Hot Air Balloons

Our now yearly tradition of going to the Hot Air Balloon Show came a day or two early this year. There were 3 days we could have gone: Friday, Saturday and Monday (actually the 4th). Mark worked Saturday morning and Monday night, so we decided to go to see the balloons on Friday, just in case life happened and we didn't make on Monday (and that way Monday wouldn't be such a long day for Mark). So we woke up before 6, got the kids in the car and headed out. The in-laws came with us and we made a party out of it.

Daddy and Emmie Sue, enjoying the sights.


There was a Darth Vader balloon this year, and they brought along characters.
Here's Ethan with Darth Vader.

And Shelly

With a Storm Trooper

Shelly's turn

Jason was super shy and wouldn't go up to either to get a picture.
Aunt JB helped, and the Storm Trooper was really nice.

Jason finally succumbed to having his picture taken.

Here's Darth Vader about half way blown up.

The in-laws were smart. They brought along some chairs. We spread out blankets and had a snack.


Breakfast was not exactly what you would call 'healthy.'
I didn't hear any complaints though.


I have no idea why he's standing like a flamingo...

Darth Vader's getting closer!

And he's up!

Luke, I am your father!

Some of the balloons we got to see

Bye Darth Vader

Grandpa, it's not good for your posterity to kill male heirs...

The famous Coke bottle was back again this year. It didn't get set up until after all the other balloons were off the field.
It looses some perspective with no other balloons next to so you can see it's twice as tall as it's neighbors.

Shelly spent the large part of the morning playing in the dirt.
I can't get that girl out of the dirt to save my life.
Guess there's no point in trying.
At least this is dry dirt.

Emily decided dry dirt was fun.

Hmm, Balloons... or Dirt...
Which one will the kids enjoy more?

Maybe next year we'll sleep in and stick the kids in the sand box instead... :)

I think he might agree with that plan.