We arrived at 6:30am and found Michelle and her kids already settled in their spot with their McDonald's breakfast.
Max tried to create his own cozy in the chill of the early morning.
Whitney did too.
Randy and Landon walked over to McDonald's to get our traditional breakfast of hashbrowns, plain biscuits and orange drink.
We all enjoy watching the balloons fill up, but our 2nd favorite part of the morning is usually the fun music they blast. It ends up feeling like a party and everyone ends up singing along, involuntarily dancing, and just feeling good. Well I don't know who the D.J. was this year, but whoever it was ruined the experience for me! He/she played instrumental show tunes and classical music! It was a total snooze. All I could figure was that they were going for a sort of balloon-ballet feel, but it was supposed to be a kick off to the 4th of July Weekend--feel good sort of vibe and it just wasn't. I about lost it when I heard, "Moon River". Seriously.
No comment.
Michelle's camera.
Landon was running around and jumped over Whitney without her knowledge. It was pretty funny so I had him do it again for the camera, I love it that she's clueless about it.
As usual, the whole experience is changed when the sun finally rises over the mountains; everything becomes warm and beautiful.
Eva took advantage of the sun's appearance to entertain herself with her tall shadow.
Oh how I love the way these colors pop in the sunshine.
All this by 7:10am!
Michelle and I braved a scary self-portrait.
We ended up trying to salvage the disappointing morning by walking around under the balloons, which is a change for us since we usually don't leave our seats. It was interesting to be that close to the balloons, to hear them filling up and to feel the heat of the fires, but I was too distracted by the heinous music to enjoy it very much.
I almost wore this same dress, it's a good thing I ended up in jeans and t-shirt instead or we may have been embarrassed.
The kids were creative with their fun and ended up doing all kinds of silly games.
One of which was making this tunnel for Eva to crawl through.
And this game of carrying her around like she was flying. I was surprised she was okay with this one, but she was in excellent form yesterday and very happy to be included in the play.
I'm not going to say this outing was a bust, because it was still fun, but I would really like to know what the thinking was behind the music selection and if it will go back to normal for next year!
Balloon art by Whitney
**Would the music have bugged you?
Does getting up early ever get better?
Would you have taken a nap later?
Ever worn a full-length dress to a balloon launch?**
Comment Window Tidbit: After the balloon festival I went home and slept for 2 hours, then got up and showered and got ready for the day and went to Michelle's for Creative Friday. Phew.
15 comments:
I for sure would have taken a nap later... and I can't say that I've worn a full-length dress to many events, much less a balloon launch!
I'm sorry the music was such a downer. I mean come on, Moon River!!! Glad you guys were able to make the best of it though.
I wear alot of dresses and skirts but never full-length.
On work days, I start at 5:00am, which means I get out of bed at 3:45am! No, it never gets any easier!
I wouldn't have taken a nap. For some reason, I've never been a nap taker.
Well we got up at 2:45 this morning but not for fun! Kim set the alarm that early to go pick up Luci from camp (we had to be there by 9:00 a.m.). Although I wasn't making the drive this time I did get up because I felt sorry for Kim. Luckily I went back to sleep at 6:00.
I always like reading about this tradition you have with the balloon festival. Cracking up about the hideous dress.
That picture of Landon jumping over Whitney is hysterical.
Luci was thrilled with Whitney's camp package. Apparently it was her one and only package. She received tons of letters, cards etc but thought it super cool that Whitney send a package of stuff. She told me she already sent Whitney a thank you note on her own while she was at camp so I hope that's true. She even said she borrowed a stamp because she used all I sent her with.
I love that this is your tradition and I love that I have read you enough years that now it is part of my tradition to read about your tradition. I knew McDonalds was on the docket, I knew 5:15 was required, etc.
Thanks for including us in your traditions.
I would have been annoyed by the music. It was an event that called for something festive and up beat. Especially that friggin early in the morning. I would probably go so far as to write the organizers to suggest that never happen again. Ever. :)
That pic of Landon jumping over Whitney is great! Criminilly, that kid can get some air.
I would not wear a full length dress to something outdoors so early. Jeans and and layered tops, thank you.
i always wish i would get up early and go to the balloon fest but i just can't set my alarm for that early. plus i know my kids won't nap later and it'll be awful, so i'm hoping when they are a bit older we can go.
i love the colors of all the balloons.
i'm sorry the music sucked, i would have been disappointed also.
The music would have bothered me too. Who needs sleepy music at that time of the day?! Stupid, just stupid. You should write a letter to someone.
I have never enjoyed getting up early.
I would most certainly take a nap after.
You totally cracked me up with the "almost wore that same dress" comment. I think I wore a full length dress in the 70's... and then again on my wedding day, but never to a balloon launch.
I never saw Landon jumping over Whitney! What the? That is such a cool shot.
Cracking up over the dress. I remember thinking the same thing.
The music was seriously bad this year!
It was ever so delightful to go home and take a nap afterward...
wow. traditions are so great!
I have that same dress but it is getting a little tight so i don't wear it so much anymore.
heyyyyyy I was wondering about the balloons when i left the other comment.....wow...i love love love love this tradition! good for you guys...it is always fun to see a field of grass field with soo much excitment...I don't think I would care about the music, with that breakfast! how funny that you came back to take a nap...once,i am up I can't take a nap.......
ohhhh nice nice nice nice watch!and also the reflection on michelle's glasses
This looks like the coolest thing. I'd love to go some day. And man oh man do I love McDonald's hashbrowns.
SUCH a cute photo of Landon jumping!
I'm sorry about the music, but glad the balloons actually took off. I read in the paper that only one made it off the ground Saturday and it sounded like many of the balloons were grounded on Friday- but you seem to have had a good show. We didn't make it again this year, but we did run the 10K on Monday so we enjoyed the balloons flying above us as we ran. Next best thing?
Although a huge fan of Moon River- I have to admit, it would not be my choice for 4th of July weekend festivities. Getting up early NEVER gets better. Absolutely I would have taken a nap. I'm dying to know why someone would choose a full-length dress to a balloon launch- you should have asked her!
My kids would love this. I've got to go next year. I also love McD's breakfast--like so much it's scary. The hashbrowns are to die for.
I never made it to the festival, but I did love driving around Provo running errands and seeing those gigantic balloons floating effortlessly over the housetops. It was almost surreal.
Do they give you trouble when you ask for plain biscuits? I'm always afraid to order off the menu.
Next year bring your iPod and a set of speakers and play your own music if you have to. No one who woke up before the crack of dawn needs to hear Muzak. Come on.
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