We went to another Balloon Festival. Two weeks after our first hot air balloon experience, Lorraine and Bob and their family took park in another balloon festival. What terrific timing for us to be in the area for both of them. SEE OUR PREVIOUS POST TO READ ABOUT OUR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE!!!!!!!
Lorraine and Bob (Joni's high school friends) set up their daughter's balloon (see the pilot - Peter - Lorraine's son in law) again and this time we took part in the Chase Car part of the experience.
We helped set up the balloon to get it ready to sail. The experience was just as thrilling as it was the first time.
This festival was bigger than the one two weeks ago so there were a lot more balloons participating.After the balloon took off, we got in the Balloon Chase Car, actually it was a motor home (See Joni and Bob and Jen and Ryan in the RV) and set out to follow the balloon.
The wind was very calm that day so the balloon didn't travel very far, but it was up in the sky for a long time. The passengers were thrilled! Two elderly ladies went for the ride. One of the ladies had never even been in an airplane, so this was a special experience for her.Since the wind is at it's calmest early in the morning, we had to be at the site between 5:30am and 6:00am. Soooooooo early!!!!!! So it was chilly out, but not as cold as the previous festival morning.
The balloon landed on private property, as it usually does, and it wasn't very hard for the chase car to locate it. As a matter of fact, 4 balloons landed on the same property. Unfortunately, the home owners weren't home. They sure would have been surprised to come home and find 4 hot air balloons on their land.
We proceeded to tear down the balloon and go back to the take off site (at the airport). We had our landing party there!
After popping the champagne and setting out the snacks, we enjoyed the rest of the morning (see all of us eating and enjoying the day)
The balloon landed on private property, as it usually does, and it wasn't very hard for the chase car to locate it. As a matter of fact, 4 balloons landed on the same property. Unfortunately, the home owners weren't home. They sure would have been surprised to come home and find 4 hot air balloons on their land.
We proceeded to tear down the balloon and go back to the take off site (at the airport). We had our landing party there!
After popping the champagne and setting out the snacks, we enjoyed the rest of the morning (see all of us eating and enjoying the day)
It was a special day for another reason! Lorraine and Bob's grandson, Ryan, was having his 5th birthday! He belongs to Jen and Peter, Lorraine's daughter and son in law (pilot). So we went to Lorraine's house for the big birthday party. Lots of good food was served and all of the family was there! Lorraine didn't attend the balloon festival that morning so that she could prepare for the birthday party.
When we got to Lorraine's house after the balloon festival, she put us right to work. See Delton holding all the food he prepared - cutting fruit, vegetable and making dip! What a Guy! It was so neat for Joni to meet all of Lorraine and Bob's kids and grandkids after not being in touch for 43 years! 
Again, we had another wonderful time with the Thompsons. Joni had a hard time saying goodbye to them, but we all promised to get together again in Florida. Lorraine's brother lives in Florida, close to Ocean Resorts, where we spend our winters. So, we plan on getting together again in February!
