Peyton and I had a date night at the circus Saturday evening. Peyton was so excited to go to the circus because he loves animals and he knew he'd see some there. He was counting down the days until Saturday came. Then, he was counting down the minutes until we could leave the house. We drove downtown to get to the arena, and every time we passed a parking garage, Peyton asked me, "Mommy, is that the circus?" Finally, we reached the parking garage across the street from the arena and walked over to the circus. The entire time we were walking, Peyton repeated, "I'm so excited! I'm so excited!" He really was giddy. 
One hour before the show, the audience members are allowed to walk around on the arena floor. Several of the performers were walking around too. There were jugglers, stilt walkers, a trapeze artist, and clowns. Peyton picked up this hot chick.
Peyton got a "Greatest Show on Earth" tattoo from an acrobat.
We had to return to our seats (which were great - 2nd row, center!) about fifteen minutes before the actual circus began. About every 30 seconds, Peyton asked how much more time there was. Eventually, I showed him my watch and explained that we had to wait until the big hand pointed to the 6. That satisfied him.
The show began with a musical parade number. The theme of the circus was "Funundrum" and the main song talked about the circus train.
The first act was several groups of aerialists. Next was a group of men doing flips and tricks on and off of balance beam-sized planks. Then, the tigers were showcased. Peyton was happy to finally see some animals. 
After another dance number, there were a few different acts going on simultaneously. They were the Body Benders (three girls who were incredibly flexible), the Bionic Brothers, and a group called Ulaanbaatar Ballerina. They are pictured below. So strong! 
Next up were the tightrope walkers. They were directly in front of us. They did several passes on the tightrope, but the most impressive one was this one. 
Another act that Peyton really enjoyed was the motorcycles in the globe. They started out with just four bikes, but worked all the way up to seven! It really is amazing that all of those motorcycles can fit in the sphere, let alone ride around without hitting each other.
After intermission, there were some hat jugglers, and finally more animals. Peyton was worried that there weren't going to be any more animals. He was way less impressed with the acts involving people. I think he just doesn't quite understand how tough it is to do the things that they were doing. The animals were in three rings and included miniature horses, llamas, and donkeys. 
Then a cow came out (which seemed sort of random to me...)
There were clown routines between each of the main acts. Finally, the elephants got their turn. I think they are my favorite part of the circus. It is just amazing what they can do considering their huge size! We were definitely close enough to smell them.
After the elephants, there was a guy who rode a motorcycle on a tightrope. He was balanced by a girl hanging below his bike. He rode back and forth along the rope a few times, doing various tricks. The last trick he did was to do a 360ยบ flip over the tightrope. Incredible!
The final act was the Barnum Bouncers, who did a routine on several large trampolines.
The show wrapped up with another large song and dance number featuring all of the performers. Peyton and I had a really good time at the circus!
There was lots of
tunnelling
preparing for more games
rocking
kicking and throwing
shaking
and bubbles!
shaking 
sliding 
and rocking. 
After the first hour, everyone went into the party room for cake and juice. There was a Sesame Street theme. My very talented sister-in-law made an Elmo cake.
She also made these adorable Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch cupcakes.
Peyton chose to have a Cookie Monster cupcake...
which was clearly delicious!
Party Animal 
Mini-Party Animal 
Well hello, handsome 
After the Gymboree party was over, our family, Noah's grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousins, and a few of Kate's friends went back to their house for pizza and presents. Peyton and Noah did Cheers! with their cups.
Noah got lots of fun gifts. We got him this Elmo camera.
We also got him a Leap Frog laptop.
The kids all played well with each other. They tired themselves out and it was getting late, so we changed Hunter into his pajamas and then headed home to get him to bed.
