We usually go on the first day of the 3 day festival so as to avoid the crowds, but this time went on the 2nd day and definitely noticed a difference. It was much more crowded, but not tortuously so, still I think next year we'll go on day 1.
While Randy and Landon walked over to McDonald's to get breakfast for everyone, Lori, Whitney and I walked around near the balloons as they were filling up. It's rather surreal to be so close to these massive contraptions and to feel the heat of the flames even from a distance.
Of course we had to take a self-portrait.
There were several times when the balloons were straight over our heads, which caused a cute 3-year old boy nearby to exclaim "They're going to land on you!"
We always get hash browns and plain biscuits for breakfast and I do believe this is the kids' favorite part of the event. Which means that we could have slept in to a more reasonable hour and gone to one of the two McDonald's restaurants that are within 2 miles from our house instead!
I jest, a little bit. Of course they like the balloon festival, the tradition of it, the music (luckily not muzak this year) and fun of it all.
My favorite part is always when the sun finally bursts out from behind the mountains causing everything to warm up and become beautiful!
This year the big hit was a Darth Vader balloon all the way from Belgium.
Landon had to recreate the jumping over Whitney photo from last year (though last year's angle was much better for the picture).
Last year's jump.
He's a looker no?
From balloon festival 2004!
**What are your 4th of July traditions?
Would you get up early for this?
Do you love McDonald's hash browns?**
Comment Window Tidbit: Our perfect, sunny 4th of July weather is actually cloudy and gray. Somehow I don't feel like hanging out at the pool.
13 comments:
Yes, yes, I would most definitely get up for a balloon festival. I do love McDonald's hashbrowns and I like their fries, too.
It was fun to see some retro pictures of years before. My goodness kids change so quickly.
That last picture is so cute! You have been doing this for so long! We need a tradition.
This year all of our traditions went out the window due to all family on both sides bailing on us, Cameron getting seriously hurt, and that's it. I'm trying really hard to pull something together.
what a great tradition- that darth vader balloon is incredible!
Your kids are so big!
That Darth Vader balloon is fantastic!! WOW!
What a great tradition! Hope it was followed up by a great little nap! ha!
The 2004 photo is the best! Honestly - so cute!
Our tradition is usually the family band. It will be at the end of the month this year. Strange...
I love watching the balloons from Jason's Mom's kitchen window when we use to 'visit' Utah. Never thought to actually go. Think we might shake things up next year.
Such a great tradition you guys have!
I'm kind of bummed that we missed it this year, but I just couldn't get up.
Eva was seriously sad, so we went to get breakfast at McDonald's. Everyone was happy! Huh.
I love your Balloon Festival tradition! I wish we had a Balloon Festival close by for us to go to. They really are beautiful! Seeing your photos reminded me of my time spent at BYU, when I'd be surprised to see the balloons (not knowing it was an annual event). Love the Darth Vader balloon, very cool!
Oh that last picture melts my heart! Where does the time go?!
I love that you do this every year, what a great tradition!
Fun to see the "vintage" pic!
That Darth Vader baloon rocks!
i thought of you this weekend, i always want to go but hate getting up so early. i wish it was at 8 instead of 6. it looks so fun and one day i will get there!
great photos! my cousin used to work at a hot air balloon site and i loved going to watch them lift off. happy fourth!
I love the pool but I hate watching my kids at the pool and worse, being forced to actually get in and swim with them. I'm leaving tomorrow for San Diego and hope to just lay by the pool and read two book and not watch anybody!
I swear every year I'm going to do the balloon festival. One of these years, I will. It looks so fun.
And yes, I looove McDonald's hash browns and bisquits. It is unAmerican not to right? I dip mine in ketchup. Yummmmm.
I'm loving the Darth Vader balloon! But even more, I love that last picture from 2004. Landon and Whitney are so little!
My favorite Fourth of July tradition is going up to the mountains for a breakfast cookout. Love it.
Glad they changed the music this year. Sheesh.
Whitney looks like 20 years old in that first photo!
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