Passed a VW Bug tonight. Wes' comment: "Mom! Look! Its a lowercase Herbie!"

Zing! Zang! Zoom! An Exciting Visit with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Its not everyday that you venture to the circus. So we kept it a surprise and didn't tell the boys we were going until we were well on the way. Oh, and they were so excited. The elephants! The acrobats! The music! The monkeys! (okay, there were no monkeys, we had to explain to C that not every circus is like his Playmobil circus set.)

We were invited by Feld Entertainment and Mom Central to enjoy the festivities and arrived early to attend a community event inside Bullies Restaurant (probably the last time we'll be in Bullies... this, of course, being the final season of events for the Spectrum.) This was an amazing opportunity to meet and greet with real, live circus celebrities. We were wowed by the sweetness of the circus' own bully, Surly, the strong-man clown who, in real life is the sweetest guy ever. But he sure can act! Later in the evening we saw what a meany he is! We also had an opportunity to meet several other stars, including clowns and the women who shot out of the cannonballs--for real! (and they are so sweet, real moms who were wonderful to talk to.)

The highlight of the pre-preshow was meeting the Zingmaster himself, Alex Ramon. Alex is a true magician, infact in talking with him we learned that we saw him a few years ago when he came to Philly as star of Disney LIVE! Mickey's Magic Show. He's also quite a Zingmaster, especially since he's taken on this job and is still in his first year! Clearly, he charmed us, and the kids took to him in seconds, Carson even got to do a magic trick with this master (see pictures).

So, after our interlude with celebrity, we ventured out to an area of the parking lot that has been turned into a living ground for the animals while they're in Philadelphia. This area is open to the public... I never saw anyone collecting tickets! Like most of us, I felt guilt as I saw the animals caged in to their areas, not living in their natural habitats. But what shocked me is the joy these animals seemed to feel. I will never forget Wesley waving to an elephant from on my husband's shoulders, and seeing the elephant use his ears to wave back. In another area, a triad of elephants "hung-out" munching on hay. One elephant was smiling while another had a twinkle in his eye. The tigers put on quite a show, while some lazed in the pool or in the sun, others played and interacted... clearly not just for us, but because they wanted to. I've never been so close to show-animals before, and I'll admit my amazement: they were happy.

We literally had to pull the kids away from the animals, promising them we'd see them again later, to enter the Spectrum (this time we needed tickets). There was still an hour before the show, but there was quite a side-show on the Spectrum floor. We happily joined the crowd for Clown School, where clowns and acrobats interacted, amazed and performed... all within feet, sometimes inches, of us! Make sure, if you are heading to the circus this week, that you get there an hour early to be a part of this magical time.

Zing! Zang! Zoom! the show started and took our breath away. The kids were not just glued in the entire 2+ hours, they were amazed. They loved the magic (its the first time the circus has ever changed its theme to a magic circus) and they adored that we had just been down on the floor and knew the performers. Every time Clown Surly came on to wreak havoc, the boys whispered "we know him" and when Zingmaster Alex was on "stage" their mouths dropped... could it be? Their own, personal magician is famous?! There was a lot more than what we remember from circus' of our youth. Sure, there was a 3-ring, but there was a *real* show this time--real acrobats, real, amazing tricks, real showmen doing things you wouldn't believe!

So, here's the deal. There are still lots of tickets available and I, of course, have a coupon code for you. Its totally reasonable to go, and why wouldn't you?! Purchase a family package of tickets to Zing! Zang! Zoom! in Philadelphia for only $44. And you can keep on adding tickets: additional tickets are only $11 each. Be sure to purhcase your tickets at www.comasttix.com. Select your performance (there are shows daily in Philadephia tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20 through Monday, May 25) and enter coupon code MOM in the MomCentral Promotion Box.

Be prepared. Get there EARLY to be able to partake in the entire event. I'd recommend an hour to an hour and a half early. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to interact with the animals and at least another 30 minutes to explore the floor. But padding that time is nice, too. Especially because as you get closer to showtime, the floor gets more and more crowded.

One note, you're getting a great deal on tickets, but souveniers are pricey. The regular Spectrum food is available at Spectrum pricing, but in addition, there are vendors selling snowcones, water ice, cotton candy and toys. Lots of toys. We put our feet down when the price of some of those light-up toys was upwards of $20. But, because we had promised the boys each one thing, we did offer them each a cotton candy bag, which came with a souvenier hat (thus buying 2 bags), for $12 each. Like I said, be prepared.

But most important, be prepared for an exciting adventure... a full day (or evening) of fun. And an event you and your kids will never forget.

Not in Philadelphia? Check the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website for when the circus is coming to your town.

