The other Little Rock Mamas and I are planning on drinks and dinner — there’s $5 specials on cosmos and flirtinis at Bravo! Cucina Italiana, and a free bar bite appetizer. There’s also live music on the patio at YaYa’s Euro Bistro and at The Tavern Sports Grill.

Some pretty spectacular giveaways are happening — shopping sprees valued at $3,000, $1,500 and $500, a spa package, a 10 Fitness membership and more. We LOVE giveaways!

For the first 100 ladies there, they’ll be giving away bags with coupons, beauty products and shopping essentials. And there’s sales, too! Here’s just a few examples:

• Charming Charlie - Spend $50 & receive a beach tote with purchase!
• Coldwater Creek - 40% Off Storewide!
• J.Crew - $30 Off $150, $50 Off $200 or $75 Off $250
• RK Collections - Buy One, Get One FREE* (*Free item must be $40 or less)
• W by Azwell - ALL Merchandise Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off!

So gather up your girls, your mom or sister, or anyone else and meet us there! I’ll be hunting out a margarita for sure. After this week, I think we could all use one.

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Note: The Promenade at Chenal is an official partner of Little Rock Mamas, but all opinions are my own, of course!

When my daughter was a little younger she loved any kind of pop-up books or  books with flaps. As a ten-year-old, she still enjoys thumbing through these books, but would rather have a mystery book with several chapters.

Book sells for $12.92 from Amazon and will make a wonderful and educational gift.

- Moody Mom

I’m glad Yavonda cleared up the fact that we are not talking about hanging out with our husbands, although Brad is a redhead. Well kind of redhead, if you don’t count the huge bald spot – Moody Mom.

Proving that life isn’t fair, Dave’s makeup takes 10-15 minutes and he can be dressed in 3-5 minutes.

Cheree said her makeup takes a full hour to put on. As for getting dressed, add another hour. See — even as clowns, guys have it easier!

If that sounds like a fun job, it is. Basically, Cheree and Dave tour cities about a month before the circus is due to arrive in town. They talk to the media, to bloggers (like us!), visit schools, libraries and hospitals and basically make sure that folks know the circus is headed to town.

I agree, It sounds like a great job and a great way to travel. Hey Yavonda, want to become a clown with me and travel the USA? – Moody Mom.

This time, the show is Fully Charged, which is running June 6-9 at Verizon Arena. Some of the highlights include a laser-light show by Anton, high-wire walkers (think about walking on a wire the size of your thumb — that is what these guys are going to do), jugglers, horses, camels, elephants (oh my!) and of course, the clowns. Go here if you want to see more on the show and its acts, as well as ticket info.

I can’t wait until opening night. Hubby,  Bear and I are going with some friends. There will be twelve of us ready for some fun at the circus.  - Moody Mom.

Before I forget, I want to tell you about the All Access Pre-Show. First up, it is free with your admission to the circus. Basically, if you show up an hour before the show starts, you get to meet some of the performers, try on costumes and see some animals up close. And did I mention that it doesn’t cost extra? This is a great way to start you night at the circus.

Hubby and I have taken Bear to the All Access Pre-Show twice already and we plan on taking her again when the circus comes to town this June. It gets fairly crowded at the pre-show. Be sure to arrive a little early, it gets crowded! – Moody Mom.

So back to Dave and Cheree. They have been married 21 years and they actually met at an audition for clown college. How cute is that?

Sounds like fate, if you ask me. They are such a cute couple and I enjoyed spending time with them. – Moody Mom.

Cheree, whose background is in dance and gymnastics, said she dreamed of being in the circus since she was a kid. For Dave, well it was his fallback gig after aerospace engineering didn’t work out. I kid you not. He was studying aerospace engineering and having a tough go of it. His dad (who was a hometown clown in Ohio) told him that he should try clown college. So he did.

I thought Dave was making a joke about this at first. – Moody Mom.

The pair joined Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey in 1999. This is their 7th years as Ambassadors of Laughter.

Being a tad bit of a moody girl, I had to ask how they were able to be so cheery all of the time. Clowns and other performers feed off the energy in the room. They love to hear laughter and cheering from the crowd. Remember this when the circus comes to town. – Moody Mom.

So once Moody Mom and I quizzed them about the show and their lives, it was time for a few tricks. They showed us a little juggling (complete with a lot of laughs) and then asked for a volunteer. Moody was quick to volunteer me. And that is how I found myself in the middle of their juggling act.

Yes, I threw Yavonda under the bus, claiming I had to take the pictures. Now I wish I would have volunteered also. Looks like a lot of fun. – Moody Mom.

I’m not moving.

Nope, not moving.

I survived!

It was a lot of fun. But if you’re ever in the middle of two clowns juggling bowling pins, be sure and listen when they tell you not to move.

Wanna go to the circus? Thanks to the Angela Rogers Group, Little Rock Mamas is giving away four vouchers for opening night of Fully Charged at Verizon Arena! Vouchers must be exchanged at box office for tickets. To enter, leave a comment on this post about your favorite circus memory. Deadline is Memorial Day. Good Luck!

Kendall and Kayla all dressed up to see big sister at the Spring Olympics

Hitting the beam

Ava, so proud of her work this year

Ava with Coach LaDonna — we love her!

One of Bear’s best friends has a trampoline that is frequently graced with several little girls, including Bear . At first, I would freak out praying my baby did not get hurt. So far, knock on wood, no injuries. This year hubby and I decided it was time to take down Bear’s swing set and purchase a trampoline. One with a heavy-duty enclosure, of course.

Hubby spent most of the day Sunday assembling the trampoline and taking down the swing set. Was it worth it? Bear squealed with delight and shouted, “Becca Happy,” as she entered the trampoline for the first time.

Hubby and Bear were having so much fun playing on the trampoline,  I had to join them. I would not let anyone jump at the same time as me and I was careful not to dislocate my knee again. My knees are a little sore, but it was worth it.

Looks like it’s going to be a fun summer!

Hubby and Bear playing on our new toy.

I think she likes it.

Hubby seems to be enjoying the trampoline also.

Oh yes I did!

Stay safe out there, and give your kids an extra hug today.

That’s me in front twenty something years ago.

For some reason I decided to attempt a cartwheel for Mother’s Day. It took me a couple of preps.

I informed hubby to have 911 on speed dial and away I went.

My family and I were amazed that I was able to complete a cartwheel without injury. I was so proud of myself. This 40-year-old still has some spring in her step.