The Big Apple Circus

Well, we saw the circus! It was actually a lot of fun. I had my doubts as to how much I'd enjoy it myself (as compared to watching the expressions of the kids). It was a small one-ring circus, but in a real circus tent! No expo-centers or arenas here. We saw a lot of amazing acts: see-saw jumping on stilts, juggling, daredevil jumping and balancing, Grandma clown and wire-walking. I think the favorites of the kids was the dancing poodles and horses. No elephants, but I would've been nervous had a big elephant shown up in the ring! Just not a lot of room!

Some things we learned about going to the circus (since none of us had gone in almost 30 years)...

1. A souvenir cup for $5 is a good deal, but only if you don't mind beating the crowds at intermission for your refill.

2. Grandstand seating is okay, but mezzanine would've given us a better view. But at $30 a pop + Ticketmaster fees as it was, grandstand was perfectly okay!!!

3. There are a lot of kids, so don't get upset at the kicking of your seats and popcorn falling in your hair and breathing on your necks by little watchers. (I'm mostly talking to the poor people that sat in front of Tommy.)

4. Grandma Clown never "gets it". But she's lovable!

5. Bring an umbrella if you plan to sit in the front 2-3 rows. Don't say I didn't warn you.

6. Have the kids go to the bathroom BEFORE you arrive. Remember, it's a circus tent with porta-potties!

7. All souvenirs are cute and adorable, but the trendiness disappears quickly... as does the money that was once in your wallet.

8. No flash-photography allowed, so figure out how to use your digital camera in darkness BEFORE you arrive at the circus. (Yes, not many photos came out well at all.)

9. Cotton Candy somehow becomes REALLY, REALLY, REALLY sticky when your daughter simply licks it the whole time (not biting it!)

10. Foam clown noses tend to stretch out quickly and even rip in half if given to a 3 year old.