Never has a weekend had so many highs and lows.

I was looking forward to a little Friday night wind down – quiet dinner at home with a friend and her little boy.  Watching over the boys having their bath, all seemed calm and in order when smoke started billowing out of our kitchen.

The one time our friggin’ sensitive smoke detector conked out.

Not getting into explicit details, let’s just say the positives are that I can now get that brand new stove cooktop and oven I’ve been dreaming of.

Probably could’ve done without the flames gushing out of my old oven and a fire blanket that didn’t quite do its job, resulting in the arrival of a huge fire truck and at least 3 firemen.

At least we’re all safe.  Thank goodness for fantastic neigbours and supportive friends helping out as we evacuated our place for the night to let the smoke disappear.

The twinions of course, didn’t miss a heartbeat.  The highlight for them was of course seeing the big flashing lights on the fire truck and getting colouring books and balloons from “Fireman Sam”

Lesson learnt? Besides the fact that left over animal fat on the grill is as good as leaving oil…everyone, and I mean, EVERYONE should have a fire extinguisher in their house.

I know they’re ugly and don’t match most kitchen interiors.  However, they are essential and lifesaving.

A fire blanket is also a great accompaniment.

After all that drama and excitement, a trip to Capitol Theatre for The Lion King saw more of the theatrical kind.

The production was beyond spectacular.

Goosebumping moments happened when the electric chemistry between Narla and Simba lit up the stage during “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and the glorious opening with all the animals during “The Circle of Life”.

The unique combination of clever puppetry, elegant contemporary dancing, the colourful and imaginative costume; they all married into a magical atmosphere that can’t be adequately expressed.

The energetic cast was a broad mix of international talent – Australians including indigenous, New Zealanders, South Africa, Ghana, Malaysia and China.

There is also something very profoundly soulful about traditional African music. The rhythmic chanting and the melodic harmonies just took my breath away.

For the moment, the show’s season is scheduled until August.  But if the wild reaction of Saturday night’s full house is any indication, The Lion King is sticking around for a while yet.

So it is in life, the weekend was full of amazing experiences as well as close calls.

Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hakuna Matata.

So, how are you? What fires have you put out lately?

Disclaimer: Tickets to the Lion King were given but as always, all opinions in this post, are my own.  As for that scorched oven? Definitely all mine.

Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT