The Big E

Yesterday, we spent a few hours at The Big E, the largest fair in the Northeast, and had a great time as a family!  While there, Lukas and Olli went down an enormous slide, Lukas and I rode on an elephant and went to the "petting zoo", and we all watched a circus and witnessed a large parade. 

The circus was where we spent most of our time as we had to be there an hour before the show started in order to get seats.  The kids were very patient as they waited--perhaps Lukas' snow cone and a large bag of popcorn helped! :-)  Once the show started both of the children were enthralled with the performances.  Isa's favorite was the dog show where the dogs did all sorts of tricks--she laughed, clapped, and called out "Wau-wau" ("Hundi" or Doggy in German) the entire time.  Lukas liked the "lady in the net" performance the best--essentially a trapeze-like act with a net rather than a traditional trapeze.  I was astonished (and kind of grossed out) by the man who holds the World Record for number of balls juggled using his mouth only (5 ping-pong balls).  Olli thought that was a pretty cool trick, but I've warned him not to try that at home! :-)

The elephant ride was a highlight too as it brought back memories for me about riding an elephant at the zoo when I was a child.  We felt like giants up there on its back. 

Isabel and her Papa waiting for the circus to begin

Lukas watching the clown at the beginning of the show.  I was amazed by how much his emotions were reflected in his face throughout the show.  I saw excitement, awe and occasional fright (when he thought someone was going to fall or hurt themselves).

Watching the juggler, I believe

Lukas and I riding the elephant