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Joining the Circus
But it was more like taming the lion, in J-man’s case. The kid was bushed and splayed out all over the couch for a big part of the afternoon.
He has gone to this school for a year now and still has a blast there every single day. They come up with so much fun stuff to do, things to see and experience. I don’t remember my schooldays being this much fun. For instance, today they hired a circus school, I kid you not.
They had a team of trained professionals come in to work with the kids all morning, from 9am ’til 1pm. Around lunch time there were poffertjes—traditional Dutch mini pancakes served with butter and castor sugar—for every child and at 1pm the parents were expected at the school playground for the grand finale—to show off what they had worked so hard for all morning.
The show started and, like any self-respecting circus act, you have to make a grand entrance. They were all waiting behind the red curtain, trampling their feet, while they were announced by the Circus Hannes lady. Who did a marvelous job, I must say.
There was a little peeking action going on from our neighbor girl. And someone’s head in my composition. Of course I elbowed them out-of-the-way. Hey, it’s my kid there!
But finally there they were, class 1/2C, anxiously and slightly nervous awaiting their first public appearance. The cheering alone would have freaked me out at their age, but not them!
The boys—though some of them secretly wanted to do other acts and I’m not naming any names—were given the ‘spin the plate on a stick‘ act.
Really difficult, as you can imagine. At this point I could already see the sheer fatigue on his face.
The girls had gone through baton twirling boot camp. They were good! And so so cute.
With a little help from the teacher they all managed to get their plates on that teeny tiny stick.
Look at the pure concentration on that tiny face! He’s really good. I think I’ll keep him. He managed to keep it twirling while break dancing and doing the crip.
Not really. But he would have if they had given him just a little more room! No, really.
Suffice to say we rewarded them for all their hard work with a standing ovation and an applause that rang around the country!
Then it was time for his class to kick back, relax, and watch the other classes perform. He had a little heart-to-heart with his best buddy.
But then the ladies came out and there was some cheering and clapping going on there. Those testosterone-bombs sure kick in early.
It was truly adorable to see them all do their best! I tell you, if seeing this doesn’t melt you, you my friend, put the Grinch to shame!
But at the end of the day, this is where he likes to be: side to side with his girlfriend.
If you happen to know ‘Jip & Janneke‘, well, these two are the real life version. Inseparable.
But all good things must come to an end.
Not for very long, though. Come Thursday they’ll all be taken on a school bus to a local Children’s Farm that also houses a huge playground. Next Tuesday he will turn 5 (gulp) and the following day he will celebrate it with 6 of his classmates.
I don’t even want to think about what seven running and screaming munchkins to entertain means, but I know I’m risking my sanity, therefore I choose to block every thought of it until I can no longer deny it.
I’m good at that.
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How cool!
I don’t remember anything that fun when I was in school.
Will have to look up Jip & Janneke but till then I’ll take your word for it.
7 kids, da’s nog niks joh… wacht maar tot hij groter wordt en het ‘normaal’ is om de hele klas uit te nodigen, haha. En bedenk maar hoe heerlijk rustig het zal zijn als ze weer vertrekken. Veel plezier!
Jip and Janneke…great books!
Schools are so much fun these days! We had a circus come to our school and teach the kids all the things your man was taught! Kids had a blast and say it is the best day they have had. I only wish school had of been as fun when I was there, but then I am lucky I join in with the kids in my class and they just get to laugh at their teacher.
I know you were close friends with @sprucehillfarm. I am so sorry for your loss as well as her family’s. I understand the magnitude of this as I’ve lost many to this hideous disease. My family has suffered greatly because of breast cancer and I just wanted to say that I am sorry for you, her dear friend. I will be praying for all.
BTW…you’re J-man is adorable.
Thanks Tracy. I miss her terribly and at the same time I have a tough time understanding that she’s really gone, it just doesn’t seem to sink in yet.
I pondered making a posting about her, but somehow it didn’t seem appropriate, with me running ads on the blog and all. Not sure why but it didn’t feel right.
I too am sorry for your loss. I read about Sarah’s demise in Ree’s blog and am so sorry for her family and friends.
ps, did Sarah actually visit the ranch? I don’t recall seeing photos of her over at The Pioneer woman.
@ Lori:
Thank you.
Yes, she sure did. Sarah was a big, huge, fan of Ree, especially after she had briefly met her at a book signing.
Several months ago I had an idea. I emailed Ree and asked if she could do me a big favor and invite Sarah to the lodge for the weekend. Sarah really needed it and would love to meet Ree. I was so happy Ree obliged. Sarah wouldn’t believe me at first but then she was ecstatic. They went there around the end of March, loved it there and were pampered by Ree and her family.
Sarah also met Julie (anotherchanceranch.typepad.com), another absolutely wonderful woman who Sarah adored.
I’m going to miss her so much, she was a great friend for quite a few years. It’s not going to be the same without her.
lovely :)