(this post was also published on Mommies with Style.

More pictures coming soon, and available on Facebook.

Gathering with Cousins

Pictured L to R: Savannah, Carson, Wesley, Schuyler, Max, Mitchell (on lap)

Hippies and Activists They're Not

Apparently, kids these days learn early about sit-ins and hunger strikes. After I turned down a dozen or so television watching requests (I'm not that mean, they did watch a video with the babysitter. Albeit an educational Magic School Bus video, but something on the big screen all the same), I was informed that this was "No fair!" and that "I'm not going to be your friend anymore!"

At that point, the request changed to "I just want to sit and watch the TV."

"Okay," I replied, "you can sit and watch the TV. But you can't turn it on." Wes got excited and sat. Carson, however stood at the TV. Not long after, when Wes asked why Carson wasn't turning it on.

After this segment, I was told "that's it! I'm going to sit here and I'm not going to do anything you say, unless you turn it on."

Hmmm... I thought as I got dinner ready. This'll be fun.

Of course, I thought I was going to get to play it out a bit. But as I chopped the fruit for the salad, I called out, "anyone want a piece of a pear?"

The replies were quick: "No, I won't do anything you say" and "No I don't want anything from you. Unless... you let me watch TV."

"Really?" I questioned. "That's okay, then I'll just eat the extra pear pieces." Popped one in my mouth. "Mmmmm. This is one good pear."

I really thought it would be Wes who caved first, but in a matter of seconds I heard a dismal request for the TV from Carson, "Mom, can we please watch the TV?"

"No," I said as I popped in another pear piece. "Wow, are you guys sure you don't want a pear? Or maybe a crais..."

"Mom," Carson walked over, "I still want to turn on the TV, but I'll have a pear." Not more than 30 seconds later Wes reached up to the counter for his pears.

No need to tell them, but I was willing to continue my offerings. It would have been interesting to see if they could have resisted a popsicle.

ITS [almost] OUTTTAAAA HEEERREE!

Last night was the 3rd game of Carson's first t-ball season. So far, its been adorable. Lots of reminders for the kids to pay attention. And we find that dirt-play really can be time consuming.

In our League we play 3 innings (with an optional 4th or 5th if time remains.) Each inning, everyone hits through the line-up and there are no official outs. The final "up" of the inning is a "grand slam", so everyone runs home.

Last night was a thrill. Carson was last in the line-up, so a guaranteed grand-slam the 1st and 3rd innings. The 2nd inning, he batted 2nd. The 1st and 2nd innings he had decent hits. Both straight out towards the pitcher and 2nd base. Carson was looking good.

And then the 3rd inning. Another cute inning from the players. But the dugout coach miscounted and announced the next to last player as the last player. While the head coach never heard this and never made the announcement that the kids should all run home, the 1st base coach did here "last hitter" and told all the kids to run. And while the kids are all running in, Carson is getting ready to bat. And I'm yelling from the side "no! there's one more player!" Because the last thing I needed was a 5 year old full of tears because he didn't get his grand slam.

Coach John realized what happened right away and made sure the Diamondbacks (opposing team) remained in the outfield. The dugout coach sat all the kids down on the bench and told them all to "watch and cheer for Carson." And Carson made his way to the plate. With the cheering behind him.

A swing. And a crack. The ball flew beyond 2nd base, bounced and rolled. To. The. Fence. Carson admits he "watched the ball for one second" before he started running. By the time he was at 2nd base, there was a pile-up of 4 Diamondbacks in the outfield. And as he was rounding 3rd, the ball was being thrown in. He did it. An actual t-ball homerun.

And the "crowd" of Rays and their fans went wild.

And the best part? As Carson comes back to the dugout to cheers and high fives, he yells to his teammates, "did you guys see that?!"

Wahoo! My first post on Philly Moms Blog

Kinda proud of this one, I was asked to start writing for another site. Check out my post: To Find Out or Not to Find Out: What will our baby be?

Sleepless in Charlotte

We all know that Wes has an aversion to nighttime sleep. Not just an aversion, he loathes it.

At home we've found ways to let it be. He reads books in his room. We play soft music. As long as he eventually goes to sleep, doesn't wake Carson, and doesn't keep coming up and down the stairs, we kind of look the other way. At times. Other nights its a dead-on fight with him to keep him in his room.

But this week because we're staying at Nana and Pop's house, Wes and Carson are sharing a room. And one would think he would be more courteous about staying up. Not so. Last night Carson slept through a bright room full of lights, car crashes and block towers, songs and stories. Eventually, around midnight, Wes finally fell asleep in Aunt Debbie's bed. Only to kick, push and prod her until she finally put him back in his own bed around 1:30 am.

