Saturday morning, we were up before the sun and making our way to Colorado Balloon Classic.  It was something that Lily and I had been looking forward to for months, ever since we discovered that they had a balloon festival in Colorado Springs.  I have the best memories of going to the balloon races growing up in Nevada, and I couldn't wait to share the experience with Lily and Derek.

When we got there, it was still pretty dark, and they had one balloon blown up, just to show us how they glow in the dark.  We spent the next little bit exploring and finding yummy things to eat.  They had all sorts of vendors, and we settled with hot cocoa, a funnel cake, and fresh cinnamon donuts.  (Oh, and the kids acquired some bunny-ears along the way from the Energizer Bunny balloon people.)

We layed out our blanket and enjoyed watching the fun begin, as the balloon owners began unrolling their balloons and filling them.  It was awesome to watch, and we couldn't get over how many people it took to help blow up one balloon.  Then, all at once, we were surrounded by colorful bumps of inflating balloons.

I got up close and personal to this balloon – it was amazing to see the whole process – especially when they turned on the burners and five feet of flame shot out – so cool!

The balloon closest too us was a little strangely shaped, and so we were completely curious as to what it was.  We would never have guessed that it was a flying pig :).  The kids sure got a laugh out of that one.  And they especially loved that it flew right over us and they got to wave to the pilot.

One of the kids' favorite balloons had to be the Energizer Bunny – and it wasn't just because of the free bunny ears :).  It really was awesome, even when it fell over on the crowd a few times.  Hey, it added to the excitement, right?

And just when we thought every balloon had taken off, a second wave of them began, and the sky was once more filled with balloons.  One of them flew directly over us, giving me one of my favorite photos of the day.  (If you want to see some of my other favorites, go to my photography blog.)

It was the perfect family outing, and although we were happy to head home and get in a nap, it was more than worth getting up so early for.  And really, what sight is more fun than a sky full of hot air balloons?

PS. And just for Grandma Valerie, Lily wanted to be sure we got a picture of the patchwork quilt balloon :).