Elmo's Coloring Book

Friday night saw the Guptas at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for Elmo's Coloring Book. Amiya knew we were going to see Sesame Street as we had talked it up all week, but once we were there, she really had no clue what was to happen. And Vinay and I both think that there are not enough words in the thesaurus to describe her reaction. Dumbstruck, awed, enthralled, shocked, overwhelmed, etc., etc., etc.

It was almost too much for Amiya and she couldn't bear to sit in her own chair, so she spent the hour and a half performance alternating between Mommy's and Daddy's laps. She'd watch, watch, watch and then get too excited and have to turn for a hug. Full of love she'd turn and watch again. Seeing Telly Monster, Rosita, Bert, Ernie and crew was just too cool. We asked her after the show what her favorite part was and she said Cookie Monster. Saturday morning it was Blanche (the polar bear who stole the colors). Today we're back to Cookie Monster.

Mom's favorite part was in the second act (they had an intermission!!!) when all the monsters and tots and most of the Moms and Dads sang the Sesame Street theme and Sing a Song. It was pretty neat to share something from my childhood with Amiya. Mom's least favorite part was when Amiya's diaper (no way were we going to use big girl underwear in this situation) gave way right before intermission and Mommy had an unpleasantly wet lap for the rest of the show.
Daddy's not sure what his favorite part was - I think he's got a crush on Prairie Dawn and won't admit it.

Amiya was pretty sad when it was over, but the late hour made it so that she was more exhausted than anything and the night ended calmly. She's more excited than ever to see her Sesame Street friends and maybe one day we'll go somewhere that she could actually give Telly or Zoe or even Oscar a high five or a hug!