4th of July in Parts... Balloon Launch

Casually taking a photo of Hannah and Beckham by the stars!

I have to point out Hannah's dimple! Where did that come from?

Notice the man approaching from the left?

He asks us if we want to go inside the balloon!!?

We all look at each other and of course we all exclaim, YES!

Here we go!!

With one hand on the balloon and the other on my camera I try and capture the moment!

Look at Jaren's face!
Do you see Beckham trying to reach the balloon?

Whoa Dude!!

We're inside the balloon.

This nice gentleman is telling us about the parachute that is velcroed to the top of the balloon.

This is the parachute!

AWESOMENESS!!

Stars and stripes from the inside!

SO COOL!!

When we were done marching out,

I quickly ran to the basket of the balloon to take a photo of the inside from outside!

Flames breathing life into the stars and stripes!

Stars and Stripes majestically raising up!

Still raising...



So cool against the just rising sun!

We did so many awesome activities to celebrate the 4th of July. Not all your typical stuff either. I'm going to have to blog several times just to cover it all.

One "typical" thing we always make sure and attend is the Balloon Launch. The kids and I LOVE this event. It's so thrilling to walk in and through all the hot air balloons being brought to life with bursts of flames. This year we had the special privilage to actually walking inside a balloon that was half way blown up! Talk about being in the right place at the right time. One Mom opted to take photos of her kids inside the balloon from the outside. Forget that! I wanted to experience the belly of the beast for myself. It was truely thrilling and amazing! An experience I hope my kids never forget! I know I wont. I felt like a kid just getting to experience it myself.

Of course the experience is always enhanced by the company of family and friends. At events like this you are sure to bump into someone you know. As I did. This time it was my dear friend from my days living on 900 North. I didn't have much friends till she moved in next door. She was a breath of fresh air. It was great to see her.

All the kids!

Amy and Moi!

Darcy!