Our spring break is next week and I’m starting to plan our schedule so that we don’t end up screaming at each other staying home the whole time. Getting out of the house during the week is both really fun AND important to our mental health when we don’t have actual vacation plans.

We are BIG fans of the Cirque Eloize shows that sometimes visit Foxwoods Casino. E and I attended one a couple years ago where we got to get up on stage during rehearsal and try our hand at some of the stunts. And then last year we took the kids to another show – Saloon – that had some of the coolest performers we’ve ever seen.

So when I got an email saying Cirque Eloize is coming back for another show during Spring Break, I jumped at the chance for tickets.

This year’s show is both kid-friendly and hands-on. They’re running a special pre-show experience to meet the cast, take pictures and maybe participate in a few activities. From the press release:

The cast of Cirque Éloize Cirkopolis is treating families to a unique and interactive experience before their seven-show run at Foxwoods. Families can enter the enchanting world of contortionists, jugglers and aerial acrobats as the cast prepares for show time! Lucky kids and parents will be invited on stage to participate in some of the crowd-favorite tricks from the show. The cast of clowns and artists will greet guests and take photos through out the show. This amazing “Behind the Scenes Family Experience” will on Tuesday, April 11 at 12:15 p.m. at Fox Theater. Tickets are required in advance and may be purchased in advance at https://www.foxwoods.com/CirqueEloize.

So, this happened about a zillion years ago in blog years but as I go through and resize and organize all my beach and vacation photos I figured throwing in a few more summertime fun events wouldn’t hurt.

Our town had a bunch of events a couple weekends ago, including a street fair and a visit from the Amistad tall ship. E had to work so I stuffed the kids in the stroller and hustled them down for free fun (spoken: lollipops and cupcakes).

Orange balloon, red lolly, worried about thieves

Oh no, Caroline has turned into a balloon!

The Amistad (not the real one) (or the one from the movie) (BUT my friend Sarah helped build it!)

Thinking deep, boat-like thoughts

More deep thoughts

Evan and a new friend checking out the ship

She’s the girliest tomboy ever

Dear Town of Norwich, I apologize for your June water bill

Casting the town’s new bell

Abraham Lincoln! Because, why not?