Cirque can't beat umbrellas and puddles

When Vincent and Myra saw their first Cirque du Soleil show, it was a big deal. Vincent cried at the intermission because he did not want the show to stop and he refused to leave his seat because he was too excited to see more. He kept insisting we go back in the tent.



We forgot our camera so these are all cell phone pics taken to capture the newfound fun that surpassed the thrills of Cirque. First, the umbrellas. Purchased as a functional souvenir as the rain started when the show ended, the umbrellas soon became the point of the whole evening.



Ah....but then it was discovered that cobblestones make great puddles, and many of the puddles are unavoidable.



Soon, the mother of all puddles was found and since feet were already soaked and a change of clothes already on hand, the imps were permitted to splash to their hearts' content. Passers-by seemed alternately amused (jealous) or horrified (also jealous). Consequently, we were given the nod as BEST. PARENTS. EVER. for allowing such fun. Everyone wants to jump in puddles, right?

One group passing by slowed to watch Vincent's rendition of "singin' in the rain" and then engaged in a heated conversation among themselves. Finally, one turned to us and asked, "Avez-vous un change?" "Oui," we replied and nodded at our diaper bag. They seemed satisfied and continued on without dialing Children's Aid. Another snatch of conversation between a couple: MAN: Inaudible...inaudible...but how can they let that happen?
WOMAN: Because, it's fun! Look at them. They're doing what we all want to do.
MAN: [bemused shrug]