The Launch

Friday night the big girls spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa and we took the three little kids on an adventure.  An evening balloon launch was held not too far away and we thought it would be fun to go watch.  Thanks to mainly back roads (see all the dust from the gravel roads?), and leaving a bit later than we expected (thank you Old Navy 50% off clearance!) it took longer to get there than we expected, but it was a great sight to see so many balloons in the air.  And the kids LOVED it!

GR came into some new-to-him camera lenses which he used to shoot most of these pictures: 

They had one balloon tethered to the ground so people could get close and see how it works.  Kids and parents, lined up to climb in the basket and watch the propane fueled engine fire hot, hot flames up in to the balloon, heating the air.  Alex was the first little kid they'd seen who was excited to get inside and wanted to see the flame and know how it worked.  I love the look on Alex's face in this shot, and Sam's delight at both of their enjoyment.

We had hoped to take the girls back Saturday night, but once again the day was too full, and something had to give.  Instead, the kids played out back in the field with papa, while I helped a friend pack up her kitchen.  We are planning a return trip to this park for more intensive play.  It is AMAZING.  Built a couple years ago, it's prefect for multi-age kids!  It has a little tikes play area, sand pit, larger kids play area, huge web-like climbing tower, long bumpy slides, rock climbing structure, large covered pavilion, pond, ball fields, soccer fields, and probably more.  I'm looking forward to going back when it isn't covered with a couple hundred kids (which it easily accommodated).

In other news, Bob's been helping us get the pool ready to swim.  It won't be ready for Memorial Day, but by the weekend it will be close.  When it is, I hope you'll "come on!" over and join us for a dip. 

[Anna motioning to Papa to come on! and walk with us]