More balloons! - ABF2018 Part 2

     Albuquerque is still getting some small effects of hurricane Rosa so the weather has not been as balloon friendly as last year. We've had winds and rain every night and of the first 5 sessions, only 2  the balloons were able to do their thing. But hopefully that's over now and we can get on with the show.

Rising over the trees!

Occasionally the novelty wears off and they get bored.

These 3 year olds are good friends-most of the time. Here they are singing Old McDonald had a Farm and she kept yelling at him for singing "E-I-E-I-YO". 

Makayla and her friend Violet spend nearly every waking moment together, just quietly playing games or riding bike.

Our gravel lot is packed with over 40 rigs at this point. It was handy to have plenty of assistance and extra eyes as some spots were tight.

Yesterday morning we walked the 1 mile to the field. This is one of my favorite balloons.

Cynthia Seal.

Inflating a balloon

This circus themed one is neat because the owners wife and kids are painted on the carousel!

So pretty!

For some reason they loved this pumpkin!

So many fun angles to capture them at!

One from Page, AZ.

Some balloons took off from other places in town and had to attempt to get back to the field and drop a beanbag on a target. So cool to watch!

Last night 2 of the pilots our group is helping crew brought their baskets in and talked to us and answered questions. 

Most of the kids drew hot air balloons for decorations. They earn raffle tickets to enter into the drawings on the last day of the rally.

Some of the children got a turn running the flame.

This morning we had a lot float right over us.

Our current backyard.

Trying to take it all in!

They were about 15 feet in front of the balloon- they are huge!

We saw this one coming in and hoped he would land in the field near us.....

And he did! 

The pilot was so excited because he's always wanted to give kids tethered rides but never landed at a good spot to do it until today!

Ethan, Emily, and Michael are in this basket. They tied the ropes to trucks and went about 20 feet up. Ethan's face was priceless- he was so excited!

Makyala's turn!

It was scary to see Ethan way up there hanging on to the edge! I tried to tell him to look out the little window but instead he used it as a step stool.