Balloon Fiesta

Last weekend we flew to Albuquerque for the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! My brother and family live about 2 miles from the fairgrounds so it is super easy to enjoy the balloons from the backyard as well as going to the Fiesta. I had been 6 years ago as well.

   

The little man has certainly grown since then! Darth and Yoda are still the fan favorites.

We arrived late Thursday night so when we woke up on Friday this was the scene over the house.

   

This was Ryan's first visit to New Mexico so we took him to see the sites and eat the grub. We went to Petroglyph National Monument and did a short hike through the volcanic rocks. After, we enjoyed some authentic New Mexican food for lunch and hung out at the house with the kids. 

The weather that day was beautiful. Great blue skies and warm sunshine.

Later that evening, Ryan and I went to the Fiesta for "the Glowdeo." After sunset the balloons are suppose to inflate and stay tethered to the ground and the light from their flames lights up the night.  

Only a few balloons lite up but apparently it was still too windy for all of them to do it. We still had a great time and enjoyed the fireworks on our walk home.

 The next morning we all went down to the Fiesta for the "Dawn Patrol." It was cold and super windy but we didn't care...we were in the VIP tent! Jen hooked us all up with access to the Albuquerque Journal's VIP tent complete with coffee and breakfast burritos as well as a heater! It was fantastic. We didn't even mind the hour and a half delay.

 When they finally gave the green flag... it was game on!  Balloons everywhere, people everywhere...Balloon Fiesta fun (even with the gloomy grey sky)

On the walk home, however, things took a wet sloshy turn. It rained. In the desert. Who knew?  

Since it was raining we spent the afternoon with Frank and Mattie and Tas at Dave and Busters playing video games and winning prizes.

Overall it was a great weekend!