2013-09-23

Plano Balloon Festival 2013

This has turned into one of those "accidental" family traditions. We once talked our extended family into meeting us out at the break of dawn to see some hot air balloons launch into the North Texas sky at the Plano Balloon Festival. At that point, only two of the kids were with us.....this was about 7 years ago when JB2 and LB were 3 years and 1 year old (respectfully). They, in their pajamas, had a great time and were in awe of the beautiful big balloons launching into the sky.

Since the memories of that first experience were so happy for the parents, we've started making this something we do each year. This year was our third year to participate in the 5k race. CB has only enjoyed this event through the view of BOB, our jog stroller, but this year was different, we let her "race" with us like a big kid.....she even got her own race t-shirt and race number bib! She was official and felt very special!

Several of the past years, to our dismay, the balloons have failed to do the sunrise launch due to weather issues...but this year....the rain cleared away and the temperatures cooled down and there was no wind to get in the way.....so, the singing of our alarm clock waking us up at an hour before the crack of dawn didn't seem in vain this time.

The kids jumped up and put their gear on, even Daddy got up fairly easily this time. Here are some of our favorite shots from the morning....


 Awe.....she's the spitting image of her Daddy!!
 Mom, you've got a balloon coming out of your head!
 Pre-Race Warm-Up - Complete!
 Fueling up!
 A traditional pic of Mom and Son. I think I'm shrinking....or maybe that's the boy who is growing....either way, Momma no likie!
 The racers are ready!
Look, a Ballooooon!!

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