Every year in Colorado Springs over Labor Day weekend, they have the Hot Air Balloon Festival and we've always missed it. This year I was determined to go so I hauled the husband and punks out of bed at 5:30 am and we were on our way to the Springs by 6:15 am. Launch started at 7:00 am and as we got closer to the launch site, we saw a few of the balloons in the air.
The morning was perfect for hot air ballooning and even though it was a bit chilly, it was worth it. At first we watched the balloons glide over the lake and then got closer to the launch area so see the balloons up close. The colors were lovely and it reminded me of when I went up in the balloon for my 40th (thanks Stone family!).
There were a few balloons who tried to touch the water in the lake (a tradition for this festival) and their liftoff had to be just right in order to get over the trees and onto the water before taking off again.
Some didn't even attempt it while others looked like they were going to sink!
The boys played at the park area after the last balloon flew over us and found a tree to climb. Jordan lost his Bronco hat while playing and both Warren and I are glad because we've never liked that cap (it was his favorite so there were tears.) I guess he'll be getting a new cap for his birthday next month!
On the way back to Denver we stopped off at Starbucks and because the drive-thru wasn't open, we all went inside. Normally I leave my bag in the car if Warren is with us (since he ends up paying) but this time I took my bag in and then left it in Starbucks. Five hours later Starbucks finally got hold of me after phoning pretty much everyone in my cell phone's Contacts List (including Home a few times) and so I had to get back in the car, drive an hour to Starbucks, retrieve my bag (cards and cash still in tact), buy a hot chocolate for the drive home and make my way back to Denver again. I was not impressed with myself to say the least!!