It's that time of year again...

Balloon Fiesta 2011

This is our fourth year to attend this event, and it is miraculous every single time.  I like to think of it as our cities way to kick off fall.  We know weeks before it gets here that it is coming. The temperature begins to drop, the wind pick ups, and you can smell it in the air.

It is a big event for us!  We usually try to attend one morning mass ascension, and one night's glowdeo.  The other weekend it's here we sit on the balcony and see all the balloons in the air flying as high as the mountains.  It really is a spectacular sight from all views that continues to amaze me.

We decided late last night that we would go this morning on opening day!  Big Casey has never been able to see the balloons go up in the morning, because the restaurants are so busy during this time.  He was able to experience this with us today, and we had such a great time! It was a record breaking day.  The most visitors ever to attend the event, and the most balloons up at one time.  Many people from other countries attend, and their country is represented by a balloon from that country.  A fun little piece of trivia...it is the most photographed event in the world.  Their were a couple of first for us also.  It was Neen's first time to walk the event, and Mason's first time to attend. :)

Most of the balloons today were the normal balloons. I think next Saturday is mostly the special shapes.  Personally, I like the regular ones best, but the kids like the characters.

This balloon is a really pretty one.  Some of the balloons are made with the most beautiful material, that reflects the sun like woven silk. What I imagine Rumplestiltskin gold to look like. This balloon was made that way although you can't really tell in the cell phone picture. 

 A lady took this picture for us as we were entering the park.  It was a  very chilly cold morning. When I look at this picture and the way we are dressed, it reminds me of the Sesame Street song, for this picture it would be..."5 of these things belong together..5 of these things are kind of the same...1 of these things is doing their own thing...now it's time to play a game...it's time to play a game." Ok, can you tell that I've been up since 4 am?  My son does not wear pants or jackets! Crazy kid! It is COLD! Put on one of those jackets we've spent good money on!

 

Trinity and Anna decided they were hungry, so after the majority of the balloons went up, we waited in line for 30 minutes for 2 vanilla donuts.  The lady behind us kept saying, "These donuts better be the best donuts in the world for this long of a wait." My kids decided these were the BEST donuts in the world for sure.  After Casey, and Bub tried a bite, they agreed! Best donut they ever had. We miss donuts.  That's just one thing we were spoiled with in Texas.  There was a donut shop on every corner.  Here, there may be 3, and you have to drive a ways to get to one. Well, with all the" mmm mmm's", and the "oh my's" I heard it was hard not being able to try one! My plan next year, after I'm not dairy free pumping for Mason is to sink my teeth into one, and have it all to myself.

And my husbands crazy Cowboys hat...well, he got about 100 compliments on it, and everyone wanted to know where he got it! One lady even took a picture!

And just a close up of Mason looking up since it was his first time.  We had such a great day, and can't wait to go back next week when my sister and nephew are in town.  This will be Amanda's third year to go with us!  The night glows are always so fun for the kiddos.  Hoping we get a peak of the storm troopers by the Darth Vadar balloon!

I just wanted to add this one sweet picture from early this evening. Mason is such a delight in every way.  I can not think of one thing about him that is not just beautiful.  The gratitude I have towards God for this family I have is beyond belief. I do not deserve all the wonderful things He has blessed me with. I just hope I care for them in a way that is pleasing to Him!!