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Otis and Us

Review: the Snowman Tour 2017 – Magic and music

Christmas· Days out

30 Dec

There is something about a heavy snowfall, twinkling Christmas lights, candles flickering in the window and the magic of the snowman playing on the TV that just seems to set a scene for the perfect Christmas image, don’t you think? We had had our first proper heavy snowfall in years. Standing from our Kitchen window I could just about see our very own snowman, dressed in an old red baseball cap (slightly lop-sided) and a multicoloured scarf. He wore a crooked smile made from twigs, had a carrot for a nose and two shells from Aberdovey beach for his eyes. Christmas had arrived and so had our very own Christmas Snowman…just ready for us to review the Snowman Tour 2017 .

The Snowman is an enchanting children’s classic written by English author Raymond Briggs and was first published in 1978. In 1982 the magical wordless book about a friendship between a little boy and the special snowman that he created was made into an animated film. For many, this enchanting and magical story of friendship, imagination and adventure is a Christmas classic, epitomising the magic of Christmas. Imagine watching the Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra. For those who follow my blog you will already know that we have been a huge fan of the Snowman Tour and have watched it for the last two years at Chester Cathedral, so when we were invited to review the Snowman Tour 2017 this year at one of their new venues, Liverpool cathedral – I knew it would be the perfect start to our family Christmas.

Stepping inside the cathedral, it cant help but make you gasp. The cathedral is home to some fascinating features. The sheer size will leave you amazed, with high Gothic arches, candles flickering away, beautiful stained glass windows, and the spectacular and imposing Great West window sure to take your breath away. What a spectacular venue for the Snowman Tour 2017.

It was 5pm and I have to say I was slightly apprehensive as we took our seats near to the front of the venue. To put it mildly our youngest (at just 15 months) has never been one for ‘sitting quietly’. The large screen at the front of the venue displayed a collection of beautiful children’s drawings and interpretations of the Snowman film and this instantly captivated our eldest who has already started sketching her entry for next year’s tour. The cathedral fell dark, the musicians entered and the orchestra began with a wonderful Christmas overture and an introduction the instruments of the orchestra….the 15 month old was instantly mesmerised and the cathedral full of children fell silent – an achievement in itself.

The Show featuring the Nutcracker followed by The Snowman was absolutely magical. The Snowman himself made an appearance and you just can’t help but feel warmth in your toes at the children’s squeals of excitement as the oversized Snowman waltzed around the cathedral in time to the orchestra. Having attended the afternoon show in previous years, I found the darkness of the later show really magical. We booked a restaurant near to the venue prior to the show and I found that this worked well with the timing of the show.

This 5pm showing had an interval which was useful for our two eldest as it gave us time for a refreshment break and a quick toilet stop before settling back into our seats to watch the second half – The Snowman.

We absolutely love this show. The venues are spectacular and make the shows that little bit more special. We are HUGE music lovers in our house so we find this show absolutely magical.

We spent yesterday evening watching #thesnowmantour at Liverpool Cathedral. What a wonderful show in a magnificent setting. #ad We are well and truly ready for Christmas. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love and happiness xx . . . . #thesnowmantour17 #liverpool #cathedral #christmasiscoming #magical #show #liveorchestra #music #familytravel #mytravelblog #photooftheday

A post shared by MrsS (@otisandus.blog) on Dec 24, 2017 at 11:51am PST

Setting off on our journey home, I turned to see three content and sleeping beauties in the back. The Snowman Tour 2017 is a beautiful tour and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. I hope it will continue to be a Christmas tradition for many years to come and will always kickstart the Christmas celebrations in our household.

If you missed the show last year, head over to The Snowman Tour for 2018 tour dates  

Head over to My Boys Club to win a family ticket to see The Snowman on Tour in Durham

 

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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

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Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

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Nantcol waterfalls campsite I’ve had so many m Nantcol waterfalls campsite 

I’ve had so many messages to ask where we camped in Snowdonia. If you are looking for a unique camping experience in Snowdonia, then this one is for you. 

Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family friendly campsite on the edge of the river and waterfalls yet just a couple of miles from golden sandy beaches.

There is also glamping available onsite 

It is safe to say this was a favourite campsite of ours. The wash facilities were immaculate. Great size pitches and direct access to the river. 

Harlech and Barmouth are just a short drive away and I can highly recommend the Victoria Inn if you fancy a night off cooking! 

What a gem!

I’ve popped more info in my stories for you. 

