Life's a circus...

So I took Jack to the Circus last night. Just him and I. I found a babysitter for Charlie until Kelly got home from work and off we went. Jack had no idea what the Circus was. He honestly thought the bouncy castle and pony rides outside of the tent was the attraction and was quite mad at me that I wouldn't pay the $5.00 admission to go on either one. We have a bouncy castle in our BACKYARD Jack... I am not paying $5.00 for you to jump while we wait in line. Smart smart carnies I tell ya. I pay the $30.00 admission to get us in. Yes. $30.00 for just us 2 (what we won't do for our kids) find the seats that were being saved for us (there was a crew that went) and quickly get a snow cone to buy more time until the show starts. That $5.00 snow cone saved the day because it kept Jack less squirmy while we watched the show.
Oh the things we saw.... dog tricks, white horses running in a line, a "contortionist", and a clown. The main attraction was a human cannonball where a 16 year old got shot out of it. This really is the Circus. I didn't expect much more than that. I mean, we are in Humboldt and they travelled to us. But really? I heard they had kangaroo's and they didn't even take them out! How come?!?!?! I would think that would be a must, so people feel like they at least go their money's worth.
Jack enjoyed the whole experience though. I mean what's not to love? Dog tricks? Heck yes when you're 3. Running around during intermission with his cousins outside? Can't get better than that. A RED snowcone? Bonus! And he's already asking if we can go again.
My heart does go out for those animals though and I'm having a tough time deciding if this is something I want Jack to see. I was fine with the dog tricks. They received treats and they didn't have anything strenuous to do. I mean even George, our dog, walks up the ladder of our slide and slides down. I did have a problem with the whips for the horses. I HATE that. But if I swear off the Circus then I have to swear off all horse shows, rodeo's etc etc.
So what's a Mom to do? I just don't know. I am glad we went this time. Even though my butt is still sore and needed a major massage when we got home :)