It has been years (definitely over a decade - yikes) since either Eric or I have been to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta. Now that Liam is older and can enjoy these things a little more, we decided to take advantage of some great airfares on Southwest and travel home for the first weekend of the Fiesta. We were a little worried about 12 hours before our flight when our kids got a stomach virus, but we powered through (possibly leaving a trail of victims behind). I took an earlier flight with the kids while Eric went to work. Fortunately my seat-mate didn't mind a baby trying to pet his beard and pull his shirt. This grandpa of six even offered to hold Ansley for me a few times while I got Liam situated or searched for something in my Sherpa bag. I still can't get over the feeling that I am a pack mule for my children. Anyhow, the flight was pretty uneventful and Becky was waiting for me right outside the gate.
Although we were there for only a long weekend, we managed to squeeze in a lot of activities, including spending time with both sets of grandparents. I even got to have a tea date with my bestie, Stephanie! It was nice to have an adult conversation and drink and eat in peace! Seeing good friends is like cheap therapy. One of the highlights of the trip was getting to have dinner with all of my favorite cousins, parents, brother, and aunt and uncle. We can't ever seem to get enough New Mexican food while we are in town, and the food and company did not disappoint!
We were scheduled to go to the Balloon Fiesta the first Saturday morning of the two week event. We got up at 4:30 am (a fact that was cushioned slightly by the one hour time change in our favor) and headed out in what was supposed to be the chilliest day of the year. While the Pates live only a few miles from the Balloon Fiesta Park, we were in traffic for a little over an hour. Fortunately, Becky offered to watch Ansley so it was just Ron, Eric, Liam and I. Right as we were pulling into the paid parking lot, an announcement came over the radio that the mass ascension had been cancelled due to high winds. Liam was crushed. It was probably analogous to hearing that Christmas had been cancelled. So we swung back home to pick up Becky and Ansley and headed to Weck's for breakfast. We were not the only ones - I think every balloon fiesta refugee in town headed for anyplace that served breakfast.
The next night the three of us ventured out again for the Balloon Glow. Surprisingly it was all of our first time. It was so great to spend one on one time with Liam, and it sort of shocked us to think we hadn't done anything with just him since Ansley was born. I think he felt really special. There weren't as many balloons in the evening as in the morning, but we still had a great time. The weather was warm and slightly chilly as the sun went down, and we gorged ourselves on yummy food while watching the balloons. It was a beautiful evening and one filled with special memories for our family.
The remainder of the trip was nice and relaxing, and we filled it with lots of family time. The weather ended up being just beautiful and warmer than we imagined. Liam even got the opportunity to run through the sprinklers and I had to don a tank top one day. Odd for October in New Mexico, where a snow shower or two has popped up before this time of year. My mom even took me shopping for new clothes for my new job - feeling super blessed. A few shots (ok - maybe a few is an exaggeration) of our trip are below.
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| Three generations of Pate men picking apples in the Pate's backyard. Becky made a killer apple crisp with the four different types of apples that were picked and served it with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream! |
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| Liam was thrilled to be allowed on the ladder. |
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| Showing mommy the fruits of his labors (har har). |
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| Can you believe he actually enjoyed raking leaves? Sucker. |
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| Ansley had a ball crawling in the grass. Our backyard grass is too close to the pool for comfort so this was sort of new for her. Newsflash: She also enjoys eating leaves. |
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| Riding the crow. |
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| The best part of raking leaves: jumping in them! |
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| Grandpa supervising Liam as he rakes. |
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| Bonding with Grandma! |
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| Mommy running interference. I had to "teach" him that when one throws leaves at baby sister, it is best not to throw them in her face with force. |
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| Lovefest! If you look closely, Ansley has just chosen this moment to drool in my mouth. Yes, my life really is special. |
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| Peekaboo! |
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| Ansley raiding the tomatoes that Liam and Grandpa just picked from the garden. |
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| Not understanding why she can't mash them like a good ol' fashioned grape stomp. |
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| Sleepy baby cuddling with Grandma Gladys. |
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| Getting loved on by Grandpa Marty. Ansley sure does love all her grandparents...and I think the feeling is mutual. |
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| Picking tomatoes and bell peppers in Grandma G's garden. Both grandmas have a green thumb. |
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| LOVE |
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| Spending a little one on one time with Liam as we enter the park. |
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| Is that Daddy and Liam in a balloon? Gotcha! |
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| The first balloon to inflate. |
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| Sun starting to set. |
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| I can't believe how big this kid has gotten. |
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| More balloons inflating - excitement building. |
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| Gratuitous crack shot. |
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| My boys - LOVE them. |
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| Balloon from Russia. |
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| Family shot. Always fun to ask random strangers to take your picture. |
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| Liam receiving a balloon card from one of the balloonists. He was frightened of the flames. |
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| Almost time. |
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| It is so much fun to see the balloons inflate. |
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| Lit up in all their glory. |
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| A beautiful sight. |
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| One of my favorite balloons. |
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| Love the special shapes. |
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| Eric's favorite balloon - Spider Pig. |
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| Liam's favorite balloon - Penguin of course. |
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| A great time had by all! |
