The Greatest Show On Earth!

Jacob brought home fliers for the circus coming to the fairgrounds a few weeks ago.  We really wanted to experience that with our boys, but we waffled on whether or not to try it because, let’s be honest, how good can a circus at the Alachua County Fairgrounds be?  Well, I mentioned it to Jesse and he was immediately interested and wanted to bring Savannah, so we were committed.

Well…when we walked in I considered turning back due to the totally unimpressive bleachers and equipment.  I assumed it would be a huge waste of our money, but figured the boys would at least enjoy some overpriced popcorn and cotton candy.  Surely the lions, tigers, and camels we could already see couldn’t be that boring.  It actually turned out to be a pretty good one-ring circus!  Not only did the boys and Savannah thoroughly enjoy popcorn and cotton candy, but a sno cone, pony rides (Savannah and Josiah), elephant ride (Savannah), coloring book, blinking clown noses, and a fun show.  My boys were spoiled WAY beyond their normal limits especially since just one of those those things is usually a good spoiling.

This was Josiah’s first pony ride.  I never dreamed he’d be willing to do it, but Savannah was doing it and Jacob ignored Josiah’s mild protests.  He was glad he did it!

First cotton candy experience.  I love it too!

Only Savannah listened to my pleas to look at the camera.

They had 6 (I think) big cats, including white lions and tigers.  I thought the tamer could have worn more clothes, but one of the captions in the coloring book we bought said that “pretty girls and elephants are important in the circus.”  There’s nothing like sending the right message!

Jumping through a hula hoop with a dog!

He climbed up to that top ledge then jumped into the trainer’s arms.  Animals are so cool!

Intermission: everyone was sweaty, including Elijah, so we caught some fresh air outside.  See his dripping wet hair?

First, two teenagers got in this “Globe Of Death”… …then two men and the same lion tamer got in.  She stood in the middle while they rode their dirt bikes around her…  …then sparks flew… …then there were three.  They went upside down, too, but I didn’t catch that.

  The lion tamer was multitalented :)  The show would be in trouble if she got hurt, I think.

The one on the right is a little girl.  Her mom is on the left.  It is a family run circus.  (Dad was the announcer and dog trainer.  Son was a juggler and dirt bike rider.)

There were many more events I didn’t get good pictures of.  We were all highly entertained!

They sold toys all throughout the show.  I was certain Josiah would want an expensive light up gun or sword, but all he asked for was this light up clown nose at the end of the show.  Sometimes he’s hard to resist.