It's About Time

For my birthday this year I told David I didn't want any gifts, I wanted TIME.  Time with him, time as a family, and time to myself so I can actually shop for a pair of shoes without anyone knocking over displays or screaming at me that they need to go potty.  He has delivered in style.  Last Wednesday he took me to The Piano Guys concert, which was being filmed for PBS.  We landed on the front row.  I was wearing a blend-into-the-background hot pink jacket.  Um, hello, national audience.

Thursday night he took all of us to the circus.  I've never been to the circus before and I was really excited, but not as excited as Leah, who answered every question we asked her throughout the day with, "I see elephants!!!"

We were all impressed with the performing animals, much to PETA's chagrin (they were protesting outside the venue) even though we thought the tigers were going to eat the lion tamer.  They had him backed into a corner and were swiping at him with their giant paws when he said, "Don't worry folks, it's all part of the show!" and I was like, getting eaten alive by angry tigers is part of the show...?

Michael's favorite part was the blindfolded man who jumped through a spinning ring of flaming swords.  Oddly, this was not the act that caused the ringmaster to say, "Don't try this at home!"  He saved that for when the martial arts guys were bending steel poles around their necks.  If you think about it, that makes total sense.  I mean, obviously, steel poles are so much easier to come by at home than, say, matches.

Saturday night David took me to dinner and Sunday we had the extra bonus of attending church by ourselves since we were participating in the dedication of the new Brigham City temple, which wasn't open to the under-eight set.  I must say, it's a lot easier to pay attention when no one is fighting over your lap or your necklace or the box of crayons.

David also reserved tickets next month for a community production of "The Scarlet Pimpernel".  He apologized because it isn't "Broadway" (which I suppose is a necessary formality after you've spent a year escorting your wife to the Great White Way) but what he doesn't know is that I would actually sit and watch paint dry if it means I can have two hours where no one is asking me to wipe their bum.

And speaking of time, isn't it about time I announced the winner of my book giveaway?  I know you are all dying to know.  Michael did the honors of pulling a name out of the bowl and the winner is:

JULIANNE!  I'll send you an email shortly!

Congrats!  And thanks to everyone who participated!