Threatening to send her away with the circus won’t be a deterrent after this.

Flexibility, Tight-Rope Walking, Juggling: These are all skills we possess as mothers. When things don’t go as planned, we make the best of it. We navigate our way across the high-wire daily when dealing with a child. We juggle everything from gear and kids to responsibilities.

These are also skills we saw first hand at Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza, of course, in the more literal sense!

And, speaking of Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza, yesterday, Claire and I had the opportunity to join some of the Mile High Mamas for a behind-the-scenes outing at the big tent.

Due to some miscommunications with the PR people, our tour wasn’t as extensive as we’d thought it would be with the kids in tow, but there were cupcakes involved, so Claire didn’t even know the difference.

Photo by Gretchen White of lifenut.com. Thanks, Gretchen!

The highlight of the outing, other than getting to see the costume room and one of the practice rooms of the performers was getting a chance to talk to some of the moms that travel with the Cirque du Soleil show. It was amazing hearing their stories and asking them questions about life on the road. Some of the moms are fourth generation circus people, and their way of life amazes me. Such a nomadic lifestyle has its own joys and challenges, and it was neat to hear their first-hand experiences.

When the tour was over, the kids got clown noses, and I opted to open the package up for Claire when we got home. And, I’m glad I did! I had such a terrible time getting it open, that I was just sure 23 clown noses would come flying out of that plastic container.

Two screwy-louie’s, one finger-nail file, and a butter-knife later, I finally got the Clown Nose Container open, and out popped the clown nose.

Maybe the circus life isn’t for me after all.