Circus 2013

Finally, for the first time since Claire's birth, we had the opportunity on Friday to take a family outing. It was a family outing minus the newest family member. We just figured she might not enjoy two hours of eardrum-piercing noise and dizzying light-effects. The rest of us, however, headed off for the 10 AM show with the free tickets the boys had earned by reading 5 books from the library. Since it was a Friday morning show, Sam had to play hooky from school, leaving him with just one unexcused absence left for the rest of the school year.
The boys had really been looking forward to attending the circus and I was pretty excited about it too. Unfortunately the dark arena doesn't produce the best family pictures, but I'll settle for mediocre.

The theme this year was just perfect for Nathanael. It was Built to Amaze with lots of tools, construction signs and work trucks. In the days leading up to the circus, he just wanted to see the "lion whipper". Well, there were tigers instead, but I think he was satisfied. When asked, he said his favorite parts were the "trapeze artists" and the elephants. Sam enjoyed the clown acts. My favorites were a group of well trained poodles and group of people jumping in and out of a big clear box above a trampoline. Those circus freaks are pretty amazingly talented. It's bewildering. In the breezeways were vendors selling all kinds of circus toys and treats at ridiculous prices. Cotton candy for $10, a large lollipop for $5, light-up swords and stuffed animals for over $20. Nathanael's eyes were so huge! And those darn salesmen walking up and down the aisles with snow cones and trinkets tempting every little child. Nathanael was drawn to a light-up sword and a light-up gun and of course the snow cones. He asked for them repeatedly throughout the show. Luckily he wasn't terribly heartbroken when his pleas were refused. They've learned by now that their "thrifty" mother doesn't spring for much.

Little Max got to go the the circus today but not baby Tessa. She stayed with us and Claire helped us babysit her. Claire is getting to be such a big, helpful girl.