Saturday, July 5, 2008

There Is Too Much, Let Me Sum Up


Two years ago Brian and I decided to make the Provo Hot Air Balloon Launch a 4th of July tradition. Like most traditions, it started kind of shaky. In 2006 Brian didn't come, but I went with Melissa, Harrison & Chloe. Somehow we got a great parking spot, an amazing view of the action, and we were there early enough to see the balloons rise from the dead. It was awesome.

In 2007 we were late so we missed the balloons being blown up and we spent most of the time looking for my parents. My mother's famous last words were, "We have cell phones, we'll find each other." That only works if we turn our cell phones on. We found each other on our way back to the cars. The best part of our 2007 attempt was breakfast with star-shaped pancakes afterward at Grandma's house.

This year we had a lot more people join us for the big launch. It was very early in the morning, so I'm secretly surprised that almost everyone who is in town for Rob's wedding showed up. It seemed like there were fewer balloons this year and they didn't come back for the bean bag toss, but it was great to be there with everyone. Also, a great opportunity to catch photos of all our beautiful children.

Things that worked:
1. Everyone having a cell phone and kind of caravaning to the venue.
2. Finding a spot on the grass BEHIND the red line (not like some dummies who had to move right as things started).
3. Grandma bringing patriotic taffy.
4. Beautiful weather.
5. Biggest, best breakfast EVER at Grandma's afterward.

Things that didn't work:
1. Fun haters (you know who you are, Grandpa).
2. Grandma bringing patriotic taffy.
3. Cousins fighting to the death. (Actually that was funny to watch.)

6 comments:

hOLLIANN said...

We are lucky because the balloons land in the park behind our house. We always have breakfast on the deck while the balloons fly over. One year they ran into each other, and we thought they were going to land on us in the backyard! But they didn't...

Reg said...

The balloons are great. This year we watched them come over and then went to the park and watched a couple land.

We did have dozens come right over us a couple of years ago, that was the best. Of course Chief thought we were being invaded and went absolutely nuts.

Glad you guys had fun.

Anonymous said...

That slideshow is something to behold! And something to recover from. I got dizzy. I can't believe how big all of those kids are.
Angie

melissa said...

Yikes. I think that slideshow blinded me. Mostly by the beautiful pictures. Nice camera work! I'm way sad I missed it all the fun.

Jen said...

you suck for posting that picture of me.

Nicole said...

I thought it was so cute! And it made a cool prism, too. I stand by my choice.

Reggie reminded me that Maggie (our dog) used to flip out when the balloons flew over our old house. One year Santa was "ho ho ho-ing" in one of the balloons and she lost her voice barking at him.