A Long-Awaited Break
It’s been a whirlwind these past few weeks, and for good reason — we missed our last blog update because we finally took our first real vacation since moving to New Brunswick! Our whole family packed up and traveled all the way back across the country to where we came from — Nanaimo, BC — to celebrate a very special occasion: the wedding of Addy’s sister, Stephanie.
But before we get to that, let’s rewind a little. Orchestrating a trip like this when you live on a homestead takes no small amount of planning and preparation. Lucky for us, my sister and her family also moved to New Brunswick (I know I’ve probably mentioned that a dozen times before, but it still feels worth celebrating). That connection turned out to be an incredible blessing, because my 20-year-old niece — who’s reliable, trustworthy, and a bit of an animal whisperer —Bella, offered to look after our place while we were gone.
She managed the inside and outside chores like a pro and kept every creature calm, clean, and well-fed. To make it easier for her, we stocked up ahead of time — extra hay, grain, feed, and all the little essentials that tend to run out at the most inconvenient times. By the time we left, everything and everyone was set up for success, and we could finally relax.
We were away for ten days total — the longest we’ve ever been off the homestead — and I took a full two weeks of vacation for the first time ever. It was just long enough for me to unwind, reset, and start missing the rhythm of homestead life by the end.
Thanksgiving, Potatoes, and a Turducken Surprise
Where we left off in the last blog was right before Thanksgiving weekend — always a busy, cozy, food-filled time on the homestead. Before the festivities began, we managed one last garden harvest: our potatoes.
Addy had planted a couple of experimental potato beds earlier in the season, using some long-forgotten potatoes from our cold room. They’d grown such dramatic eyes and vines that they practically reached out to him — not literally, of course, but close enough to get his attention. In early summer, he decided to toss them in the ground just to see what would happen. If they rotted, so be it — they were halfway there already. But if they grew… well, that would be a win.
As it turns out, the experiment was a resounding success! Those scraggly old spuds multiplied beautifully, giving us about 14 pounds of fresh potatoes. And if you’ve never had a truly fresh-dug potato before, I highly recommend it — the flavor is unreal. We cured them in the sunroom, then tucked them safely into the cold room for storage before we left on our trip.
Thanksgiving weekend itself was everything we love about fall — friends, food, and laughter. On Sunday, we celebrated down the road with our friends Al and Constance, along with Amalie and Stefan. Everyone brought something delicious, but the undeniable star of the evening was Al’s smoked turkey, wrapped in a bacon blanket. We contributed what we thought were two ducks… but one turned out to be a chicken. So technically, we had a deconstructed turducken — all smoked, all delicious. There was stuffing, potatoes, and all the fixings, and we left absolutely stuffed.
The next day, we went back to their place for an early pumpkin-carving session. Addy and I were heading out of town soon, so we all decided to carve early and make it a group event. It was messy, fun, and full of laughter — exactly how it should be.
Then, on Monday, we headed over to our friends Sean and Ashley’s house for yet another Thanksgiving feast. We brought a giant Costco pie (which I nearly had to wrestle someone for!) and enjoyed catching up over dinner in their gorgeous home. By the end of it all, we were thoroughly turkey’d out — in the best possible way.
Countdown to Takeoff
After Thanksgiving, it was crunch time — our long-awaited trip was fast approaching. Our first flight was booked for the 18th, which meant the week of the 13th was full-on go time. Between organizing vacation clothes, formalwear for the wedding, and last-minute homestead prep, every day felt like a marathon.
Somehow, in the middle of all that, I decided it would be a great week to crochet a baby blanket. If you know me, you understand — I’m an overachiever who works best under pressure and has a slightly delusional sense of how much time is left in a week. But I pulled it off! I finished a beautiful crib-sized blanket in a simple shell stitch with a scalloped edge — plus a separate little hat and pair of booties. They didn’t match, but they were equally adorable. I mean, anything tiny is adorable in my opinion.
Between stitches, there was plenty of practical prep too. We had to organize our luggage, and I had to replace one of our carry-ons after our cat, Lola, decided it made a fine litter box. (There’s no recovering from that — trust me.) We bought new luggage, passed Addy’s older, cat-scent-free suitcase to Joshua, and dug through moving boxes in the basement to find our dress shoes.
