Today I decided to hit the Calgary Home and Garden Show (running now through March 3) with the babe and grandma in tow. It was Family Day at the show so I was actually more interested in seeing Bob the Builder than design experts for a change! Annabel has never seen a TV character "live" before so I was curious how she would react. She's not all that familiar with Bob the Builder--she's only seen the show a couple of times so I knew it wasn't going to be like meeting Toopy or Mickey or anything, but I was still intrigued. So we get there, and Bob is on stage performing. We watch, we listen, we clap along, we move up close to the stage where other kids are jumping around along with Bob. It's all well and fine--not too long, which is always a concern with little ones. Overall, she seemed to enjoy it, but she also seemed to enjoy just looking at the kids around her. I guess Bob just couldn't hold her full two-year-old attention span. But that's what makes it a great feature of the home show. It was free and fun, and I was really glad there was a show for kids there to keep her entertained. There were also kid-friendly exhibits and free goodies for kids and parents alike. It was nice to feel welcome with a stroller (the aisles were nice and wide) and see fellow parents with their kids at the show. I'm not always sure how kid friendly events like this will be. Even though I had attended before, I wasn't a parent then so was completely oblivious to what was available to families. After some eats in the food truck alley, we made a few rounds through this gigantic show, and before long, Annabel was passed out cold. (NOTE: Definitely bring your stroller or carrier for the wee ones--the show involved a lot of walking around in a really large space.) My mom and I poked around a bit longer while Annabel snoozed, picked up some fresh oranges and cucumbers from the Crossroads Market booth, then called it a day. Anyhow, this is the type of event that I would have thought would be nightmarish for parents to attend with their kids. But it wasn't at all. So, if you're itching to check out your local show (see where the closest show is to you: they happen across Canada), and don't have a babysitter, have no fear! It is truly a family-friendly event--at least on Family Day!