The Life and Times of the Cannodes: Balloon Fiesta

Amy has had the Balloon Fiesta on her 'bucket list' for quite some time. Timing never seemed to work out with her busy times at work. This year was different! We got the Cannode crew together and were ready to hit the road. Kris had Friday off ~ so George, Pat, David, Kris, Kasey and Karsten all hit the road in the motorhome for the 8 hour drive to Albequerque, NM. Amy had to work that day, so she caught a cheap flight out and came in late Friday night. We were blessed to have awesome hosts who let us park the motorhome in their driveway and let David, Kris, Amy and Karsten sleep in the house. Otherwise, it would've been a Very cozy motorhome.

Getting up for the Balloon Fiesta was not so awesome... but am glad to say the actual Fiesta was Amazing and so worth getting up before 5am. The kids were in pretty good spirits and got ready with very little crying. Both boys were so excited when we parked the car and told them we had to ride a school bus to get to the fairgrounds. First Bus Ride for both of them! They LOVED it! Both boys always point out school buses when we drive; so I knew riding one would be a hit.

Our ride out to the Fairgrounds

Our ride back...Look Over there, Karsten!

We made it to the fairgrounds in time for the "Dawn Patrol" to take off. Before taking flight, the announcer counts down from ten and then all balloons 'flicker' to light up their ballons all together. Then - everyone starts taking off in the dark. Pretty neat to watch them raise in the sky. We couldn't get the best pics of that since it was so dark, but trust me - it was Beautiful!

The early balloons preparing to take off

The morning balloons performing a "flicker" burn

Mike and Rita came with us, but you will note there are not that many pics of them below - unfortunately, it is really difficult to keep a group of nine together... glad we got a couple of pics; anyway!

David, Kris, Gpa, Karsten, Rita & Mike enjoying the Dawn Patrol

The National Anthem, Balloon Fiesta style

We first watched all the ballons start to fill up. It was hard to believe how big they were! Once the colorful, round ballons went up... it was time for the shapes! The Kids (And Adults) Loved this part. We saw everything from Darth Vadar to a huge Dairy Cow! Some of the kids favorites were Elvis, Simba the Lion, a Shark, Bumble Bees, a Crazy Clock ... I could go on forever listing them! Karsten's favorite was the ice cream cone. He called it to mommy's attention - and said "Mom, I'm going to eat it! ar...ar....ar... -pause- I ate it ...-pause-... ALL!" Kasey's favorite was "Spider Pig" and he was so excited that he was wearing his Spiderman t-shirt when he saw the pig.

The Cannode clan enjoying the balloon fiesta

HollyFrontier's balloon - Not Kris' favorite

The Dairy Cow balloon - Amy's favorite

Amy and Kasey waiting for Simba the Lion to inflate

Look Gpa, a stagecoach

David and Amy enjoying the balloons

Once we got back to the car; we had a surprise waiting for us... a flat tire! Kasey and Karsten were jazzed to learn how to change their first flat!

I'll show you how it's done Daddy

Push over there, guys!

While we were in Albequerque, we got treated like royalty! The meals prepared for us were amazing. We didn't get to see the Kabobers in action (only heard many stories about the infamous Kabobing days), but we did have great Tamales, breakfast burittos and awesome homemade salsa. I just wish I was paying more attention when they whipped all that amazing food together - could've gotten some great tips! My favorite part was that Mike and Rita's family all came to join us at the house! Was so much fun getting to know everyone and see such a strong bond between all the family members. They are truly blessed with amazing family members. We were glad to be included in that for the weekend!

Pat, Rita, George & Mike enjoying dinner, while the boys goof off

Enjoying a great meal with Mike & Rita's family

George trying to help Rita make breakfast, although she doesn't need it

Since we all got up so early, a few of us chose nap time while others went to old town for some quick shopping. Was a neat area, so of course pictures were taken as well.

Karsten and Uncle David in front of a mini balloon in Old Town

Karsten cuddling with a giant teddy bear

Karsten hanging out with Gma in front of a cannon in Old Town

The next morning was our last day in Albequerque and all but our immediate family decided to catch a few extra zzz's. Kris, Amy, Kasey and Karsten got up again at 5am to get ready and head to the Balloon Fiesta once more. We figured we weren't sure when we would get the kids back here and wanted to make the most of being there. The kids excitedly got ready that morning with the promise of more balloons. Here were some of our favorite shots of the morning.

Filling up the balloon

May the force be with you, Darth Vader

Karsten's ice cream cone balloon

Spider Pig, Kasey's favorite

Mom and Dad Bee "kissing" with Baby Bee looking on

After we got back to the house, it was time to eat a quick breakfast and pack up to go home. We all had a 8 hour drive ahead of us and wanted to get home at a decent time - so - we were on the road by 10:30am. We had fun in the motorhome on the drive home too! The kids did some drawing, some sleeping, a lot of eating and of course played on the iPads. They were so tuckered out from the drive that they went right to bed for the night when we got home! Proof of a Great Mini-Vacation! Thanks again to Mike and Rita for their hospitality! You made us all feel so welcome and we can't wait to come visit you again in the future!!