[Family]
A Long Journey, A Busy Week
The Start to Our Toronto Vacation

So we are in Toronto. (Before I get into too much detail, let me just warn you this is a long one so run and grab a cuppa and settle down for story time!) Our trip over was the single most stressful start to a vacation that we’ve ever experienced. From a malfunctioning plane to multiple missed connections, we encountered so much trouble, it took us a total of 20 hours to complete a journey that should have only taken 4.5! By the time we slept, we had been up for 24 hours straight. I’m honestly amazed we made it in one piece with all of our baggage. Suffice it to say we have vowed never to fly Air Canada again, and if you are thinking of flying with them, I would highly recommend otherwise. I’m not sure when it became acceptable to have zero customer service and no concern for the people keeping the airlines aloft but here we are. Grrr doesn’t even begin to cover it, but before I get worked up all over again, let’s move on, shall we?

Toronto the Good is as homely, cozy, and familiar as ever. It’s funny but my homesickness has increased in spades since we landed and I know parting ways in four weeks will be just as hard as when we left last November. I can’t help it- this is my home, you know? The city where I grew up, where I had all sorts of significant firsts- the job where I met the Mr., the estate where we held our wedding, the apartments and nighttime adventures where I found my tribe, the city where both kids were born. It is where our parents and families live.

We moved a lot when I was young but I was fortunate enough to always land somewhere in the midst of family and cousins. Those relationships and life experiences made me who I am and I want the same for my children. To have that safe, nurturing environment, where beliefs and values match up and where companionship and love is pre-built into relationships. As vibrant as LA is, as soul affirming as it’s daily sunshine, and as much fun as it is to head to the beach on any given day, it lacks family and familial connections and for that it will always be the lesser of the two cities for me.

At this time, my goal is to make the most of our remaining two years on the West Coast whilst taking some time to seriously re-evaluate the future and find the right balance for our little family. I foresee many discussions ahead between Mr. Tall and I. Tell me, have you ever had to make a difficult, life-changing decision? How did you decide what was right for you?

For now, we have jumped right into happy reunions and vacation routines for the kids so I thought I would do a little photo round-up to catch you up on everything that has happened since we left LA last week.

We celebrated Eid the day before we left. The Baby wore turquoise silk and these adorable silver sandals from Gap Kids.

How to travel in style: a comfortable slouchy sweater, leggings, chic black sneakers and a large tote to hold it all. My most popular #ootd by far!

The broken plane that started it all.

15 hours into our ordeal and I’ve just about had it.

Finally up in the air.

Perfectly content on the plane.

Cousins meeting for the first time!

When in doubt, choose red. #datenight

Grandma’s pool is fabulous, and can you believe how blue the sky is? No filter here, folks.

Post-nap hugs.

Friday’s #ootd- perfect for Toronto’s hot summer..

We took the Boy to see Minions, his first ever big kid movie experience, and he loved it!

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into week one of our vacation. Join me on Instagram @sofreshandsochic for all of our adventures as they happen. I would love to see you there! Oh, and don’t forget to share your decision-making insights and wisdom with me. I appreciate your perspective.

Until next time,