Today marked the beginning of our long-planned vacation to Atlantic Canada, one of two travel days that sandwich ten days of lighthouses, beaches, and Anne of Green Gables sights spanning three Canadian provinces. Our five-month-old Eilidh demanded a slightly less intense itinerary than our most recent international trips, so we’ve tried to balance busy days with lighter days, and for the first time in our ten years of family vacations, we’re spending six consecutive nights at the same location.
The kids are excited Gee Gee is joining us!
After taking care of a few last-minute planning needs, we started our drive to Kansas City shortly after 10:00 a.m. Our first stop was less than an hour away, the Arby’s in Osceola. Both kids were excited for chicken strips and curly fries, and while taking the interstate offramp, Emmie exclaimed, “I see the Arby’s! It’s right behind the Taco Bell!” For being only three years old, her knowledge of fast food restaurant logos is superb!
Somewhat of an anomaly, Emmie was the only traveler who has never been to Missouri. We celebrated the new milestone with a photo at the state’s first rest area!
We then found our way to the economy parking lot at Kansas City International, seemingly miles away from the terminal. Our parking spot was adjacent to a walkway, allowing time to unload the car and pack up the kids’ carseats which were joining us on our flights. We had quite the luggage load but were fortunately close to the shuttle pickup area, and the bus ride to the terminal was completely uneventful.
Between bag check, security, a stop at Starbucks, and multiple trips to the restroom, we had little downtime between what seemed like a super-early arrival and our 4:25 p.m. flight. Timing was perfect for our Starbucks fix, as there was a lengthy line by the time the single employee was able to prepare the five drinks we ordered.
Their iced green tea has become a near-daily drink for me; Emmie can’t pass a Starbucks without requesting a kids-sized vanilla steamer; and Noah’s joined the iced green tea bandwagon, albeit mixed with lemonade and peach flavoring.
Our plane at gate 62 in Kansas City, dedicated to the twice-daily flights to and from Toronto.
A passport mix-up led to a long pre-boarding process, and adhering to infant seating requirements made for a little confusion once we were on the plane, but both issues seemed minor compared to Eildih’s unhappiness. For a solid twenty minutes she was near inconsolable, only breaking from crying a couple of times. Once we were in the air, she was better, eventually falling asleep after she’d worn herself out in Amanda’s arms.
The CN Tower, which we visited last year in Toronto, was seen in our descent to the airport.
Noah and Gee Gee on the tarmac in Toronto.
We arrived in Toronto a few minutes ahead of schedule, which was good given we seemingly walked forever to get to customs, then to our gates, and then through security. With only a short stop at the restroom, the flight was halfway through boarding process when we arrived. No problems with tickets or seats this time around, but Eilidh was again not the happiest of travelers. Amanda, Gee Gee, and I each took turns with her, and overall, she yielded less tears and noise than the previous flight.
We arrived in Halifax on schedule, a few minutes before midnight in the Atlantic Time Zone. Our checked carseats and luggage arrived with no problem, and within 30 minutes we were in our rental van ready to drive downtown to our hotel. The route included a toll bridge with a $1 fee; we had not gotten Canadian money, and I had no cash of any denomination, but Gee Gee astutely suggested we offer to pay in U.S. dollars; she had one, it was accepted, and we were at the hotel a few minutes after 1:00 a.m.
Noah, Emmie, and our rental van, in the parking garage.
Up tomorrow: Our day starts at 9:50 a.m. with a visit to the historic Halifax Citadel National Historic Sight.
Everyone looks good. It is so wonderful that you are all together for so many days. Have fun!