There was some pretty big excitement about taking Atticus out on his outing. He really had no idea what to expect - at all. Milayla had gone on her outing the night before and so he thought maybe he might be doing the same thing (he wasn't). And he tried to guess on the way there, shared with reading some from his new chapter book and engaging in conversation with us. In truth, his guessing wasn't too over the top. It wasn't until we told him that we were close that he started thinking of a few things that it could be. Since we were pulling into the same parking lot from where we parked for Disney on Ice, he thought it was going to be an ice skating show. It wasn't until we sat down and the show actually started that he started to see what it was.
And it was the new show from Cirque du Soleil - Toruk. Having only been to one Cirque show previously I had expected something similar to the previous one; lots of acrobatics and insanely unique costumes. This show was excitedly different and not bursting with acrobatics like the last one was. It was very story based, the costumes were incredible and it was a very impressive light display that took the performance platform from being fire to lava to a moving river to a desert to so much more. It was really incredible and I think my very favourite part of it all was hearing Atticus saying "wow!" multiple times throughout the show. He was in absolute awe. And so curious about how it all worked and even remarked about how much work everyone must have put into the show. And the tree that grew and lit up along with floating lights all around it was a definite favourite.
It was really great getting to talk to him a bit more during intermission and hear his mid-show thoughts. He is such a smart kid and really gives things a lot of thought about how they work. I thought it was pretty cute when intermission came and he was nervous about taking a bathroom break in worries that he might miss some of the show, but all was well and he and Jason made it back in plenty of time to snack on our treats and talk about all the cool things in the show.
Throughout the show Jason and I have each other knowing glances as we saw how much Atticus was enjoying the show. Truly, I think he most enjoyed being out with us. The show was a really neat way to expose him to something new and different than he hadn't seen before but it was really the time together that was what mattered. Five years from now it will be interesting to see what he remembers from the show. What I do know he will remember is getting to go out with Mom and Dad and all the happiness and love that he felt pouring over for him. At least I hope so because that is the real gift that we were trying for in taking the kids on these outings.
And we have so adored our time with the kids on these outings. We have purposed to do better at taking the kids out for time one-on-one. Both the big kids have explicitly requested it. They love family time more than words could really explain, but they also seem to sense the increased bonding that happens when they get a little time with just one of us.
Our time with Atticus that day was lovely. He is such a smart, well-thought out child and really puts some thought into what it takes to make things work - even if that's thinking about all the practice the performers would have done to make that show work! I love the smiles and the conversation that keeps growing and evolving the more he learns and grows. This outing was a great gift of time spent with the three of us. Looking forward to planning more time with Atticus in the coming year and making the most of the impromptu times as well.
Now to make sure we continue that investment of time into the coming year. It really does make such a difference to the family. And it really is a treat to spend time with this family. I wouldn't trade it for the world because it is my world and it means everything to me.
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