Hot Air Balloon Festival

I LOVE hot air balloons - I am not really sure why, it could be because I remember so well when my Grandma Johnson went on one and I was so envious, or it could be living in Heber and seeing them frequently, I am not sure, but I am fascinated with them, and I dream that someday I will be able to ride in one. 

Every year Provo has a freedom festival, and included in the festivities is the balloon festival.  We went last year and it was really magical, so I knew I wanted to go again this year.  So at 5:00 in the morning I packed both dogs and two very tired and somewhat annoyed boys into the car and made the journey through Provo Canyon to see the balloons.  Many of you will probably think I am not in my right mind for waking up EARLY and then waking two happily sleeping children, and then going on an outing with two dogs and two boys all by myself, but when you get there, you would know it was all worth it!  There is something magical, almost spiritual in seeing these bright and colorful balloons ascend into the sunrise.  I love the looks of awe from my boys when they see them.  I love the excitement they have for them.  I really appreciate that they don't have a choice in tagging along with me and my crazy schemes, but they still enjoy it so much.  I intend on making this a yearly tradition, it is just that wonderful! 

 LOVE this hot air balloon, I also think that it is a bit funny that of all the balloons it is the skinniest. :)

 Look at his expression - love it!

 Pete and Annabelle were such good sports on this outing, they are not great fans of crowds, or even small groups of people, but they seemed to enjoy all the attention Brandon gave them as well as several other interested children.

 This is Brandon trying to make Pete smile for the picture - poor dog. :)

 "Chubby Cheek Boy"

 LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture, I could stare at it for hours.

 The balloon games are a lot of fun to watch also.

 Smokey the Bear, the Piggy Bank, and the Coke Bottle are some of our other favorite balloons

Part of the tradition is going to Bridal Veil Falls on the way home, it is still early, so there are very few crowds and there is a peace and tranquility in being in Heavenly Fathers beautiful creations during sunrise.

So I get to enjoy the views and the peace and the boys get to have a hey day throwing rocks into the pond just below the falls.

Ah Bliss. :)

There is one other great benefit to our yearly crazy outing, for some reason I am a happier more patient mom, I love more children more on these days - weird.  So when we got home we continued the fun by having a picnic lunch in their new mini play house, they thought that was awesome!

 Can't wait to do it all again next year - loosing the sleep is worth it, and the boys take extra long naps that day. :)