Family matters

A three ring circus

Most of you who read this week's blog title probably thought I was talking about my family and, in a sense, you are so right! But, I was actually talking about a real three-ring circus.

On June 1, the Carson and Barnes Circus made at stop at the local airport for what was one exciting show for a 3-year-old.

For days, my husband I were up and down with bringing B-2 along for the show and when we got there, I couldn't have been happier that we decided not to. It was hot, buggy, smelly and loud. And I would still be cleaning elephant poo off of my stroller that I can't even imagine pushing through the unkempt field on the airport grounds. (I can't imagine that a good mowing would have been that much to ask.)

Although the day doesn't sound nearly as lovely as it was, it really was a day I'm sure Boo will remember. Each time she says "Mommy, watch," she nearly gives me a heart attack with her somersaults and twirls and "sky dives" from the chair. (Oh heavens, I hope my child doesn't run away with the circus.)

The performers in the show made up for any droppings (OK, PILES) that I'm still picking from my flip-flops, as they shimmied and shook 80 hoola hoops at a time, rode motorcycles across a tight rope and saluted this wonderful country with a circus-style parade right under the Big Top.

Boo rode one of the miniature ponies that she still is talking about and talked to a camel that seemed to talk right back.

It's an amazing experience to share this wide world with my daughter. I look at her now, with her innocent and wild imagination, and realize how excited I am to introduce her to her future - as a ballerina, an artist, a singer, a clown - whatever she decides to be.