Addy’s new navy-blue suit from Tip Top Tailors looked amazing — you’ll see it in the photos — and my dress from Amazon arrived on time and actually fit. A small miracle! Joshua’s graduation suit still fit perfectly too, so all it needed was a good press once we arrived.
Meanwhile, on the homestead front, we were busy stocking up on feed, bedding, and all the little things that keep life running while we’re away. We even made sure the guest room was ready for Belle, who’d be staying at the house. Addy had planned to take her grocery shopping on their way back from picking her up from home, but he forgot — so we ended up dashing to the local convenience store to grab some essentials. Belle is so easygoing, though, that it was tough to talk her into picking some snacks and convenient food. Bella is an amazing cook, and our house is full of ingredients.
Finally, the morning of October 18th arrived. Addy, Belle, and I did the chores together, walking through every step of the routine. Belle already knew most of it, but we reviewed where to find tools and what to do in case something unexpected came up – giving her our friend’s contact numbers. Once the animals were fed and everyone was settled, we had breakfast and packed up. We didn’t have to leave for Fredericton until early afternoon, so the morning felt calm — until, of course, the first text arrived.
Just before 1:00 p.m., both Addy and I got notifications that our flight to Montreal was delayed. No problem, we thought — we’d still head in early since I wanted to stop for a luggage tag for Joshua. But as we were settling into the Fredericton Airport (which, by the way, has maybe five gates total — one of the reasons I love it, it’s small), another message came through. The delay had turned into a cancellation.
Apparently, a mechanical issue grounded our plane, and suddenly our neat little itinerary became a 22-hour adventure. The text said to wait a few minutes for rebooking, and thankfully, we were automatically switched to a new route: Fredericton to Toronto, Toronto to Edmonton, a six-and-a-half-hour layover, then Edmonton to Vancouver and finally Vancouver to Nanaimo.
Air Canada gave us meal and hotel vouchers, but with delays stacking up, the hotel option didn’t make sense. By the time we reached Edmonton, we would’ve had barely an hour to sleep before heading back through security. So, we decided to camp out in the airport.
Let me tell you — I’ve never “slept” overnight in an airport before, and I can’t say I recommend it, especially when your gate is next to a Chili’s that pumps pop music until 2 a.m. and starts again at 4:30 am. With my coat for a pillow and a sleep mask and earbuds in, I managed maybe two hours of rest. Addy, on the other hand, can sleep anywhere. Josh got a bit of rest too, and we took turns keeping an eye on our bags.
When we finally landed in Nanaimo around 9 a.m. on October 19th, we were running on caffeine and pure willpower. Addy sorted out our rental car — a zippy little Ford Hornet — before we stopped for breakfast. The rental car was sporty and fun to drive, though fitting all our luggage inside took some expert-level suitcase Tetris (thankfully, Addy’s specialty).
We made it to our hotel, crashed for a much-needed nap, and that evening, headed to a local pub to catch up with friends. It was so nice to see familiar faces — even if it was impossible to visit with everyone equally in a busy crowd. Still, after so long away, just being in the same room with everyone felt wonderful.
Family, Fun, and a Flurry of Days
We knew the trip was going to be a whirlwind — fast, full, and gone in the blink of an eye. From the moment we landed, we tried our best to stay present and soak in every minute.
We arrived early Sunday morning and spent our first five nights at the Grand Hotel, which turned out to be a great choice. The rooms were large, spotless, and comfortable, and the front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. If you ever find yourself in Nanaimo for a wedding or a bit of sightseeing, I’d definitely recommend it.
Those first few days were filled with family time, visiting, and a bit of shopping. On Monday, we decided to kill some time at the big mall in Nanaimo — Woodgrove Mall. While wandering through the shops, we suddenly bumped into Addy’s younger sister and her husband — and met our two-and-a-half-year-old niece, Scarlett, for the very first time. It was such a surprise that we all just stood there for a second like, wait… we know you! Scarlett was shy at first, hiding behind her parents for a good half hour, but once she warmed up, she was all giggles and absolutely smitten with her Uncle Addy.
