balloon fiesta-it's kind of a big deal

The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is quite an experience. We got up after less than 3 hrs of sleep to drive the 5ish miles to the mass ascension. I hadn't told the boys what we were doing. I didn't want the disappointment if it didn't work out, and I didn't want to be pestered for weeks on end. I woke Kaden up and it was the sweetest thing. He always wakes up so happy. He sits up half awake and gives me a big hug and kiss. He is so warm. It was the same this morning, but then I told him what we were doing and he perked up so fast. He got so excited and started jabbering a million different things, hurrying me to help him get dressed.

It took us about an hour and a half to drive the 5 miles. The traffic was insane. My poor clutch leg was dying when we got there. I have a stiff clutch and wow, it was really a workout. Matt and I were deliriously tired and were acting completely ridiculous in the car. It probably should have been embarrassing, especially since who knows how many people saw us, but it wasn't. It was just fun. I love laughing with him.

We got there at the perfect time. Just as the sun was rising, it was warming up, and the balloons were starting to lift off. Kids were beside themselves. they were so thrilled to see something so huge. Kaden was not at all happy about riding in the stroller. He probably is too big, but there are thousands of people at this place and that boy just doesn't pay attention when he's excited. He finally convinced me and promised me he would stay within inches of me and I let him out.

Grant and Brittany were so fun to go with. I appreciated them so much. Sometimes Matt gets lost in the shuffle. They were so conscientious about always listening to what he had to say, they stopped when his foot hurt and he needed a break, they waited for us and walked slow with us. I really am grateful; they were so good to us.

Kaden loved Grant and Britt. He is still talking about them and asking when we get to go back. He was obsessed with Trudy. The other day he said, "Hey mom, I miss Grant and Brittany and baby Trudy. Mama, can we have a baby Trudy? I love her". After the balloon fiesta we were in Trudy's room reading stories and Kaden was checking out her stuff. He was so adorable, "Mama, Trudy has a little bike, and a big giraffe to play with, and a nice bed, and books for her mommy to read to her, and look at all those blankets for her! Ahh, her mommy and daddy love her, they are taking such good care of her."