Today was much more scheduled and I expected less of a night-fight. There might have been no struggle, if not for that darned aversion. So, after about 10 minutes of laying in bed (Carson, of course, is completely passed out) Wes comes out to tell me that he can't sleep and he can't rest. And I respond, "that's okay, Wes. Just lay there with your eyes open."

No less than 10 minutes later Wes comes out to the family room again, only this time he complains: "Mommy, I can't keep my eyes open any more."

Owwwwww!

So, yesterday, we're all sitting at lunch (the boys, Debbie and I drove down to Charlotte for the week). And while the boys were outside hitting baseballs I felt like I suddenly swallowed one of their baseballs.

The baby's head was completely protruding. From my stomach. Right side. It wasn't just a tickle like all the cute, slushy feelings I usually get. No, this was like baby's head was trying to break through my skin. Of course, while I'm oww-ing, everyone has to pat and feel and "awww" over it. Because this baseball sticking out of my stomach causing me pain is just "sooo cute."

By the time Carson came over to feel it, it had pretty much relaxed, realizing that it wasn't going to get out that way. Or now. At all. So, Carson, wanting to feel it, starts pushing. And pinching. And pressing.

Which meant that I was getting pains from the inside and the outside.

Yeah. I have sweet kids.

Feeling pleased

We hired a cleaning lady. Finally. And she speaks English (so I can communicate easily). And its just one woman (versus a different team of cleaners who come each time.) And she agreed to our cost. Lemme tell you, this is a dream come true. Even more, she's a teacher for the school district. Well, she was. She's since retired and substitutes. But she'd rather be cleaning toilets. And being a teacher means she's also passed the state and federal clearances. What is not to love?

So, when I told Carson he needed to put his toys away because the cleaning lady is coming, his immediate response was "will she leave chocolate candies on my pillow?"

Ahhhh... Mexico.

Purim Carnival Today

Today was the school's Purim Carnival. To easily explain, Purim is like the Jewish Mardi Gras. Its a celebration of freedom. And by celebration, we mean costumes, noise-makers and food and drink aplenty. The boys loved wearing their costumes and playing games today. Tonight we have Tot Shabbat where we'll feast on a catered event and sing lots of songs... of course, in costume. And Monday there's a pizza party, followed by a service where every time the bad guy's name (Haman) is spoken, we use groggers to drown it out. (Note to self, and Steve: we need 2 12-oz soda bottles, emptied, to make groggers on Monday night.)

Pictures of Wes at the carnival today. He was Goliath, who is actually a cartoon character from a Disney show. But he announced he was the Castle pet lion. (The story of freedom is about a King selecting his Queen.)

Overheard

Wesley, age 3.5, upon seeing me put Turkey Hill brand ice cream in the grocery cart: "I don't think I'll like that." Pause. "Mommy, please don't put turkeys on my ice cream."

Best. Birthday. Present. Ever.

Wesley coming soon

yes, they know...

of course they know. Either that or they would believe that I swallowed a pumpkin. (see pic of me from last night here.)

But the real question, are they excited? Most certainly. There have been countless overheard conversations between C & W and with their friends.

Wesley's already become quite nurturing. He asks to go to Babies R Us and Target to the baby section, so we can shop for the baby. A few of his recent comments:

-"Mommy, babies like music, so I'm going to sing to the baby."
-"I'm going to paint a blanket for the baby because babies get cold."
-and today, while making the bed in the guest room/future nursery Wes brought in his personalized blanket with trains. Why? "Babies like trains. So our baby needs my blankie. Its okay. I can use my dinosaur one."

Carson is much more interested in talking about the baby than caring for it. He's all about kissing my belly in front of friends, telling everyone and his great uncle that his mommy has a baby in there [well, duh! did you see that beach ball at 16 weeks?! (link above)]. And he has tons of questions. Each morning, while Wes wants to see my belly button, Carson wants to know how big it is today? and if it has ears? and how long are its fingers?

Of course, the room is planned to their liking. If Wes has anything to do with it, there will be a red ceiling and an orange wall. Sorry, boys. Pop-Pop painted it a gorgeous yellow under 2 years ago. Its staying yellow. Even though its no one's favorite color. That's okay. Really.

Carson will be 5.5 tomorrow

and he hasn't stopped reminding us. I don't know? Do we make a half a cake? Get half cupcakes? Pour half a cup of milk? And what about gifts? Well, he thought that for sure he'd get at least a tiny gift. Um, no. Nothing planned.

And since Wes will be celebra (that's celebrating, but only half of it) his 3.5 birthday on Sunday (hey, when you're born on August 29, you get to celebrate with a lot of other people on March 1, huh?) he's been making his birthday list. Except, like every 3.5 year old he thinks his birthday list means he'll be getting everything that's on there. And, therefore, all those Christmas catty's that we thought we recycled 2 months ago? They've resurfaced.

