Monday, September 22, 2008

A Family Filled Friday: Part 2

After naps, we decided to head out to the Plano Balloon Festival. We thought the kids would get a kick out of seeing the balloons - especially our balloon obsessed Abby. It opened at 4 and we were there about 4:30. Another friend of mine who had been in the past with twins recommended we pay for the prime parking and boy was it worth it. Since we got there so early, the VIP lot, reserved for vendors, volunteers, and staff, was still open and the attendant told us we could park where ever we wanted so we decided to park right next to the gate in the VIP lot. Everyone else had special VIP hang tags, but we kept saying the attendant said we could park anywhere. We decided to chance it.
We loaded the kids up in the stroller and headed off to the park. The balloon launch was at 6 so we decided to look around at all the activities first before camping out on the hill to watch the balloons. I of course had to get some shaved ice and a funnel cake immediately. What festival/fair isn't complete without that! It was great and the kids couldn't get enough of the shaved ice. Especially Abby. She kept throwing a fit for more. There was a pretty good kids zone, but our guys were still a little young. They had a rock wall, lots of bounce houses and plenty of arts and crafts. Maybe next year they can try some of the things. It was getting close to 6 so we decided to head back up the hill to find a good spot to watch the balloon launch. John had the privilege of pushing the stroller (with kids) up the grass hill and I was so thankful he did it without complaining. The hill was uneven and steep. It was tough to push that stroller up the hill. Thank you honey!!!
I packed a dinner for us to enjoy and Abby immediately dove in. Jake decided to explore the surroundings a bit first and then came to eat. Of course, when he came to eat, Abby decided to explore so John ran around the entire time.
It's time! First up, skydivers! They had a few skydivers before the balloon launch and Jake loved watching them. He loves airplanes and points them out every time he hears one. He has the best ears for airplanes and can even hear them when we're inside or in the car. He watched in amazement the entire time. Abby however, wouldn't look in the sky at first. I finally picked her up as the skydivers were getting closer to the ground and then she saw them. She oood and awed as they came down.





John was taking pictures at first, but he was having difficulties with the camera so he was put on kid duty and I was back on the camera for the balloons. Abby LOVED the balloons and would say "Oooo" or "Wow" at each balloon. John finally took her down to the launch site for a close-up view.

They had some pretty cool characters this year like this pirate.



We tried to get a family shot, but the kids wouldn't look at the camera for anything. They were to awe-struck by the balloons behind us. So, we just have the back of their heads in this shot.

After the balloons, "Elvis" came out for some entertainment. Abby really got into it and was dancing up a storm.


After Elvis, we ventured back down hill to grab some dinner for John and I and get a closer view of the balloons that were getting ready for the night display. They had some great balloons like a monster, tree, and sunflower. It was really neat to see them up close. John wanted to take the kids on a ride, but fortunately they have a height requirement! Could you imagine taking those kids up in a balloon ride! They'd be strapped to the basket for sure. With as squirmy as they are I just know one would fall over board!!!!

They lit the balloons up to music at the end of the night. It was really neat to see them glow. At first we thought they might launch again, but it was just the music/light show.

We all had a blast and the kids did really good. They didn't get to bed until 9 Friday night (an hour and a half past their normal bedtime). Although Abby lost her paci at the festival so she was a bit cranky on the ride home.
Thanks for taking the day off John! We all had a blast!!!!!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Wow, that looks like fun. We might have to try and make it to that next year!