Family Trip – Take 2
It has been 2 years since my last post and 2 years since we settled back into our home in Val-David, Qc. And now, we have decided to do it again – to up heave the life we have rebuilt and to live on the road…
Last time, it was a strong desire to leave, to travel, to discover and live something else that motivated me to plan our trip. The trip was well planned out from the start and even our house in Mexico was rented months in advance. I wanted to live on the beach, surf, learn Spanish and just live a year in the warmth. If you are curious to know more, you can flip through the back-posts from 2 years ago. It was a wonderful experience for us all and a hard one to forget. Since returning back to “life in Canada”, our time has been counted in “x months since Mexico” or “months before mexico”.
This time, it is a different situation. We have just sold our 2 businesses – Le Village Suisse and La Boutique Les Jeux. Almost exactly 12 months after putting them on the market, the sale for both went through just a couple of weeks ago. Now after 13 years of being a business owner, I simply want-need a break. A break from being on-call, a break from being the final decision maker, a break from being responsible for so many and in the future – I’m excited about finding a new direction. I currently do not know what this might be, and am not ready yet to think about it. Afterall, what tops owning a toy store? Or a vacation resort? It will take time to figure that one out. For now, I simply need to rest and for that to really happen, I feel I need to branch out of our little town.
So hence the travel plans! For now, we are in Spain-France for 5 weeks. We will then be back in Val-David for 2 months to wrap up the accounting and training of the new owners for the businesses, and Millie and Andy will finish the school year. Once it is all settled, we will be on the road. Where to? It isn’t yet determined, but multiple destinations role around in our discussions, so stick around for the details…
We are currently officially homeless and have been for 5 days now. We finished packing up all our things and handed the keys over to a lovely family who will be renting our house for the next 15 months. It was a whirlwind 3 weeks: sale of the 2 businesses, training of new owners, packing of the house… and finally we left with just 4 little carry-on suitcases.
Let it all begin.

The Village Suisse…I adore this place, but it is time for me to do something else in life. I am happy to pass it on to a wonderful new owner.
Wow! I am always so amazed at your choices that you successfully adhere to. Your children are so lucky to be getting all of this kniwledge and experience to help them grow. They say when you are on your deathbed, it is not going to matter what possessions you have but the memories you made. Your family is a beautiful example of this in the way you choose to explore. You did a terrific job building your businesses but now is a perfect time for your next steps. Enjoy your adventures, I look forward to following your blog. Much love from NS xo
Thanks Cheryl. Im sure there will be some adventures along the way! Looking forward to seeing you this summer in NS
You are all amazing and I hope that the next 15 months will be equally as amazing for you all! We will miss you but we are excited for this great experience that we will share through your blog. Lots of love. Gail & Graham aka Mom & Dad, Nana & Grampie,
Aw, thanks mom.
Dear Diana and family,
I admire your courage to change your paradigm so decidedly. It is good to let life guide us to a new place where we can discover who we are once again though the dynamics of a new environment. That is what happened to us four years ago when we moved to Val-David and I must say it was nice to have you as a neighbour. I do pray you find joy and see beauty and that you are protected by angels along the way. I loved reading your last blog and no doubt I will live the thrill of travel vicariously through you. God speed! Be blessed! Isabelle
Wow, Diana you are truly incredible. I am so in awe of you and your adventurous life. You guys sound like you are really living life to its fullest! I am looking forward to reading about your adventures and, for the moment, living vicariously through you. Hopefully I will soon be bold enough to follow in your footsteps…!
Bon voyage!