I’ve never been to Winnipeg before. While I was really interested in seeing that city, I wasn’t too thrilled with going there in the middle of February. A conference I was attending happen to take place in Winnipeg this year, so off I go from the mild Vancouver with cherry blossom to the sub-zero Winnipeg.

Other than presenting a workshop and networking at the conference, I didn’t have a ton of responsibilities. In fact, my boss encouraged me to skip out a part of the agenda and go visit the Human Rights museum with her. It’s the first national museum to be built outside of Ottawa. I have to say, I was seriously impressed. The architecture is breathtaking, and the displays were so well done that I–as a non-museum lover–actually really enjoyed it. Too bad I only had my cell phone camera, which really doesn’t do the place any justice.

The amazing walkways connecting the exhibits.

All the exhibits are connected by walkways like this.

The start of the exhibits.

Looking out the window.

View from the top.

Visitor participation.

Visitor participation.

Being away for four days felt like forever away from the kids. By Friday, I was just dying to get home as my heart ached to hold them in my arms. Josh welcomed me home with a big hug and kisses. Savanna held onto my neck tightly, rubbing her face all over mine, and quietly chanted “mommy, mommy” like she didn’t believe I was actually home. For a good half an hour, she wouldn’t let me put her down. I held her, kissed her, and I cried. It felt like a giant hole in my heart is finally filled.

Winnipeg was a frozen tundra.

Happy to be home and holding my baby in my arms.