After the mall, it was time for a nail appointment with Addy’s sisters — and I was so excited to be invited to join! It’s one of those simple pre-wedding traditions that ends up feeling like a little celebration in itself.
That evening, we had dinner reservations with Addy’s two sisters and their spouses — but most importantly, with our two nieces, whom we hadn’t met before… well, we met Scarlett that day! It was the first time we’d all been together in years! We had dinner at Brown’s Socialhouse, and it turned into another highlight of the trip. Stephanie and Dayn had welcomed their baby just ten weeks earlier — so not only were they in the middle of planning a wedding, they were also brand-new parents. (And I thought we were busy!)
At dinner, like I said, we got to meet our newest niece, Lavinia Rae. She’s absolutely beautiful — a little porcelain doll with deep blue eyes and a perfect, peaceful face. Such a good baby! We think both our nieces are adorable, of course. It was so lovely to hold her and see how happy and proud her parents were.
Moments like that make you stop and feel grateful — and, yes, a little mushy. We’re so proud of Addy’s sisters and how far they’ve come, and so happy to see them both surrounded by such loving partners and beautiful families. Mushy stuff aside, it truly filled our hearts to spend time together and finally meet their kids.
Another big joy of the trip was getting to spend time with Jay. We miss him so much living on the other side of the country, and one of the best parts about this trip — aside from the wedding itself — was that both of our boys got to hang out together. Jay had some time off, so he invited Josh to stay with him for a few days.
After one of Jay’s shifts on Tuesday night, we dropped Josh off at his place so they could have some brother time. Addy and I went back to the hotel and, for once, watched exactly what we wanted on TV — uninterrupted. It was simple, it was ordinary, and it was perfect.
Goats on the Roof and a West Coast Adventure
With the week flying by, suddenly it was Thursday morning — travel day! Well, car trip day. We checked out of the hotel at 11 a.m., picked up Joshua from Jay’s house, and packed the Ford Hornet to the brim. I mean stuffed — every inch of space was full, including the backseat. Then we hit the road for the west coast of Vancouver Island, heading toward Ucluelet and Tofino.
On the way, we stopped in a little village called Coombs, home of the famous Goats on the Roof Country Market. It’s a rustic wooden building with a natural grass roof — and yes, there are real goats up there! There’s even a small goat shed built right on the roof. We lucked out and caught the tail end of the goats’ season. A handsome white buck (maybe a Nigerian Dwarf or a mix) was up there grazing away. Naturally, I couldn’t resist testing out my goat call — a loud “bahhh!” — and he actually paused and looked around like, who said that?
Of course, we didn’t stop just for the goat. The market is also known for its candied and smoked Pacific salmon, something we hadn’t had since moving east. We stocked up — maybe a little too much — and enjoyed every bite. We ate half during the trip and left the rest with Jay, though I can’t believe I didn’t polish it all off myself.
Coombs also has these iconic yellow warning signs with a black silhouette of a goat hanging off a roof, poop falling. Naturally, we had to get one for the Funny Farm Goat Shed. It felt meant to be. We picked up a few more souvenirs — Josh got a button, we grabbed a couple of mugs, and, most importantly, a loaf of their incredible cheese-and-herb bread. Their bakery is legendary, and I’d forgotten just how good it was.
After our goat-and-bread pit stop, we continued on toward Ucluelet. The drive from Nanaimo is about two and a half to three hours — longer for us, of course, because we like to stop and take it all in. One of the best stops along the way is Cathedral Grove, home to enormous old-growth Douglas fir trees. Some are nearly three meters wide at the base — they’re breathtaking in person. It’s funny how you take places like that for granted when you live nearby, but coming back after years away made us appreciate it all over again.
It wasn’t raining too hard, so we got out for a short walk beneath the mossy canopy. The forests on Vancouver Island feel ancient compared to those in New Brunswick — dense, lush, and impossibly tall. I’m so glad places like Cathedral Grove are protected.
Back on Highway 4, the road wound its way up and down the mountains in true island fashion. The highway has been improved a lot since my teenage years, but it’s still a wild, twisty drive. The weather turned stormy and wet, and naturally, that’s when I got my turn behind the wheel. Addy and I switched right before the tricky part — pouring rain, sharp turns, and all. But the car handled beautifully. For a small rental, it was peppy and fun to drive.