Who’s coming with us next time? 😂

#walesadventure #walescoastpath #northwales #northwalestagram #ukhiddengems #snowdonianationalpark #nantcol #nantcolwaterfalls #vanlifewales #roadtripuk #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #ukexplore #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #camperstyle #vanlifeing #vwfamily #vwgirl #camperlifewithkids #campsites #summeroutfits #vanlifestyle #vanlifewithkids #dubdog #styleover40 #whattowearnow
North Wales - you never disappoint! My plan was t North Wales - you never disappoint!

My plan was to post regularly on here over the first part of the holiday, but the truth is we have been searching for  sunsets, living our best life on the beach, chasing the sunshine, having lazy evenings by the river (may have had a vino or two), and spending quality time together. The lack of 3G can be such a joy! This is what vanlife is all about! 

Time to hit the road and wave goodbye to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 for now! Ready for our next road trip (Ps campsite details coming tomorrow) 

Anyone else love North Wales as much as us? 

#northwales #wales #walesadventure #northwalestagram #northwalescoast #vanlifewales #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifewithkids #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifefamilies #vanqueens #sunsetphotography #sunsetglow #chasingadventures #chasingsunsets #ukhiddengems #vangirls #vwgirl #roadtripuk
Road tripping in the UK! Chatting to people about Road tripping in the UK!

Chatting to people about the Summer holidays got me thinking….. 

Why do we play down our holidays? 

“We are just staying in the UK this year”

“We are not going away…we are just staying at home.”

The UK is incredible ……home is one of my favourite places to be ❤️

#vanlife #vanlifefamilydiaries #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervan #vanfamtribe #vanfamilies #vanlifefamily #dubbedoutcommunity #campervanadventures #ukhiddengems #ukexplore #roadtripuk -#campervanroadtrip #whatgetsyououtdoors -#outdoorsisbetter #walesadventure #scotlandexplore #devoncoast #cornwallcoast #peakdistrictnationalpark #anglesey #northwalestagram
Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the Ad / Out in the van…. On the beach… out on the water, or hiking to a lighthouse :) 

Always thinking about what to wear, and what packs well when we are squeezing 5 and a dog into a VWT5…😆

Introducing the @keeneurope Elle sandal.

Comfortable, lightweight and versatile. I love that the stretchy upper is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. And I love even more that we only have to pack one pair of shoes for our van trips. We have been HUGE fans of @keeneurope shoes for years. 

Now be honest ……How many pairs of shoes do you take on holiday? 

#outsideisbetter  #7daysandal 
#whatmamaworemonday 
#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifeclothing #over40style #mamafashion #outdoorclothing #campinglife #vanlifefamily #outdoorfamilies #ukexplore #wonderfulwildwomen #hikinggirl #outdoorswimming #seaair #campervanlife #campervandiaries #campervanlifestyle #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifeideas
This is why I turn on my Live photos. So many ph This is why I turn on my Live photos. 

So many photos that turn into tiny captured moments 

⬇️
This is a reminder to turn on live photos this Summer
And save as videos 

.
.
.
.
#livephotos #vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlife #vanlifefamily #vanlifefamilies #vanlifefamilydiaries #campervanlife #campervanliving #campervanadventures #campervanfamily #campervanwithkids #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #outdoorfamily #outdoorfamilyphotography 
#lovelifeoutside
Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐 I posted a video the o Vanlife with kids 🏕🚐

I posted a video the other day on my stories from our early days in our  van and it got me thinking. How amazing is it that our kids get to experience vanlife?

As adults we love vanlife, I mean what’s not to love about chasing the sun, a break from routine, time together, and sitting outside watching a sunset with a glass of wine. 

But the kids love it just as much. They love the freedom, waking up in new places, sleeping in the roof, a sea view, paddle boards for hours in the sea, the late night sunsets and throwing out the bedtime routine. They love it all. 

The calendar is crazy at the moment, end of year parties, leavers parties, new inset days, school trips and dance shows, so I think we are all looking forward to some annual leave and a rest 😆 (did I really use the word ‘rest’ with three kids and a dog?😆) 

➡️ swipe for a few of my fave vanlife pics from our recent travels 

What do you love the most about vanlife? And how about the kids - what do they love?

#vanlifeuk #ukvanlife #vanlifereality #vanlife #vwt5 #vanfamtribe #vanfamily #vanfamilies #5gocamping #vanlifewithkids #vanlifewithdogs #campervanadventures #campervanlife #campervanculture #dubbedoutcommunity #vwdubs #t5camper #vanlifeexplorers #vanlifediaries #vanlifeglobal #vwadventures #campervanliving #roadtrippin #vanlifeeurope #outdoorfamilies #familieswhotravel #lovelifeoutdoors #freshairtherapy 
#vaninspo

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