Here I go again talking about my love for Hallmark. If you have an issue with this scroll on by. I have a feeling you are going to want to stick around though, because I have a fun giveaway at the end (especially if you love the shows When Calls The Heart & When Hope Calls).
Each year, when the show When Calls The Heart is renewed, they host a Hearties Family Reunion to gather fans of the show, writers, producers, cast members and more to celebrate the past season. The entry process is a random drawing and only 350 people are chosen to attend. When the opportunity came about in the When Calls The Heart Facebook Group I really wanted to enter but everyone I texted to accompany me was unavailable. I talked my husband into allowing us to enter together. (Best husband award!) In a group of 75,000 people, who knew how many would enter?? (It turns out about 1,300 entered) It’s likely we wouldn’t even be chosen. That’s what I figured anyway!
Until we were.
Since the invite was for both my husband and I, we needed to find someone to watch our kids. The first time ever away from both our kids! Cue mom anxiety. My cousin was willing to watch them and we were off to Canada. It should be noted that as we were dropping off my son he said, “Mom, can you please leave now.” Cue mom tears. My kids don’t need me anymore!
First, my advice if you are heading away from your kids for the first time. Do it. Even when you are filled with anxiety, going to another country and fairly sure your kids are going to break all their bones, end up in the ER and you are going to have to race home, do it. None of these things happened. Everyone survived.
Second, my advice if you get the opportunity to attend the Hearties Family Reunion. Do it. Even when you are introvert and you’ll have to meet a million new people and are a little overwhelmed just thinking about it. Do it anyway.
Here’s what went down.
#1 – My husband and I successfully navigated our way across the border into Burnaby, BC in Canada. First time driving across the border. We did it. We didn’t forget our passports. They weren’t expired. Win! Only a 2.5 hour drive for us so easy peasy.
#2 – We arrived to The Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in Burnaby and had a lovely room. It is so much easier settling into a hotel room without children. So weird. It was equally easy to find a place to eat without having to look at the kid’s menu first. Huh. We didn’t eat grilled cheese all weekend!
#3 – We met new people. I think they liked us. What’s not to like, right? It turns out we can be fun without our kids.
#4 – We had fun and acted a little silly. Special thanks to The Super Channel for this super fun little survey between #TeamNathan and #TeamLucas. I love the fun they are having on instagram with these cutouts. Check them out @schearthome on Instagram if you want a few laughs. They retweeted and regrammed Kyle’s picture so we felt cool.
#5 – We learned from Brian Bird some incredible truths about life. When something goes sideways, hold on to what you know is true. There is no such thing as being uncalled in life. Persistence beats resistance. The journey is just as important as the destination. We had Brian on The Modern Motherhood Podcast a month ago and you are in for a real treat. Take a listen (and don’t forget to subscribe!)
#6 – We met some famous people. We took a ton of pictures with all the cast, but here are a few of our favorites.
Morgan Kohal plays Lillian on the new show When Hope Calls.
Jocelyn Hudon plays Grace Bennett on the new show When Hope Calls. She is as fun in person as she is on the show.
You may recognize Erin Krakow from The Marrying Father Christmas Series. We will be having Robin Jones Gunn (the author of that series) on the podcast soon so subscribe now so you don’t miss out! She is the lead character, Elizabeth on When Calls The Heart.
Paul Greene & Andrea Brooks play the doctor and nurse on When Calls The Heart. You’ll also recognize them from other Hallmark movies.
Kavan Smith & Pascale Hutton are two of our favorites. We’ve followed Kavan since his SyFy days on Stargate SG1. He has already agreed to act in our movies if we figure out how to get a Hallmark SyFy Channel! Michael Landon Jr. is also on board. (Hint, hint, Hallmark!)
Chris McNalley plays the saloon owner. He has been a great additional to the cast and his character is one of our favorites.
#7 – We toured the When Calls the Heart set and heard the incredible story behind the MacInnes Farms. They let us touch stuff!
I am writing a letter at Elizabeth’s desk. Perhaps it was this blog!
Unfortunately, they threw Kyle in jail.
The When Calls the Heart water tower.
Henry Gowen better watch out. Kyle can make some shrewd deals.
First phone in Hope Valley! Hi, Mom!
The beautiful church / school house on the property. Also the moment we mastered the selfie. We’re getting pretty good at this by the end of the weekend!
What a truly magical weekend. We were very busy from morning until night each day we were there. As an introvert, I will admit that I was ready to not be around people anymore. It was also really weird not to sleep with a child sneaking in between us. It was also surprisingly easy to pack and way less messy in the hotel room!
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