37 lessons from 37 days

It's over. All the planning, dreaming, talking, researching, praying, saving and anticipating paid off - the 3 Peas had the adventure of a lifetime!
I tried to keep track of the important stuff while we were away. Not things like the passports, tickets and money (ok, I did try and keep track of that stuff too), but the conversations with my sons, the looks on their faces when they tried something new, the ongoing score in travel Scrabble, and each memory that was made. I think that was really the purpose of this blog. I find it hard to journal, but when other people are expecting a new story to be written, I can deliver. So thank you to everyone who read our blog, sent us comments and emails and mostly, to everyone who prayed for us along the way. We made it with very few bumps and bruises, we travelled well together and we came home with a new understanding of who are family is.
I've had many people tell me to write a book, share more stories and pass along all the tips I've acquired, but for now I'll just continue to write on the blog. If you want to check back every now and then you may find a new story from the ongoing adventures of the 3 Peas. If you keep reading with us, send a comment along, so we know you're with us on the journey. I'll end this post with the "37 lessons from 37 days"...

1. The train takes a long time to get anywhere.
2. Relaxing and enjoying the journey is as important as getting to the destination.
3. Children can not get lost on a train.
4. Boys eat a lot.
5. Tim Hortons is EVERYWHERE!
6. My favourite stew came from the Plains Indians.
7. Always be ready to go with the flow.
8. Just because a plan is made, does not mean the plan will happen.
9. Always keep $100 of cash on you.
10. Saying "no" can become a habit.
11. School and learning are VERY, VERY, VERY different things.
12. I need to continue to give the boys opportunities to love learning.
13. If I can have no "mommy meltdowns" for 37 days on the road, why can't I have no "mommy meltdowns" for 37 days at home?
14. Brendan and Dylan are really smart.

15. Brendan and Dylan are VERY different.

16. Dylan needs a lot of space and a little bit of peer pressure to try something new.
17. Brendan will try ANYTHING.
18. 27 games of hangman in a row is about 22 games too many.
19. I need to take classes with my camera.
20. Never assume you have covered all your bases when you're planning a trip - hurricanes happen.
21. When you think you have enough money for everything you're

going to need, add an extra $1000 and keep it for an emergency.

22. Boys do not see dirt on themselves and think "I should have a shower" - they see dirt on themselves and think "I had a great day!"
23. Most people are really nice and helpful.
24. A few people are not nice or helpful, but that shouldn't determine how we respond to them.
25. Children watch nothing and see everything.
26. Children seem to pay no attention, but they seem to hear it all.
27. We need to have more of an adventurous attitude in our everyday lives.
28. If you are willing to stray from the "plan" there are a lot of cool opportunities out there.
29. Try to say "yes" as much as possible.
30. The type of people I surround the boys with are the type of people they will strive to be.
31. Dylan can have fun and look miserable at the same time.
32. I am stronger than I think.
33. Showing children more of the world than the city they live in is important.
34. Children should know how to use a cell phone, call for help in the place they're travelling in, read a map, know their complete address/phone number, who to call in an emergency and the location/name of the place they are staying in when travelling.
35. Money does not buy memories.
36. Give people the benefit of the doubt - many will surprise you.
37. God is good.

That's the end of this particular journey for the 3 Peas. We all have memories that will last a lifetime and can never be recreated or taken away from us. Thank you for accompanying us on our adventure - it was great to know we had friends and family along.

It wasn't long after we returned home that a map was out and the next trip was being planned. I thought we were going to go to Australia or on a driving trip through the States, but a family vote was taken and a new destination was picked. We have started another two years of saving and planning so we can venture to a little Island called Paradise...