Balloon Fest!

This was our first year to participate in the balloon fest! We were amazed! We all decided that we want to do this every year! We arrived just before 6:00 a.m. that morning and really had no idea what to expect. The event was scheduled for the two days prior as well, but due to wind conditions the balloons were never able to leave the ground. We were hoping the weather would cooperate and that the event would actually take place. Fortunately it was a great morning! It was so neat to watch the balloons be unrolled, filled with hot air, and then lift off! The girls loved walking around and in between each balloon. They were able to walk right up the the baskets and look inside. Who would have guessed that we would need blankets and coats in July? It was pretty cold so we walked over to a balloon that was being unrolled and positioned ourselves next to a basket so we could feel the warmth of the fire as they began to inflate the balloon. I was amazed at the heat those things put out and it didn't take long for us to warm up! As the first balloon lifted off it was carrying the American flag and everyone placed their hand over their hearts and recited the pledge of allegiance. I had chills as it soared over our heads! After all the balloons had left the ground, they made a big circle outlined with people and the balloons had to travel so far and come back and drop a bean bag on an X that was in the middle of the circle. The balloon that came closest won. They also had a game that they had to pop a balloon on a string within the circle with a jousting stick. And to top it all off...we all witnessed first hand that pigs can fly! lol!