Plano Balloon Festival 2012

Last weekend was Plano's annual balloon festival. It seems that past 2-3 years it was a bad rain out and we were nothing but disappointed. This year was better. I wouldn't say perfect because it was a little steamy out but we made due to see BALLOONS! I was able to get all 3 of us free tickets so that helped with the cost. You are also allowed to bring in and $$ so I tried to cut down on that kind of junk! We came with wagon in tow (again people stopped us saying what a great idea to bring her wagon!) and we set up shop in the slim shade area on a hill. I had brought Gracie's dinner so she started snacking away. First was the parachute people. They came in super fast so it was hard to even get a picture. When the fell, they fell, but all landed nicely!

Everyone cheered as the Texas flag came in. One thing is for sure, Texans have TEXAS spirit! People that aren't from here don't get it! :)

After that we had about 15-20 minutes before the balloons were going to take off. We were thrilled that we were there early this year and they were actually going to take off. We're sitting there snacking away and I said to Kelly, "hey that guy looks like a news reporter from channel 4. " Sure enough he looked through the crowd and came right over to US! Gracie saw the camera and seriously high tailed it out of there. She wanted NO part of being on tv. What is wrong with her? Basically he asked us if he could interview us for the news in just a little bit. He was super close, see...

People around us were laughing at Gracie because she WOULD NOT come back to me. I was begging and pleading. Finally, I used the scare tactic and said I'd take Baby Maxum from her and she plopped back down in Kelly's lap. Finally it was our interview time. It literally lasted maybe 30 seconds. He just asked our names and if we'd come before, and why we like it. Super quick but a fun moment anyways!


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Right after this the balloons started getting ready. It was soooo neat! Even though we'd seen it before, it's just really fun to watch and were so so close this year.

Slowly one by one they started lifting off. Total there were probably 20.  A lot more stay and come back for the balloon glow.



Gracie was begging to take a picture so here it is. Not bad, uhh?

By this time we were really hot, sweaty, and needed to stretch our legs. We packed up our picnic area and headed to the kids games/rides. Everything you ride is done through tickets. We paid for some tickets and told her she had 4 rides/bounce houses to do!

I only watched her do one ride. The lines were long and I was HOT. Luckily, the Plano balloon people have some good sense and they had several tents set up with tables that had misters all around. I was in heaven. Me and a bunch of older ladies sat in the cool tents! I didn't care. I didn't care!  After her fun the balloons were starting to do the glow. We watched for a few minutes then headed home. It had been a long day and she had an early soccer game the next day.

On the way out we were greeted by the fire dog, Sparky. She jumped out of the wagon and gave him a high five and posed for a cute picture.  Until next year balloons :)


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