Under The Big Top

I have been watching the commercials for weeks and dreaming about taking the kids to see the circus. I have vivid memories of eating cotton candy and snow clones while watching the clowns perform funny skits and the lion tamer bravely lock himself in a cage with beautiful lions and lionesses. Everything large, exciting and action packed. Contortionist, acrobats, trapeze artists, and the elephants, oh, the elephants!

So this week I whipped out the old credit card and spent a small fortune for four tickets to the circus.

We got there early enough to participate in the pre show where they let all the kids go down on the floor and meet the clowns and watch some of the performers up close. 

Often, they would pull kids and adult into the center to participate in an act. The kids were asked... but happy to JUST watch.

Their favorite was when the circus brought out a baby elephant. 

She was so cute! They had her do a series of little tricks. 

Once the pre show was over, Mommy got to stand in line for dinner. I stood in line for about 20 minutes for $30 worth of nachos and french fries. Cha-ching. Of course by the time I got to our seats, the circus was started. Our Brown Eyed Girl was too excited to eat.

Mr Blue Eyes dug into the french fries, only stopping from stuffing his face long enough to cover his ears when the loud fireworks and explosions would go off during the opening number.

We saw tigers, trapeze artists, clown acts, and dancing girls. And after an hour of entertainment, my Brown Eye Girl just about had a melt down when they turned on the lights and she had still not seen the elephants. We had to explain what an intermission was to a 4 year-old.

She wanted to show to go on!
The guys were just cool, calm and collected as they people watched. 

Intermission is also code for They might have more money in their wallets. Get 'um guys, drain every last cent out of those parents. Spinning light wands ($18), light up swords ($22), funky clown hats ($18), cotton gold candy ($7), Popcorn ($8), Lemonade ($10)....

Our Brown Eyed Girl begged and pleaded and finally worked her magic over on her Daddy.

The best $8 popcorn ever!!

Mr Blue Eyes was just amazed that the vendor guys carried everything on their heads.  

The second half of the show started and we saw tight rope walkers, girl blasting out of a cannon and more dancing and contortionists. I asked Handy Man if this was like he remembered when we were kids. He said the elements were the same, but why did it feel like were closer, everything was bigger, and so much cooler when we were kids?!? I agreed.

I found that I couldn't help but only focus on the kids, their expressions and if they were having a good time. I wanted to watch their reactions more than I ended up watching the show. I have definitely experienced a coming of age transition in my life.

And finally, we saw the elephants!

The circus was a very different experience for me as a mother. But is was still a wonderful experience. Especially when my kids would look at me with a smile like this during an exciting routine.  

 

After the circus was over, I asked the kids what their favorite part was. 

My Brown Eyed Girl said the Tigers. 

Mr Blue Eyes said.... French Fries.