Up, Up and Away...

This weekend was our annual camping trip at the airport where the ADK Balloon Festival is held. Last year LL had just come home and this was her first BIG outing. We look back fondly to last year and likely every year as this marks her coming into our family and the extended family too!

Balloon Festival 2007
Not too sure about those balloons!


The airport is closed for the weekend and hundred of RV's are given the privilege of parking right on the grounds to experience the balloons up close and very personal. In fact, our club sponsors two balloons.

A View of the RV area

On Friday night everyone is busy setting up and getting reaquainted after one whole year has passed. All the while we eagerly anticipate the next day's launch of the balloons. DB and several others work very hard all year to be sure that we enjoy a safe, fun weekend. It's alot of work but SO worth it.

The Prez, DB and LL doing the rounds

On Saturday morning it was a gorgeous, clear and chilly Fall morning. We woke at 5:30 am and stumbled to the trolley with coffee and donut in hand. As soon as we got to the airfield we were awake at the maginificent sight of all the balloons inflating. No matter how many years we do this, it's still spectacular.


This year Uncle Fix-It had the special treat of going up in a balloon that our club sponsors. He shared with us after he arrived back (safe and sound, Praise the Lord) that the flight was wonderful. They landed in a farm field and were greeted by the family who owned the farm. A table was spread with a delicious breakfast for the pilot, passengers and the chase crew. How gracious of this family! And it is tradition that when a balloonist lands in your yard to have a champagne toast to celebrate the occasion. How nice for Uncle Fix-It! He will surely remember this for years to come.


Uncle Fix-It Ready to Go!


Up, Up, and Away!


From Inside the Basket

Once Uncle Fix-It took off we enjoyed some of the specialty balloons.

In Awe, having fun with Cuzin' Higgly


The Beagle

The BumbleBees

One HUGE Polar Bear!


Our Favorite, The Not-So-Little Ladybug!!

Once all the balloons had taken off we went back to the RV's for some breakfast via the trolley. The trolley is alot of fun for the little ones because there is a special seat up front where the bell ringer sits. Guess who, got to be the bell ringer this time?


Waiting for Trolley with our friends from Vischer Ferry Station


Our Little Bell Ringer

After lunch and nap we decided to let LL try and brave the bouncy bounce and slide. Several months ago she had a truly traumatic experience on one and has not set foot on one since! She was a brave girl and after some, OK lots, of coersion she went on.


Apprehension


More apprehension...


I did it, still not happy though!

As if the morning launch were not enough, there is also a 6:00pm launch, weather permitting. Well, the weather did not disappoint, and neither did our location. We have a gorgeous view and can sit and actually eat dinner while the balloons go aloft. What a treat!

The View from the RV Area

As Saturday drew to a close, Mother Nature treated us to the beautiful sunset over the airport. Truly a sign of what was to be tomorrow, don't you think?

Breathtaking!

Well, I wasn't wrong. Sunday morning was just as beautiful as the day before. We awoke to this lovely sunrise!


Making one more trip down to the airfield to get a few more shots of our favorite ballons before they flew away for another year, coffee and donut in hand again. Life is good!


Who'd have thunk, Ladybugs and Dogs are Buddies


Now that would be one massive garden, LOL!


One more glimpse at our pretty Ladybug

As our weekend drew to a close I couldn't help but notice the wide range of ages, each having an equally wonderful time. Now THAT'S special! Thank you God for all things, big and small.


BW and Molly