"Just stopping by for dinner" the man called from the basket as I opened my front door. I couldn't believe my eyes. About 50 feet from our front door a hot air balloon was coming down. We had only been living in our house for about two weeks and what a house warming gift we were given. It was a very exciting evening for our kids, my husband and I. Not to mention it made for some beautiful pictures. The balloon owners let the kids get in the basket and they also got to help jump and lay on the balloon to get all of the air out. It was an evening that we will never forget at our house.
It took awhile to get the air out of the balloon and loaded into the truck. As the balloon people were working, I wondered why they landed in our yard and not the field across the road. So, I asked the why they landed in our yard. They said that farmers get pretty upset if they land in their fields and they need to have easy access for the truck to pick up the balloon.
Every time I see hot air balloons in the sky I think back to the fond memories I have of that cool, crisp fall evening. I wonder where the balloons are heading and who will be the fortunate recipients of the landing.
"Just stopping by for dinner" the man called from the basket as I opened my front door. I couldn't believe my eyes. About 50 feet from our front door a hot air balloon was coming down. We had only been living in our house for about two weeks and what a house warming gift we were given. It was a very exciting evening for our kids, my husband and I. Not to mention it made for some beautiful pictures. The balloon owners let the kids get in the basket and they also got to help jump and lay on the balloon to get all of the air out. It was an evening that we will never forget at our house.
It took awhile to get the air out of the balloon and loaded into the truck. As the balloon people were working, I wondered why they landed in our yard and not the field across the road. So, I asked the why they landed in our yard. They said that farmers get pretty upset if they land in their fields and they need to have easy access for the truck to pick up the balloon.
Every time I see hot air balloons in the sky I think back to the fond memories I have of that cool, crisp fall evening. I wonder where the balloons are heading and who will be the fortunate recipients of the landing.
Oh, what a cool experience for your family! I really liked the opening and closing lines of the writing, too.
ReplyDeleteThe balloons are magical up close. I went to visit a friend in Albuquerque, and I didn't even know about the Balloon Fiesta there. I was entraced when we went out balloon-watching.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, they are magical up close. It was such neat experience!
DeleteWe have balloon flying over us all summer (an airport in town launches them regularly as well as skydivers). But our yard is too small and tree-y (!!) for a landing. Did they leave you a bottle of champagne? Isn't that the story of what folks are supposed to do as thanks? Just wondering ...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story.
Kevin
No, we didn't get a bottle of champagne. He said if we ever wanted to go on a ride ourselves he would waive the traveling fee, we would just have to pay for the ride. We never took him up on the offer. Not sure I want to ride in a hot air balloon?
DeleteI had no idea they landed in people's yards like that. That's really interesting. It feels like the type of event that could be made into some kind of children's story.
ReplyDeleteWe live on 5 acres and there wasn't a house on either side of us yet, so I guess we were the perfect spot for landing. It would be a good picture book story!
DeleteHow cool that would be. what a great memory for you and your kids, and how great you captured the memory for them in words and pictures.
ReplyDeleteTammy
There are so many things that made the balloon landing so special. The fact that we hadn't lived in our house very long made it all the more special. What a great memory that we tie to moving into our new house.
DeleteWhat a night that must have been! Those balloons are so big. I can't imagine getting the air out of it. Great memory!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, great opening line. I was captivated from the start of your tale. It isn't often a hot air balloon lands in our front yard. OK, who really ever has a hot air balloon land in their yard? What a delightful story to tell. I'm sure your kids will always remember it.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I love hot air balloons! We have a special affinity for them. There is a festival in our town every year and we get to see a lot of balloons! It is always exciting to get out the lawn chairs and sit in the drive way watching them go by. They are beautiful! I also wanted to thank you so much for the nomination. That was so thoughtful and I was very touched by your words. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove the first line! From the picture, it looks like you have the perfect front yard for hot air balloon landings. What a wonderful treat for everyone!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting! Great memory your kids will hold on to.
ReplyDelete