put on a lovely, albeit short, Autumn show. And the Yukon is home. Maybe not forever, but it is where we hang our hats and where we know how to be a family. I feel blessed that we have had this time in our lives to form friendships up North, create traditions and to make memories as a family. It may be difficult to leave Ottawa, but it is comforting knowing that we are returning to a place that we love.

Speaking of family traditions, thanks to my wonderful husband and in-laws, we were able to take a little road trip to a place that I used to go to as a child. To see Noah and Katia experience this sweet little family owned amusement park, brought back so many happy memories for me. Noah told me, "Mama, I love Santa's Village so much!". I may have had to hold back the tears a few times. What I love most about this sweet little treasure is that it is not your typical commercialized amusement park. It has been running since the early 50's and it is the kind of place where people return year after year, bring their children there to experience what they once did. As most of you know, I am a Christmas nut, so a gingerbread cookie in the middle of August is A-Okay with me.

In two days we will fly across the country and then head on up North to settle in Beaver Creek. I am excited, nervous, scared, and unsure, but I've been "there" before and know that as long as my little family surrounds me, that I will be okay. And when I have a rough day, I will look back on this past summer as one that was full of fun and wonderful memories.

xox