On Saturday morning, we all got up early to head to the mass ascension. Even though we left Kim's parents' house at 5:30 AM or before (and they're only a few miles away from the balloon fiesta park!), we got stuck in some MAJOR traffic! We were starting to get worried that we wouldn't make it by 7:00 AM to see the balloons start to lift off. So, thanks to Kim's parents' willingness to stay behind in the slow-moving cars, the rest of us were able to get out and start walking along the freeway access road to the park. While beginning our one-mile trek, Kim's brother, Andrew, noticed a drainage ditch heading underneath the access road & freeway, leading to the side of the freeway where the balloon park is. What a find!! This saved LOTS of time and steps! We'll always remember ducking our way through this tunnel on our way to the mass ascension! Good call, Drew!
We had to climb up the hill from the drainage ditch to the balloon park entryway. What an adventure!
As we got onto the field, some of the balloons were starting to inflate and ascend.
It was a chilly morning, so we all were bundled up!
We were thankful to borrow this baby backpack from Andrew and Sarah (who were borrowing it from friends). Ryan didn't seem to mind it one little bit!
What a beautiful morning!
 |
| Andrew, Abby, Sarah, Kim, Ian, Ryan |
Unfortunately, after only a few (50ish) balloons took off, the wind picked up, and it was too dangerous for others to ascend. We loved seeing the balloons that DID go up, and of course enjoyed our time together! Here are a few pics of the morning. (The creative, clever shots are ones that Sarah took. :))
 |
| a balloon all laid out, ready for inflation |
 |
| guiding the balloon upright as the pilot pulls on the burner |
 |
| the zebra directs "traffic" |
 |
| starting to get windy ... |
 |
| Ryan fell fast asleep after an early morning! |
 |
| kisses from Uncle Andrew |
 |
| cousin love (Abby & Ian) |
After the morning festivities (and some hot chocolate and yummy breakfast burritos with green chilis), we left the balloon field.
We met Kim's parents in a parking lot on the other side of the freeway. We used our handy secret passage way again! :)
What a fun morning!
2 comments:
So did Mom and Dad never actually make it to the park then? What crazy traffic! Glad you saw some balloons take off.
No, they didn't. Traffic was SO slow that they just decided to head home when they (eventually) reached the Tramway exit. We called them when we were all done.
Post a Comment