ZING, ZANG, ZOOM!

Nick, Gabe, Jim, and I spent the evening with the fun folks of Ringling Brothers.  (Will and Jack were otherwise engaged with their ever-growing, adolescent social calendars!) It was easily one of the more fun, memorable outings we have been blessed to have with the boys.  We got there early and were allowed to visit the animals and meet the performers, getting their autographs (the performers, not the animals).  :P
This shot was taken just before Gabe declined "helping" this clown out.  The kid who did jump at the opportunity got to be in the show!  When asked if Gabe regretted his decision, he replied, "That would have been embarrassing!"
Gabe's shyness really dissipated, though, when it came time to meet the pretty gymnasts!  

This is the tip-top of Gabe's head as he hung back from the clowns...just before he decided to share he has a clown-phobia!
Big on facing your fears head on, Dad encouraged Gabe to meet a clown and talk to him.  This one was great!
He talked to the baby first, then engaged Gabe in conversation about his past experiences with the circus.
Gabe informed us afterwards that he was surprised that they were "normal" people in make-up, and he is not afraid of them anymore.  (Weird, because "normal" people terrify me!)
THERE's a real smile!  (I am trying not to be concerned about who was able to coax it out!)

Of course, Dad got "gouged" by the vendors--what a racket they make preying on the regrets of adults' own childhoods!   There is definitely no shortage of souvenirs in this household!  They should be in pieces at the bottom of the toy box by the end of the week!  

Gabe is very self-conscious about his teeth right now, so the pictures don't really show it, but he remarked as soon as we got in the car that it "...was the best night EVER!"   It really was...and the elephants and tigers are still my favorite parts!