We finally reached our condo in Ucluelet, and it was absolutely stunning. Addy outdid himself finding it — two bedrooms, two bathrooms, nearly floor-to-ceiling windows in the open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, and a gorgeous view overlooking the marina. At night, you could hear the sea lions barking across the water, even through the rain. We couldn’t see them, but hearing them felt like home.
The kids shared a sofa bed in the living room — honestly, the best one we’ve ever seen — while we shared the condo with Addy’s sister Angie, her husband Cameron, and little Scarlett. It was cozy, lively, and full of laughter.
Once everyone settled in, we headed to The Spot in Tofino, the stunning house where the wedding and rehearsal dinner would take place. It wasn’t directly on the beach, but close enough for a quick 10-minute walk. The property was beautiful — elegant, welcoming, and designed for entertaining. No wonder they chose it. As it turns out, Dayn, the groom-to-be, actually helped build the house!
We spent that evening visiting with family, meeting the rest of the wedding party, and sharing dinner. The excitement was building — the wedding was the very next day.
The Wedding Day
When we photograph a wedding, it’s usually a well-oiled operation. Addy’s gift to his sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law was the wedding photography — he’s incredibly talented behind the lens. Normally, he gets a detailed schedule, a shot list, and a timeline down to the minute — who, what, where, and when — sometimes even whether he’ll need a second shooter.
This wedding, however, was a little different. It was beautifully go-with-the-flow. The only confirmed detail we had was the date: October 24th.
At the dinner the night before, we were told, “Come over and get ready with us — aim for around 11 am or 11:30 am.” Fair enough! So that’s what we did. I decided to get myself mostly ready at the condo beforehand, thinking I could relax once we got there and just enjoy the morning. Turns out, that was a very good call — because my role in the day ended up being much bigger than I expected.
Addy packed up all his camera gear, Angie (part of the wedding party) packed to get ready at The Spot, and we arrived around 11:30. We had perfect timing — the bride and maid of honor were still in their matching robe and PJ shirt combo, and the champagne was just being popped. Mimosas all around!
The mood was relaxed, cheerful, and a little spontaneous. Stephanie had always dreamed of getting married on the beach, and Tofino held special meaning for her — she’d spent time there in her twenties, and Cox Bay Beach in particular was where she’d always pictured saying her vows. (If I got the decade and beach wrong, Stephanie, feel free to correct me in the comments!)
So while everyone was sipping champagne and waiting to see what the weather would do, plans began to shift in real time. I can technically go with the flow — technically. (Anyone who knows me, hush.)
Then came the makeup situation. Somewhere between the champagne and the curls, it became clear that no one really knew how to apply false lashes, and they were working with a very modest selection of makeup. I had everything we needed… back at the condo, a solid 30-minute drive away. Addy was busy photographing details, so there was no way to send him back for supplies.
So, I improvised — Q-tips, fingers, and the few brushes they had on hand. And honestly, it turned out beautifully. They’re all such naturally gorgeous women that my “MacGyver makeup” barely counted as a challenge.
While Stephanie juggled getting ready and caring for her baby, I helped steam the dresses (thankfully, they had a great steamer) and keep things moving. Despite the whirlwind, the atmosphere stayed joyful. Everyone was happy, calm, and genuinely excited. Stephanie was impressively relaxed — true go-with-the-flow energy.
The weather shifted all day — from glimpses of sunshine in the morning to a sudden downpour by mid-afternoon. We thought they might have to use the big event tent beside the house. But by some miracle, the rain cleared just long enough for us to make it down to the beach in our heels, where Stephanie could have the ceremony she’d always envisioned.
And it was perfect.
The sky was moody and overcast — the kind of light photographers dream about, soft and even, nature’s own diffuser. Stephanie looked radiant, Angie and the bridal party polished and glowing, and the groom sharp in his blue suit. Everyone looked their absolute best, and the setting — well, “stunning” doesn’t even cover it.
The waves crashed dramatically behind them, the wind carried every word of their vows, and at one point a wave rolled so close — maybe a foot and a half from their feet — it looked like it might join the ceremony itself. It curved around a little island of rock and fizzed out right beside them. The timing was cinematic.
