Up Up and Away Balloon Festival

This past fall we went Up, Up, and Away at the Plano Balloon Festival. It was a perfect afternoon of family fun and an exciting first Balloon Festival experience for our littlest.

Aubrey loved the many different colors of the balloons and all the fun activities in the kids area at the Festival. From face painting dinosaurs, to games, to fun eats, and even winning Donatello... our favorite Ninja Turtle, we had a great time.

 {Aubrey was asked what she wanted painted on her face. She very happily said, "a dinosaur, a girl one." She then quickly told the artist she wanted her orange. Thank goodness as an Aggie we quickly went Tennessee orange:) It was absolutely adorable}

{Donatello, Ninja Turtle Love}

 {Her happy place}

 {Liam was such a perfect little passenger for our family outing}

 {Sky divers- America the beautiful}

This year, Aubrey was more excited to see the balloons. Last year she was a bit hesitant as they were a bit larger than life. Now every time we see large balloons, she calls them her hot hair balloons. I can't wait to take the kiddos back again next year.

Up, Up, and Away @ Plano's Balloon Festival 2014

 This Saturday, our family went Up, Up, & Away at the Plano Balloon Festival. As a teacher who has been given free tickets for the past 5 years, I cannot believe we have not made my way out to see the beautiful balloons. I have to say that the lift off show, while a bit tampered with due to wind, was a bit small, it was so fun seeing the massive hot air balloons take shape and raise right above our heads. The company I shared was also pretty magical in its own right.

I just thought these adorable balloons were too cute not to take a few family photos. Plus one of the vendors gave away a small toy to Aubrey and a sucker to her parents. Look like she got the best end of the deal. A small little taste was all she received, but boy was she eyeing me the whole time I had the sucker in my mouth. Not too worried about our little sweet enjoying her sweet tooth for her upcoming birthday party.

{Daddy giving Auby her 1st Lollipop}

{Mommy/daughter Balloon Fun}

 

 

The festival was packed with vendors, food stands, games and galore. While it was a bit hot, we decided we couldn't leave the festival without sharing a funnel cake and some McAlister's sweet tea. Looks like Auby got her sweet tooth from her mama!

After a quick bite, we made our way to the field and found a spot on the grass. Sadly this being our first balloon fest were a bit unprepared, but quickly made due. We let the stroller shield our girl from the direct sun, and watched the sky divers before the hot air balloon lift off. It amazes me that people jump from perfectly good planes, but seriously how cool was this!

After a 10-20 minute wait on the wind conditions, the first balloon took flight. It was amazing to see just how close they were and how grand in size. The crowds cheered!

Of course many of the themed air balloons were a bit further away. The poor pirate just didn't take wind and I missed the flying pig that I was so excited to see, but still a great showing.

{Themed Hot Air Balloons}

Our little family of three sure had a fun time at the festival. Auby really did do a great job. She definitely needed a few small breaks out of her stroller to run around and watch the bigger kids.

 

By 7PM, our babe was over it. She was a bit fussy and ready for her night time bottle and bed. So we said good-bye to the balloons and a quick night-night, and made our 3/4 mile walk back to the Plano Centre for the night. Happy Plano Balloon Festival 2014. I surely can't wait for the next.