Fun-Filled Weekend

Whew! We're worn out from all the fun we had this weekend! Eli went swimming, shopped for some fall clothes, had people over for dinner, ate two meals at restaurants with friends, went to William's house twice, enjoyed two picnics, and went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival...twice.

We'll start with the Balloon Fest. So, on our way to William's house for a morning walk on Friday, we encountered hot air balloons flying over the highway. It was really cool to see them all flying, so we did a little research and found out that the Hot Air Balloon Festival was happening all weekend.

We checked the website and made plans to go on Saturday and see the balloons and have a picnic. Eli got all decked out in his car shirt and shades.
But when we arrived, nary a balloon was seen. The website failed to mention that after the "mass ascension" in the morning, that's it, the balloons don't come back until the next launch time, which in this case was 7pm. All there was was a car show and booths where one could purchase the legs of turkeys, for eating apparently. Not really our shtick.
So, we sat next to the lake under a tree and had a lovely picnic. Enjoyable, but we were all pumped up to see some big balloons, so we were a bit let down.
So this morning I WOKE ELI (something I've never done before) early so we could catch the mass ascension before the balloons floated off into the sunrise. I zipped on his hoodie and snuggled him into the carseat and off we went.
It was so worth it! There were at least 40 balloons in various stages of lift off.
So, we sat on our blanket and had a breakfast picnic and watched the balloons.
Eli was engrossed. It was as close as I had ever been to a HAB, and it was really cool.
We compared his head size to balloons at varying distances.
bigger than this one...smaller than that one.
A quick smooch and off to church.
We also had friends over for dinner on Friday. Prior to their arrival Christa took Eli out to play on the trampoline and swing a bit.
Jumpin'.
"Can't catch me, Christa!"
"I caught Mama instead."
"And Vashti."
"You're next!"
Trampolines are good for snuggling.
Eli also got two chances to play at William's house this weekend! They had oodles of fun. We took a walk, swang (swung?) at the park, played with their dog Cuervo and with William's fun stash o' goodies. We were amazed at how babies teach each other things. William taught Eli to smell flowers and Eli taught William to climb the stairs (hence, Eli will not be invited over any more. Sorry William's parents!).
After church we went out to eat with the Runhows. Eli was a cut up.
He and their daughter Lexi had fake phone conversations across the table (don't worry, the phone is turned off - no cell signal/brain wave interaction).
Wish YOU were here!