If there’s one wish I have for Gracen (other than that she grows up to be a healthy, compassionate girl who finds true happiness and does something that she is deeply passionate about with her life), it’s that she always loves to read.  We started reading to Grae the day she was born and it’s always been a favourite time for both of us…  A time to unwind, relax, get lost in a story, and start great conversations.  Words can’t explain how much it thrills me to find her, more often than not, emersed in a book (or pile of books) when the house has grown a little *too* quiet.

This is how I found Miss G this morning.  I was getting ready for the day while she played independently when she came to me and asked for a bowl of o’s.  I retrieved her one and went to deliver them to her room to find that she had laid out a blanket, circled it with books, and was needing the o’s in order to read her Cheerio book.

Needless to say, I’ve always got an eye out for ways to keep reading special and fun for our little lady.  We borrow new library books once a week, we spend rainy days in the kids’  section of book stores, we visit our library’s story time regularly, we spend loads of time in Grae’s closet book nook, and can often be found snuggled up in my bed with a big stack of books. It’s something neither of us tires of.  

Just recently, we found another way celebrate Grae’s love of reading.  Through the Families Against Boredom Vancouver Facebook page, we learned about regular story times at Pottery Barn Kids and decided to give it a go.  We first went around Halloween, and Gracen loved it so much that we’ve been back again since.  It happens at the back of the store with itty bitty recliners and rockers all gathered around the storyteller’s large recliner.    

At our location, the lady who runs story time (Erin) is absolutely amazing!  She’s soft and gentle and makes a purpose to get to know each child and call them by name. She’s just one of those people who is meant to be around kids, you know? She’s got this way about her that makes you drawn to listen to her every word, and it totally works.  Gracen enjoys each moment and then asks if we can go again the following week. 

We normally arrive a little bit early so we can explore and take in the beauty that is PBK, and then we stay for a little bit afterwards so that Grae can play.  We never feel like we’re overstaying our welcome – in fact, the staff members are very sweet and invite Gracen to play and explore for as long as she likes.

It’s so nice to have found another lovely indoor activity, and with the rainy winter upon us, I can see it becoming a weekly outing.

♥

The Vancouver location of Pottery Barn Kids is at 2835 Granville Street, between 12th and 13th.  Story times happen Tuesday at 11 a.m. with special holiday story times happening on December 4th, 11th, and 18th.  If you’re not in Vancouver, call your local store or click here to find out about story times and special events in your city.  Even our PBK store in Kuwait had regular special events, so your store probably does too. ☺