Circus

We took the kids and Evie's friend Karlee to the circus today. Although it cost us $30 just to get in the front door we ended up really enjoying ourselves. The "ring leader" or emcee was Steve and my favorite act. He was the jack of all trades...from juggling with fire to riding a dirt bike in a cage at a speed that scared the living daylights out of me to then sporting his bow-tie once again and introducing each act with a commandingly deep voice. The girls enjoyed the clown the best, which surprised me because that was the most quiet and attention required part of the show. Isaiah got excited when they began to juggle with balls.

During the show the girls got a lesson in fiscal responsibility. Every two minutes, it seemed, there was something presented to us that we could buy. From peanuts for "the affordable price" of $1 per bag or the coloring book that was available "so every child could take home their very own souvenir" and, of course, the pony and elephant rides! At each of these moments, when the items were offered, the girls eyes widened and they turned to us and asked if they could have the item. We told them no each time and that just coming to the circus was the treat (as well as the pre-approved purchase of cotton candy- to share).

Karlee wasn't as used to our family tradition of saying "no" to almost everything the kids ask for and so she was especially focused on trying to convince me to spare a mere $5 for a pony ride. After all, $5 didn't seem like a lot to her as she mentioned. I encouraged her to save up $15 over the next year so that when we return to the circus she can buy a pony ride for herself, Evelyn and Naomi. We will see how it goes and with more encouragement as the time draws closer for the circus to arrive in town the kids might just get their pony ride and what a ride it will be!