I’m not crying — you’re crying.
It was the perfect mix of wild West Coast beauty, heartfelt vows, and pure joy. Well — they did it. They’re married!
The moment Stephanie and Dayn said their vows, the whole group cheered and clapped. It was so joyful — a mix of laughter, happy tears, and pure relief that the weather had held just long enough to make it all possible.
After the ceremony, it was time for formal photos on the beach. With those dramatic waves and the moody sky in the background, it was the kind of setting photographers dream of. Addy started organizing the shots — the bride and groom, their families, both sets of parents, the full wedding party, and a few extras with us and the newlyweds. We were making great progress, everyone smiling and laughing despite the wind and chill.
And then — well, someone (We’re not sure who) decided to light a box of fireworks.
Right there on the beach.
It absolutely added to the atmosphere — a burst of color and excitement against the gray sky — but it also made a few people a little jumpy about sticking around too long. So the photo session turned into a bit of a sprint!
We managed to get all the important shots, though it felt hectic at the time. Later, when we looked through the photos back home, they turned out beautifully. The timing, the light, the waves — even the slightly rushed energy added something real and alive to them.
In the moment, though, I remember thinking, “Uh-oh… well, this is exciting!”
An Intimate Feast to Remember
Since Stephanie and Dayn had planned a larger reception for October 31st back in Nanaimo for friends, I honestly didn’t expect there to be any sort of formal dinner after the ceremony — maybe just a few appetizers and some champagne to toast the newlyweds. But as it turned out, there was a dinner — and what a dinner it was.
It took place in the beautifully appointed event tent set up to the left of the house. The space was larger than it looked from the outside, elegantly decorated, and perfectly suited to their vision of an intimate celebration. There were about sixteen of us in total — the wedding party, parents, and a few close friends.
The layout was charming and cozy: a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of tables, covered in linens and set with proper flatware and plates. At the far end, a raised tier held the cake table, draped in soft fabrics and warm light. The whole setup felt personal and special — like a page out of a wedding magazine, but with heart.
And the food… oh, the food. It easily ranks in my top five dinners of all time. They served prime rib, perfectly cooked garlic shrimp, roasted new potatoes, asparagus, and a medley of roasted vegetables. Everything was presented on large wooden boards — like a gourmet charcuterie platter, but for a full meal. It was stunning to look at and even better to eat. There was even a dedicated server keeping everyone topped up with drinks, which added such a lovely touch of care.
Before dinner, little Scarlett stole the spotlight. She treated us to an impromptu performance at the front of the tent, asking everyone to clap and cheer — a perfect little pre-dinner show that had us all laughing and smiling.
The speeches that followed were heartfelt and emotional. A few even brought tears to my eyes, and though Addy was across the tent near his dad, camera in hand, I’m pretty sure I saw a bit of moisture in his eyes too. The first dance, the dance with parents, the cake, all flowed smoothly and were wonderfully touching.
It was an unforgettable evening — full of love, laughter, and good food, shared in the soft glow of string lights and the warmth of family.
Playing Tourists
In between all the wedding festivities, we decided to make time to be tourists. We’d been to Ucluelet and Tofino before — it’s true — but why not take advantage while we were there? Who knows when we’ll be back again? It had taken so much planning and preparation just to leave the homestead in the first place, so we were determined to make the most of it.
I even had a mission in mind: Christmas ornaments. I didn’t want to bring home just any trinket; I wanted something meaningful. Every year, when we decorate the Christmas tree, I can look at those ornaments and remember this trip — the wedding, the laughter, the kids reconnecting with their cousins, and all the little moments in between.
So that’s what I did. I started my collection in Coombs, where I found a little goat ornament that says “Goats on the Roof.” Then, in Ucluelet, I found a tiny black bear with “Ucluelet” on its side, and in Tofino, a humpback whale that reads “Tofino.” Now, I’m not going to pretend these were handcrafted in British Columbia — the tag clearly said Made in China — but that doesn’t matter. They’ll still bring back memories every Christmas when I hang them up.
We also picked up a few other souvenirs — some magnets, coasters, and pins for Joshua’s growing pin collection on his hat. Both boys even ended up getting new hats in Coombs — those wedge-shaped ones you usually see on older gentlemen. (The name completely escaped me at the time, but later I remembered: they’re called flat caps!).
