Oh Canada | Globetrotting Mama

By Heather on June 8, 2012

I felt the tears coming as we approached the border.

The boys were cheering and singing “O Canada” and screaming and hugging. Up front the tears started to well and then spill and Ish got misty too.

Home.

345 days later.

Home.

Canada. St. Stephen, New Brunswick but most definitely our home and native land.

And in the 30 seconds it took us to get our turn at the border control window I saw everything

* the streets of India, China, Portugal, France and everywhere else

* the amazing people we’ve met along the way

* the food, the glorious food

* every shirt we’ve worn – six million times (seriously check the pictures)

* and so much more…

All of it. Every single moment. In a 30-second burst.

We arrived at the window in a fit of giggles and tears. And I was terrified the border guard would think we were crazy and tear the car apart in search of “souveniers.”

But he didn’t.

He laughed as the kids explained that their mother was “crying because she is happy” and “we just took a trip around the world and it was 12 months long” and “no, we didn’t bring any pelts or bones back”….and so on.

We got across and had to park the car to compose ourselves. And then we looked up and saw this.

And amid high fives and tears and hugs we let the emotions run wild and went with it.

What an amazing family I have. Love these guys.

29 responses to “Oh Canada.”

Maija @ Maija's Mommy Moments June 8, 2012 at 9:38 PM | Permalink

Heather – your trip had so many emotional moments so of course your homecoming deserved one. WELCOME HOME!!!
Wanderingcarol June 9, 2012 at 5:18 AM | Permalink

Welcome home. Except you’re still not home. But we await you eagerly.
Kathy Buckworth June 9, 2012 at 5:56 AM | Permalink

We’re so glad to have you back. Although the pelts and bones would have made for a good centrepiece. Looking forward to seeing you and getting some Canadian culture back in you, eh? Cheers.
LifeInPleasantville June 9, 2012 at 6:47 AM | Permalink

Big shocker here, this made me misty. Welcome home Heather, Ish, Cameron and Ethan! We can’t wait to see you in person. Love Candace, Bill, Morgan, Ava & Honey
Francishopper June 9, 2012 at 12:01 PM | Permalink

Hi Heather, thank you so much for spending your first night in Canada with us here at the Treadwell Inn. It was great having your family stay here with us and learing all about your world tour. What a exciting and wondeful adventure you ahve been on. The Treadwell Inn St.Andrews New Brunswick
Heather June 9, 2012 at 3:22 PM | Permalink

Good point! Thanks
Heather June 9, 2012 at 3:24 PM | Permalink

It was our pleasure! Such a gem of a property! Thanks for having us
Heather June 9, 2012 at 3:27 PM | Permalink

We will see you soon!!! Big hugs for everyone and a snuggle for Honey.;)
Kathy June 9, 2012 at 5:22 PM | Permalink

Wow. Welcome back! I really enjoyed following along on your travels here. The type of trip you and your family did is something I have always dreamed about.
@those2girls June 9, 2012 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

Welcome back! Lookuing forward to hearing your stories in person
Brandy InsaneMamacita June 9, 2012 at 7:36 PM | Permalink

Welcome home! What an adventure you have all had!
deborahcoombs June 9, 2012 at 8:00 PM | Permalink

Welcome home!
Natalie T. June 9, 2012 at 8:26 PM | Permalink

Amazing! What courage you have to take your family across the world. I’m sure your boys will have learned more from this trip than they could in any classroom. Glad to have you back on Canadian soil!
Heather June 9, 2012 at 9:21 PM | Permalink

Thanks Natalie. I’ll be honest: I don’t feel courageous. Maybe a little nuts at time, but never courageous. Appreciate the sentiment though.
Heather June 9, 2012 at 9:21 PM | Permalink

Thanks! Happy to be here
Heather June 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM | Permalink

Now ain’t that the truth! So much more to share that was just too hard to get too with iffy wifi and such. Expect some great stories down the road.
Heather June 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM | Permalink

Thanks! Can’t wait to share.
Heather June 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM | Permalink

Thanks. I hope you do it.
Julia Gabriel June 9, 2012 at 9:24 PM | Permalink

Welcome home! This most made me cry. I have had so much fun travelling the world with you. Thank you so much for the virtual experience!
Jack Hammond June 9, 2012 at 9:51 PM | Permalink

Welcome back guys. I remember after my longest time away how it felt to get back on Canadian society. The world is amazing, but it’s good to come home.
Emiel June 10, 2012 at 5:41 AM | Permalink

Welcome Home!
Rosane Leroux June 10, 2012 at 1:28 PM | Permalink

Hello Heather,
We are happy for you : it is always good to be back home. We wish an happy birthday to Isch.
Guilhem & Gauthier often asked for their friends.
XXXX Rosane (Paris)
Quincy June 10, 2012 at 11:00 PM | Permalink

Welcome back home….well…almost. Your travelling experiences were simply spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

When time permits and the dust settles, I look forward to connecting.

Enjoy the remaining days of this phenomenal excursion!

Quincy
Tilley Endurables June 11, 2012 at 9:10 AM | Permalink

Welcome home ! what an amzing ride you let us share in. Glad the gear kept up with you!
Heather June 13, 2012 at 7:17 PM | Permalink

Rosane!!! We miss you all too. Big hugs to the family and lets figure out how we can all get together again soon! XOXO
Heather June 13, 2012 at 7:17 PM | Permalink

Thanks Emiel!
Heather June 13, 2012 at 7:18 PM | Permalink

Thanks Julia! I hope you’ll keep following! We have so many stories we weren’t able to share from the road. We’ve got so much more to come.
Heather June 13, 2012 at 7:19 PM | Permalink

Thanks! Don’t feel courageous at all though, just extremely blessed.
Heather June 13, 2012 at 7:20 PM | Permalink

I hope your dream will come true too. It has been incredible.