The Ransoms: Canada

My cousin, Andrea, got married this past weekend in Toronto. Jeremy and I decided we would head up a bit early so that we could visit with family. I believe the last time we were in Canada was about 7 years ago. We left on Wednesday morning - I booked us an early flight out of Atlanta so that we could spend most of the day in Canada. Many thanks to Beth for letting us stay at her house the night before the flight. So we got up around 5:00 am and headed to the airport for our flight which left at about 8:30. It was pretty exciting for the kids - neither has ever been on a plane. Madeline thought it was the coolest thing ever. She sat by the window and pretty much looked out the entire trip. Jonathan on the other hand was not so sure about it - I don't blame him...I like my feet on the ground too. So, he decided it would be a good idea to sleep during the flight. We arrived in Buffalo, NY around 10:30 am, got our rental car and headed toward the boarder, and finally crossed at Niagara Falls with no problems.

These are pictures of the kids on our way there in the rental car...Jonathan - wide awake since he had a nice snooze on the plane. Madeline - snoozing after all the excitement of the plane.

As it turned out, I had no idea how to get anywhere. Every time I was in Canada, I was with my parents who know how to get around since they both grew up there. In addition, things have changed in 7 years, so not much looked the same. All the names of places are obviously the same, but the landscape has changed a lot - less vegetation and more buildings. Who would have known that Jeremy got us every where like a champ and I would get us completely turned around. It's almost like he is CANADIAN!!

We stayed with my Chocha Lucy (translated - Aunt Lucy). She lives in Caledon, just outside of Toronto. It was so great to be at her house, we have many happy many memories there. That evening we just hung out and had dinner with Chocha Lucy and my cousin Jenny and her family.

The next day Chocha Lucy took us on a little hike. We went to Belfountain, about 5 minutes from her house. However, we had to stop at Jenny's house first to get some warm jackets and boots. Who knew that it was going to be freezing (literally) there? The Georgia weatherman said it was going to be high 50's/low 60's. Clearly he does not know anything about Canadian weather!

Belfountain has about 100 people living there. It is a cute little town that people come to vacation. There is not a whole lot to do there - hike, ski, hang out, look for antiques... When we arrived in Belfountain, we walked around the park. Here are some pictures.

The only way Jonathan travels...

Madeline and Chocha Lucy...

The fountain with the bell at the top...Belfountain...

Behind the kids to the right (where the picnic table is) used to be a swimming pond. It was about 2 feet deep and Chocha Lucy was telling us that she used to take her kids there in the summer. She thought that I had been there too, but I do not remember it. My brother, Dave, does remember.

We finished the morning with lunch at a local restaurant and head to the house for some relaxation. We all needed it, especially since Dave and family were scheduled to arrive that evening.

As it turned out, Dave and family did not arrive until about 9:00 pm. They actually drove up from Greenville and the trip from Amherstburg (where my grandmother, Babcha, lives) to Caledon took longer than planned. They did stop for 2 bathroom breaks and dinner. Madeline and Jonathan were sleeping by the time they arrived. It was probably for the better because they were both tired.

The next day, Madeline, Natalie, Jonathan and Brendan were so excited to see eachother. I'm not sure if you know this, but Madeline and Natalie are best friends. They love seeing eachother and wish they were twin sisters. From now on we will reference them as Nataline or Matalie...you will see why.

We ended up going back to Jenny's house. She lives on a farm, so we got to see animals and run around in the yard. There were also a bunch of cool tractors.

Jonathan found a toy lawn mower and carried that thing EVERY WHERE!

Is it MADALIE?

or NATALINE?

That evening we had to go to the rehearsal for the wedding. Natalie did a great job during practice. Madeline on the other hand wanted nothing to do with it.