Stars on Ice

I had been feeling sorry for myself because I didn't have anyone to go to Stars on Ice with. No friends here in London, except one brand new mom freshly home from the hospital with her baby. No babysitters, so my husband couldn't go with me. Then Chris suggested "Why not take Janelle?" He has taken Connor to hockey games and basketball games, but we've never taken Janelle to anything "big" like that. I don't think she had ever even been in a large arena like the John Labatt Centre. I wondered if she would enjoy it — it's not exactly "Disney on Ice". But then I thought about how we were all glued to the TV during the Olympics this year, and how memories of Scott and Tessa and Joannie are still fresh in her mind. Maybe she would enjoy a date with mom, especially watching Scott and Tessa skate in their hometown.

She LOVED it! And I loved watching her almost as much as watching the skating! When I finally got the tickets about a month ago there were only 7 left, so we ended up in the VERY BACK ROW! It was scary being that high! Every time Janelle leaned forward I pushed her back. But it was worth it!

I have to say, watching Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue skate here in London was a unique experience. The proud hometown crowd was wild with excitement went they came out, the first skaters on the ice. Later we got to see their Gold Medal winning routine from the Olympics, as well as their Exhibition routine with the hockey sweater and tutu. I didn't think the standing ovation would ever end! What a thrill!

Then there was Kurt Browning, as entertaining as ever — even skating in hockey skates for one of his routines, Joannie Rochette, who stole the hearts of every mom in the crowd, and Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, my personal favourites whose gravity defying lifts amaze me, along with several other great Canadian skaters. This is the first time Stars on Ice has done an "all-Canadian" tour, and it was clear that this country knows how to grow great skaters!

But the best part of it all was being there with my little lady, whose wide eyes were full of stars the whole time. What a treat to share that "first time" experience together! A precious new memory made!