Hey y'all, let's go south to Canada, eh?

First things first ... Welcome to one of Canada's newest citizens ... can't wait to meet you, Logan Thomas.  Happy birthday!!!  And congrats to your whole wonderful family!

So here are the long-awaited photos from Canada.  There are soooo many of them that will likely be posted in several sections -- over a couple nights.  Bear with us ... there are LOTS!!!

We had a blast with all of you.  And for the record, y'all ... it IS south of usto go to Sarnia, if you live in our neck of the pacific northwest. 

First up ... Customs.

  Now, you have to understand that we knew our Canadian Ambassador, Kevin McHarg, would not let us just slip in to Canada unnoticed, or unscathed.  As was mentioned on several occasions ... Spending the weekend with Kevin was like going to hang with Ashton Kutcher for a couple days ... You're always on guard!

And we knew as soon as the window slid shut at the border, that we were getting punked ala Kevin!

So we handed over our documents, and waited.  Sure enough, we were pretty much denied access in to Canada when the Customs vehicle pulled across the lane in front of us, and the officer got out, directing us to follow him.  Luckily, no cavity searches were involved, and aside from a great big smile & hug from Carol, a fun photo op for Rookie, (Apparently he thought he could smuggle in a bit of his tulip bouquet from Holland.  Sigh) and some good-natured kidding, we were none the worse for wear.  Whew, got through again!  lol

The ceremony - Wow!  After Joe came to get us, and a few minutes to compose ourselves at one of the firehouses, we were off to the ceremony.  It was held in the bay at Station 1 Sarnia Fire Rescue Services.  It was as special, if not more so, than I remembered last year when JeeNee came along.

Kathy and Kelly were both smiling broadly and it was great to relive my first moments with our Sarnia Heroes through their eyes.  They both talked about this visit long after we had left, and still moments will come up that cause us all to reflect on this outpouring of support from all of our Canadian friends (to the South -- love that!)

Jason Bosker was my escort in.  Jason is one of those guys you never forget.  He says he won't let me come back again because I always bring him to tears, but, it is only because he has such a big heart that he feels this effort so deeply.  So Jason, try & stop me.  ( ;

Kathy had her first escort with a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman ... and a fine one at that!  RCMP Officer Bob Hillier was my first official escort in, as well.  He stands so straight and proud in his uniform and makes it look so perfect.  He'll likely be mad when I write that I keep hearing "When I'm calling you-uu" in my head as I write.  But that is Kevin and Sue's fault, eh?  More on that later.

Kelly had a handsome young escort as well, but I have ask Kevin for his name.  I apologize, but there were so many people who came up and greeted us all.  It's hard to keep everyone straight!  I asked kelly is she had gotten his name and she just lit up as she told us that it was such an incredible moment she was lost inside of it ... Great place to be!!!

By the way, the photos of the ceremony (thru pic 143) were taken by Logan Thomas' Aunt Hailey.  Great job!  You can give us some pointers for shooting inside.  Thank you so much!

So much was going on, and all the while you could smell the great aromas of handmade sausages while Cousin Kenny's Smoked Meats prepared lunch for all in attendance.  Kenny and Kevin helped raise funds to help our tour effort ... and it has helped! ... Kevin can tell you what all was supported by this wonderful teaming.  And while you're at it, tell them about the cool shirts you guys made, and how that works.

Carole Whitson from Customs got coined, as did Jason, Kenny, Bob Hillier, Les Jones ... and oh geez, that is gonna be a long list!  lol

We had our shirtless firefighter, an ornery shirt from the law enforcement side of the house.  An amazing shirt presentation for the 2/3 Inf Stryker Brigade when they return, a great lunch, met amazing people, presented black bracelets to honor Fallen Hero Cpl Brent Poland ...  The photos are going to have to help tell the story and Kevin & all are welcomed to help input.

You are looking at just a tease of the rest of the photos.  And this was just day one of our three day visit to Canada!  Next up is the Port Huron visit from day one.

Enjoy!!!

lj & the road crew (getting some sleep now)