Trip to Nova Scotia, Day 1

This year we have set out on a road trip to Atlantic Canada to revisit some of Hallie's old mission haunts and to relive cherished memories from our 2001 trip.

Bright and early, we set out from home to the US-Canadian border at Port Huron. We drove about 500 miles through southern Ontario to Brockville, where we spent the night at the entrance to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Landon was a real trooper in his cozy nest in the back seat. Of course, it helped that he had toys and books and a movie playing on the DVD player (Hallie got one cheap, and it seemed worth the investment). We packed materials to make lunches on the road, and we stopped at a lakeside park in Kingston, gateway to the Thousand Islands region. Landon climbed and slid on the playground equipment while we took in the views of Lake Eire. We traveled through the rolling farmlands along the transition from Lake Erie to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Once we reached Brockville and checked in, Landon splashed around in the pool. The water was a little chilly, but he didn’t seem to mind. Later, we dined at the 1000 Islands Restaurant, a local eatery. Mike got a chance to see the highlights of the US World Cup Soccer game in the evening. GO USA!

Landon enjoying the water in the pool before Papi let him go in.
Landon in front of the 1000 Islands Restaurant.
We stayed in a town named after a Canadian (British North American) hero of the War of 1812.
A local pipe band practicing in a parking lot.

Juanita Cash and Great Big Sea in Ann Arbor

Before I start off with the fun I have to add another sad note. Yesterday, my dear great auntJaunita Cash passed away. She is the last of my Grandpa Ace Landon's siblings. She supported me and my family at many of our special events. Her wisdom and love will be missed, and I know that she has been greeted with open arms by all of her siblings, her husband, and most importantly our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. All my love and sympathy go to her family.


Da b'ys ("the boys," AKA Great Big Sea) made a stop in Ann Arbor just for us and a few hundred of their close friends for a grand old kitchen party at the Michigan Theater.

I wasn't so sure I really wanted to go to the concert anymore. I had spent the last week in California with family and it was a wonderful time, but I was so happy to be home and I did notwant to leave Landon again. I spent so much on the tickets that I couldn't not go so away we went. Mike and I dropped Landon off at our friends' house in Novi, MI. He did not eve look twice when we set him down he crawled away and had a BLAST! Their kids loved him and I am so grateful. After dropping him off we headed to Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor. We saw a bit about it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. We made it through the line without getting yelled at and really enjoyed our food. The theater that Great Big Sea played at was about a mile away. Seeing how full the theater was started to get me pumped up for what could be a great night. The bottom line really is that the music was AWESOME, my (Hallie's) knees were not so hip on all the jumping and dancing, we met some nice folks, and I am very glad we went. Next time they come (if there is one), Landon is coming with. It was so much fun singing at the top of my lungs, dancing, and just letting all of the stresses of life go with the music.