Between all that shopping and sightseeing, it was wonderful watching Jay and Josh reconnect. It had been about two and a half years since they’d really spent quality time together — Jay came to visit in 2024, but he’d been under the weather, so this time they got the full, healthy, sibling experience. Jay’s a great shopper, and they had a blast browsing and joking around together.
The day after the wedding, we went out for brunch with Angie and Cameron at a cozy café in Ucluelet. It was busy — everyone else had the same brunch idea — but the food was delicious, especially the pastries (and yes, everything on the coast is still a little pricey!). Angie and Cameron were packing up to head home that day, but we weren’t in a rush. Our only goal was more sightseeing — and one home-cooked meal before the trip wrapped up.
That night, I cooked shepherd’s pie for everyone at the rental condo— a huge one, even though there were only four of us. Jay misses my cooking, so I made sure he’d have leftovers. It was comforting and cozy — the perfect way to end the West Coast portion of our trip.
On Sunday morning, we packed everything up, checked out of the condo by 10 a.m., and hit the road back to Nanaimo. We didn’t make many stops this time; the weather was gray, and we were ready to wind down. Once back in town, we dropped Josh and Jay off at Jay’s house and checked back into the Grand Hotel for one last night in Nanaimo.
Monday, it was time for the adventure home again.
Homeward Bound
The week flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to pack our bags and head home. Our flight wasn’t until 3 p.m., so we had a relaxed morning ahead. Check-out at the Grand Hotel wasn’t until noon, which meant no rushing — a rare treat.
Addy and I went out for breakfast, then picked up a couple of travel pillows, having learned from our journey out west that we’d likely need them again. We aimed to get to the airport around 12:30, since Stephanie, Dayn, and little Lavinia planned to meet us there for one last goodbye.
We picked up Josh, loaded the car, and drove to the airport with time to spare. Returning the rental car couldn’t have been easier — Addy handed over the keys, reported the mileage, and that was that. We had a nice visit with Stephanie and Dayn at the café just outside security, getting in a few more cuddles with baby Lavinia before we said our goodbyes.
The Nanaimo Airport is about the same size as Fredericton’s — small, friendly, and easy to navigate — which made the whole process stress-free. Our flights home went smoothly, with just one minor hiccup: the 24-hour clock got us. Addy had told me we’d arrive back in Fredericton around 11 p.m. the same day, but as I thought about it, that didn’t add up. If we were leaving Nanaimo at 3 p.m., there was no way we’d make it home by 11 p.m. local time. Sure enough, after double-checking, it turned out to be 11 a.m. the next day.
Thankfully, there were no cancellations — just a small half-hour delay — and this time we were pros. We found a quiet spot during our layover, used our new neck pillows, and actually got a decent nap.
When we finally landed in Fredericton, our truck was still there (a small victory I had secretly been worrying about), and even better — it started! We were starving, so we decided to grab a coffee and something tasty in the city before heading home.
That plan, however, was foiled by a power outage. An accident had knocked out power across most of north Fredericton, nearly all the way to our place. Luckily, our house still had power — and an even better surprise waiting.
Bella had been keeping tabs on our return and greeted us with a freshly baked pasta dish waiting in the oven. We might not have gotten our “city food,” but Belle made sure we were fed and happy. After dinner and a short nap, we piled back into the truck to drive her home, meeting Kristel halfway. (Thanks again, Kristel!)
And that was it — mission accomplished. Vacation officially over, homestead back in sight, hearts grateful it all came together.
The trip was everything we hoped it would be — full of family, laughter, and memories we’ll treasure for years. But as always, there’s something so comforting about coming home. The vacation was wonderful… yet it felt just as wonderful to be back where we belong.
Until Next Time
This trip reminded me how important it is to pause life once in a while — to make time for family, adventure, and celebration, even when it takes a mountain of planning to leave the goats, chickens, and chores behind.
We came home grateful — for the people we love, the animals who greet us like we were gone a year, and the cozy chaos of everyday life here at Funny Farm Homestead.
Until next time, friends — thanks for following along on our double-post adventure. ❤️