Balloon Fest Extravaganza

Because I am completely unable to pick only a few pictures, when there are many to choose from, I have to split the 4th of July fun into categories.

Saturday July 2nd, we got up early and went to the balloon festival

Although you might not guess it from this picture, there were actually balloons there. Somehow we managed to get our only holiday family picture, without anything exciting in it.

Here is us last year, Heidi a tiny 2 months old, sleeping through the whole thing. Alex with super short hair, and me sans the bangs. Tyler is still amazing, no change there.

Another flash from the past. July 2nd, 2010.

Grandpa and Grandma Brady decided to meet us there which was great. They must think I only invite them to fun places so they can watch my kids while I run around taking pictures. I promise that it is actually for their company that we like them to come along.

Although there was plenty to take pictures of.

We ended up having most of the Brady clan there. Kate's Mom was even in town to see little Annie (hidden under pink blanket strapped to Kate), and we got to have a lot of fun with her as well. I think everyone had a good time.

As long as the Grandparents come along, the adults still outnumber the kids 6-4, leaving someone with hands to be photographer and another as a fresh alternate for carrying lazy children.

Heidi was a lot more photogenic this year, and seemed to enjoy the balloons. She kept pointing and grabbing at them while making demanding grunts at Tyler, as if telling him to pluck one from the sky because she would sure like to hold it.

Last year it was too windy for the balloons to fly, but this year we got to see them all go up!

Although we were all dead by noon, it was worth getting up so early. A tradition I hope to continue as long as we are in Provo.

Last year we tried to go out to breakfast, but apparently everyone else had the same idea and when we saw the line at IHOP, mixed with a newborn blowout diaper, we turned around and went home.

This year we all chipped in something good and went back to the Grandparents house for a homemade meal. The best part was not worrying about the children's behavior while we ate.

Before we left the field we found exactly how quick a learner Archie is. After watching all the balloons, he somehow figured out the trick to it. We were all surprised when he started floating away! It took a few minutes but he soon figured out the decent. Once his feet touched ground he swore off all solo flights until at least 8 years old.