Toronto Recap

Well we've been back for just over two weeks now and I have yet to sit down and comment at all about our trip. So here goes. In a nutshell, we had an AWESOME time! It had been almost two years since we'd been back and yet in many ways, it felt like we had never left. It was so refreshing for both of us to be in a familiar place and to be able to spend quality time with good friends whom we have history with. It was especially refreshing for me to have a bit more of a social life, a change of scenery, people to see and places to go! It was a timely visit in that way, giving me a much needed break from the monotony of day to day life in this little two bedroom apartment where I spend most of my time. Zoe was a trooper, and though she missed naps and was stuck in a car for ten hours each way, she did great overall! We had so much fun introducing her to people and sharing our new life as parents with our friends. We long to go back already and are hoping to make it there again sometime in the fall.

Some highlights of the trip(other than seeing all of our great friends again):

1.) Tim Hortons! Woo-hoo! Such a great Canadian staple! Gotta love their coffee, food and prices! Unfortunately, because of Zoe's milk protein allergy, I couldn't indulge in an ice cappuccino (so sad!!!) but to be honest, just seeing a Tim Horton's sign gets me giddy.

2.) Zoe's first marriage proposal. Yes, that's right. Jayden Audige was quite into Zoe and made a point to secure his future with her. She didn't seem quite as enthused. We shall see where this all ends up. I told her not to put all her eggs in one basket - after all, no rings where involved. Just mere words. A girl's gotta hold out for more than just empty promises, right?!
3.) Zoe rolled over from back to front. She is still working on rolling the other way. But she's getting there. Since Toronto, she has finally put her feet in her mouth.

4.) Zoe started grabbing her feet. It's hilarious because her new "resting" position is the "feet in the air" position. This is quite funny when she's in her play pen and I can't see her face but can only see her hands holding her tiny little feet. So cute!

5.) Rexdale Alliance Church. This place is a little taste of heaven on earth. Seriously. Ethnically diverse leadership and congregation. Loving people. Emphasis on the right things. The body of Christ at Rexdale is a small yet beautiful reflection of the kingdom of God -people from every nation, tribe, and language. Part of this is a reflection of Toronto itself - a multi-cultural melting pot. But much of this is unique to Rexdale, as a church. We feel so blessed every time we step into those doors. We would love to move back to Toronto just so we can go to this church!

All in all, it was a great trip! We can't stop singing Toronto's praises and we've realized even more since we've been back that Toronto really feels like home for both of us.

Which makes it harder to be in Chicago...

Not that Chicago is such a bad place. But it's not familiar. We are still carving out a life and friendships here. Things are still somewhat uncomfortable with most people. We are not quite settled, at least, not in our hearts. It will take time for Chicago to feel at home, if it ever does. For now though, we are thankful. Thankful for a taste of home that keeps us longing for our heavenly home. And really thankful that we have each other, too.