.I'm Canadian... officially

I immigrated to Canada as a newlywed in 2008. We drove our little white Toyota Camry packed to the ceiling with my things across the border one day. At the time, I had never expected to be living away from my family again after I had already lived in Illinois for three long years working as a nanny for my sister. I was telling myself (and everyone else) that it would just be for a little while. Only a year or two in Canada. I could handle that thought. It was a little scary and I didn't know what to expect the rest of our life to be like.

I was scared to pay for things with Canadian money... it looked different. I didn't know what all these weird stores and restaurants were... Canadian Tire? Superstore? Earls? Tim Hortons?

It didn't take too long before I started to realized that Canada is not very different from the States AT ALL... Plus I made friends and I got to know my in-laws better.

After 8 years here and 1 full year since I became a citizen I am happy to report that I am fully comfortable, immigrated, at-home, and thriving in the Great White North.

Thank goodness, because otherwise this would be really awkward.

Independence Day 2008

Canada Day 2009

Canada Day 2010

Canada Day 2011

Canada Day 2012

Canada Day 2013

Canada Day 2014

Canada Day 2015

Canada Day 2016

These years of my life I've been more blessed than I've ever been before. I've always had such amazing luck with such a great family and friends; but the moment I married Air, my luck doubled and overflowed. And life has never been better. I have more incredible family members now than I even know what to do with.

Seriously though--What do I do with all of them?? What!?

How can I be so lucky? It's bewildering. I know I couldn't have done anything to deserve these people in my life.

Air's family is just as dear to me as my own. Ever since I've been here they've been incredibly kind and loving to me. They are the kindest people in the world for taking me in like they have. I immediately felt like I was one of them, and instantly fell in love. I can't even tell you how much they mean to me...

I'll always be an American... but I am so glad I also get to be a Canadian!

.Leary Family Reunion 2016

Growing up, my family and all my Ellis cousins went on vacation every summer to Bear Lake. This was always my favorite part of summer as a kid and I definitely missed it when we stopped going there because our family got too big. For this reason, Bear Lake will always have a special place in my heart. This summer I got to introduce Air and our babies to this wonderful place when we met up with my WHOLE ENTIRE FAMILY in Bear Lake for a weekend reunion!

We didn't waste any time and took some nice family photos first thing when we got there. Phew they turned out so awesome! We were only missing one step-neice (she was on her mission), Brie. That's still a lot of family!

This amazing house we rented had 9 bedrooms, a huge rec room, a theater, three stories and slides all the way to the bottom. I say we move in!

Randomly, Alice would only let these two "strangers" hold her. My oldest niece Alexis and my brother Jordan (two of the best people out there!)

  

We had a talent show and although there were some incredible talents among my family, Alice pretty much stole the show with her cute antics.

Air played games with the teenagers late into the night:

 

The next day we spent at the North Shore beach. I'm telling you… THIS was our happy place. We could have stayed here forever.

Alexis and Alice love each other

Ames fell asleep in the car during the 20 minute drive, then he DID NOT want to wake up. insert: eye roll

 

collecting sea shells just like I used to do as a kid

nothing better than having your toes in the sand and hanging out with Heather and Keegan

 

Air finally convinced grumpy Ames to wake up and go into the lake… he ended up loving it!

 

Jordan showed Ames a magic trick with the wet sand

 

Elisa and Mia and Lucy are making themselves into mermaids, while Megan and Hailey play with noodles

 

Here you can see all our cars and our tents

 

Jared got buried in the sand

 

more feet in the sand

My kids are obsessed with their cousin Ashlyn

 

That night we all ventured out to one of Bear Lake's famous raspberry milkshake stands. This was so much fun! I love my family!

The next morning was time to say goodbye…it was so amazing seeing all of my family again after two long years. This girl, Alexis, is one of the most special people in my life. She made me an aunt at the age of 10 and will always be one of my best friends. I hadn't seen her in 6 years! I'm so glad she loved Alice so much. Insert: heart eyes

More to come on the rest of our vacation…