A Special Outing

For the past several years, Jeff and I have gone to see Stuart McLean and his Christmas show.

We have my friend and former colleague, Greg, to thank for introducing us to Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Cafe. Greg gave us a few CD's with Vinyl Cafe stories so we could listen to them on our drive from BC to Ontario. We loved every single story and have listened to many more since then!

I have 6 of Stuart McLean's books and each one has been signed. There are two books signed to me and Jeff, one book signed to me, and then one book for each of the children. Heather was with me in the Baby Bjorn carrier when I had Stuart sign her book. He wrote: To Heather. Your mom thought you would like this one day. I love that!  Stuart asked me at that time if I was bringing Heather to the show.  When I told him "no", he said that I should!  That was the first time that I realized that kids were welcome at his Christmas show.

I know that Jeff likes going to the show, but he doesn't love it like I do. This year I decided to take the girls with me instead. We spent many weeks listening to the CBC podcasts of the Vinyl Cafe and I was surprised to learn that Lauchlan seemed to like listening to the stories the most. He was sad when he found out that he wasn't coming, although Jeff did take him out on an outing, too!

 His book from last year.

Dinner before the show:

In our seats - almost show time!

I think both girls enjoyed being there, but Heather seemed to enjoy it the most.  I could tell that she loved the music and the stories.  Addie seemed a bit more fidgety, but she is also a year younger.  I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take them with me.  It was a special night!