Really?

Really? I haven't posted since SEPTEMBER?! Who am I kidding with this blog? Okay, admittedly, I'm a bit addicted to Facebook and attempting to figure out how to follow twitter without getting lost and losing all my time.

So October came and went. And November, with apparently a little bump in it, though I never knew. And then the first week of December brought on quite a surprise. I was sick. As in nauceous. All. The. Time. Couldn't-stay-awake-kinda-sick. And if you haven't heard by now, yes, that sickness will inevitably lead to another little August Pron. Uh huh. August. (Thus the November bump.)

So, following the holidays, we traveled to Mexico for a travel review of a new resort, Azul Sensatori owned by Karisma Resorts. I've started the series and have about 2 more weeks to go.

Its a busy time from a laptop POV because I'm also doing a weekly ## Weeks Pregnant series on MWS as well as my normal reviews (which have baaaaccckkked up.) And then I've taken on a column of sorts over on Car & Caboodle. Part is due next week. Just wait til you hear Steve's take on the car brands we're premitted to consider. Should we consider. If we consider.

Of course, I don't mind mentioning that we, at least, don't have to pay taxes on a car right now. (with a tiny little wahoo to that stimulus package. And that's all I'll say about that :roll eyes:.)

Wait, I'm not done. While I was just starting to get sick it was, of course, holiday season. And you know what holiday season means to a retailer? Not just a retailer, but a retailer who volunteers at school. Particularly this one, who chaired the annual shopping bazaar, raffle and art show. Yeah. Passing that one on to my friend Bridget next year. Yay Bridget!

And the holidays. Thank goodness for Santa. THANK GOODNESS. We have a *really* good Santa connection, too. Its called writing reviews.

Okay. Enough about me. I know, you really want to know about the kids.

Wes woke up on Friday so excited to be 3. Then he went to the bathroom and yelled "DADDY!!! WATER!" A pipe had leaked overnight. about 1/4 inch in the bathroom. Wes' room and the hallway were soaked. So Steve called insurance who sent over an emergency home repair company. They had to break into the garage ceiling and water gushed out. So, now we have super fans and dehumidifiers in Wes's room and the garage. Everything was taken out of Wes' room, including the carpet being pulled up. He's been moved to the guest room. Could have been worse, but its bad. Mostly because the upstairs is SO dry and hot now. They came by Sunday to check the house and there's still too much moisture so the fans/dehumid are here until at least Tuesday.

We skipped Dutch Wonderland on Friday and went Saturday(very fun). Taking advantage of being out of the home, we shopped outlets and got a table at PB. Sunday we thoroughly cleaned Wes' room and a few others. Not exactly what we wanted to do this weekend, but we're making the best of it, I guess.

I just wish it could have been the kitchen. Certainly would have loved HAVING to redo the cabinets and floor in there, rather than Wes' room the garage and the bathroom, which were in perfect condition.

Wesley is now 3!

Who could believe that 3 years have passed?! He had a wonderful time opening gifts and doing what he loves best... playing, playing, playing.

Topped off by a fun dinner at Red Robin where Mommy got to watch SMU football (has anyone ever seen a team so young??) and Wes got a YUMMY ice cream sundae with a serenade of waitstaff, it was a fantastic day.

Dutch Wonderland tomorrow!

Carson is having a marvelous birthday today. Complete with a visit from AAA this morning, a dr appt and 2 trips to Mr. Tires. He and Wes are playing non -stop with the new toys from the party on Tuesday. And he has selected McD's for tonight's dinner. He LOVES being 5 and took a shower to "wash off all the 4s" this morning.

Wesley, who will take his 3-year-old shower tomorrow, will get to celebrate in a little more style, as we're all headed to Dutch Wonderland for the day (where they'll give both boys the special attention suited for a Birthday King--special balloon and pin). He also plans a McDonald's dinner. In the meantime he's busy racing a million cars.

We had a great party on Tuesday at a local bounce-house place. I loved not having any work to do, and the boys enjoyed all the excitement fit for a birthday boy!

Pictures, of course, still to come...

This morning

So, today was the last day of camp and the Awards Ceremony. Each bunk does superlatives. Wes' class did cute little sayings about each child which I like so much more than awards. I mean, they're only 2, right?

Wes received "Play Play Play. Play All Day!"
Carson was "Best Athlete." Which, apparently makes sense because he was caught running like Dash in and out of the room today. Before the teacher could get to the door to yell at him, he was already back in the room. Still got a "talkin' to."