Balloon Fiesta--Albuquerque, NM

Chris and I have talked for YEARS about taking the kids to see the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, NM.  Chris grew up there and so he saw this big event happen every year.  I had never personally been to this event myself.  So we finally decided to be GOOD New Mexicans and take our kids to the biggest event that happens in our home state every year!

Chris still has family that lives in Albuquerque so we were able to stay with them--the Sharp Family. GREAT family, AWESOME food (I think I gained 5 lbs this weekend:), AMAZING views--a FABULOUS weekend all the way around!

We were up bright and early Friday morning (5 am--4 am AZ time:) to watch "The Launch."  This morning had all of the "special shape" balloons--AMAZING works of art!  Ethan was so amazed by these balloons.  He told us, "When you said 'shapes' I thought you meant like a star."  We did not see stars but we saw all of this:

We were right in the middle of the action!
We could even touch the balloons!

Ethan's personal favorite balloon--Sonic the Hedgehog!

The most popular shapes were these two!
There was even a Storm Trooper standing guard!!!

There they go!!!

For Friday afternoon, we took a drive up the Sandia Mountains.  Such beautiful views of the changing trees and of the city:

We spent all of Saturday relaxing and visiting with family.  Chris's cousins are AMAZING hosts and I think we pretty much just ate the weekend away.  All good New Mexican food of course--Hatch green chili and jalepenos on EVERYTHING!!!  Saturday evening, we headed back to the fiesta for the final events of the season.  

The Meeker, Sharp, & Luna Families

Funny faces!!!

Tatum, Isaiah, Ethan, Bradley, & Max

The Balloon Glow:

The BIG Finale:  AMAZING fireworks show!!!

 

We seriously had the BEST time this weekend!  A HUGE check off our "to do" list for sure.  It was so great re-connecting with family too.  We definitely realized that we need to get together more often with our amazing family members.  They really want to camp with us next summer...I REALLY dislike camping but if it means I'm with these people, then I will do it and I will LIKE it too:)