Louisa's First Circus

I recognized a man at the grocery store, but couldn't quite figure out how I knew him. Just as he was walking away from the cashier I realized he was a clown from the Moscow State Circus. A year ago I photographed the circus when it came to the USF Sun Dome and spent a few hours back stage getting to know the moslty Russian and Eastern European cast--the acrobatic team consisted four women from Kazkahstan.

As Koko Kramer walked past me I stopped him and reintroduced myself and asked if he was preforming in the area. With Coco Puffs in hand, Koko invited me back and offered tickets for the family. Aimee stayed home to study and clean, an honest attempt to avoid statistics, and Louisa and I went to the circus.

Louisa was in awe as we entered on to the floor from backstage as the performance was about to get underway. It was too loud for her, but she really enjoyed it and keeps saying "cown" and "me like it" when asked about it. Her first bites of cotton candy really made her light up as well. Several times she loosened her grip on my shoulders and hopped down to jump up and down and clap as performers twirled through the air. If her climbing skills continue to improve, she may very well be in the circus someday.