Balloon Fiesta 2009

Every year in Albuquerque, there is a massive festival of hot air balloons. Our tourist areas fill, traffic gets crappy, and dogs all over the city freak out. Really, though, there is no way to explain how magical it is to go down to the big, grassy field of Balloon Fiesta Park, congregating in the cold early morning (5:30 AM is a good time to get there) with masses of people from all over the world, watching as that first balloon goes up in the dark, glowing with every blast of the burner, to check the weather conditions, and then the awesome experience of hearing and seeing and being surrounded by hundreds of hot air balloons filling, rising, slowly taking to the air. The whole experience fills me with joy and happiness and child-like wonder. It really is amazing. This was the first year that The Monsterette was really excited to go, too, and she had such a great time. Also, my mom, two aunts, and my grandparents were here for the festival, which was great, too! It was a lot of fun to share with my family. I always take TONS of pictures at the Balloon Fiesta, and this year was no exception. Here are my Top 10 from the morning sessions, in somewhat chronological order: The first balloons of the day, all lined up and ready to launch: The Monsterette, with some cinnamon roll on her face: One picture was enough, mom: The balloons up before the sun: The balloons that stray from the conventional shape are called "special shape" balloons: That little white spot is the moon: One of the special shape balloons, right after launch: They also do a special event at night, called a Balloon Glow. This year was the first time I have been able to go, and it was a blast! They start filling the balloons right before dark, and they are all inflated and tethered across the field. Once it gets dark, a blast from the burner will light up the balloon. Also a very magical experience! I haven't uploaded those pictures yet, but will share as soon as I do. If you're bored, check out my pictures from 2007 Balloon Fiesta! Apparently last year I didn't post pictures of it. Oh well.