Isa & Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Another afternoon was spent at the Ringling Museum, of the Ringling Bros fame. I thought Isa would really dig this (which she did), but so did I. One of the standout exhibits was a gigantic scale model of a miniature circus. INCREDIBLE.

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The museum dedicated an entire building to it which allowed viewers to see it from all angles and from above. The lights even dimmed to mimic evenings.

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Trains, fairgrounds, living quarters and, of course, The Big Top itself. I could've easily spent hours photographing this area. There was so much detail involved with the model - it took about 50 years to collect and assemble.

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Another building also featured artifacts from the traveling circus itself. I thought one of the coolest parts was John and Mabel Ringling's car train with their living quarters. I was surprised to see how cramped, although nicely decored, it was.

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Uuuh Isa...the sign says "Do not touch". I know you love carousels and horsies. Just cos you're two and can't read yet is no excuse...

Fun Mirrors
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Isa thought it was great fun to stare at herself in the old Funhouse Mirrors. And I thought my daughter couldn't possibly look any shorter than she already is!

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The museum actively restored the pieces with carpenters and woodworkers and even had carving classes that people could join in on to recreate wooden ride pieces.

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Sitting on the water the place was huge (over 15,000 sq ft). As beautiful as it was I learned from various people working there that the Ringling's actually died paupers.

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Owing so much money in backtaxes the government was actually going to seize the house and lands as payment, but the Ringling's passed away before it could be settled.

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Having no children of their own they willed the property to the state. Now as a government run museum it's beautifully maintained and still sponsors the performing arts. Definitely worth the trip to Sarasota to visit.

Rain Coming Home
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

So it DID finally rain...on the way home no less. Someone was definitely looking out for us. Thank you!

El's Birthday Dinner
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

On my actual birthday she even found the time to prepare a nice dinner complete with dessert. She had been probing me what my favorite foods were. How could I pick just ONE??? To make sure she hit the mark she prepared a pancetta wrapped roasted pork loin with capers over fresh spinach AND citrus stuffed gamebirds. Mmmm.

Citrus Stuffed Cornish Hens
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin over Wilted Spinach
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527