Up, up and away!

Yesterday afternoon, Steve had to do some work from home, so Sara and I took off during Emma's nap to spend the afternoon and evening at the Plano Balloon Festival.

 Sara rode a few rides, did some arts and crafts, got her face painted, and then we walked around to look at some of the vendors for a bit before finding a good spot for the main events.  We spread out our blanket and settled in (with cotton candy, of course) to listen to the band and await the arrival of the skydivers.

 All four skydivers made perfect landings not far in front of us.  As the time for the balloon lift-off approached, we were told that high winds might keep the balloons from being able to leave the launching ground.  The same thing happened to us last year, so I was hoping that the wind would cooperate this time.  After the pilots had a briefing, we found out that they were given the green flag to fly, but because of the winds, it would be at pilot discretion.  We watched as the pilots released helium balloons that helped them get a read on wind speed and direction.  The announcer predicted that only three or four balloons would go.  In the end, though, we saw about ten inflate and take off before the black flag was raised, signaling poor conditions.

 We had great seats, so Sara was able to see the whole process - from the balloons being rolled out across the field to take-off.  We were close enough to appreciate just how big the balloons are.  In the picture below, you can barely see a balloon already in the air in the upper-right corner while the multicolored one is just taking off.

 Of course our favorite balloons were the ladybug and pirate (you can just see the top of his blue bandana starting to inflate here).  We also liked waving to the people in the baskets as they flew away over our heads.

 

 

I was so happy that the weather worked in our favor this year, and that I got to share this neat experience with my Sara.  I have a feeling we'll be back next year, hopefully with Steve and Emma!