The first ride of a new Pirate

Spontaneous. That is the word that currently describes our family. 4:30 yesterday we were told that the balloons were going up at 5:30. Nothin like a balloon launch to make the kiddos hustle! We got Phoenix up from her nap, got everyone strapped into their carseats and off we went to the launch site. It was a beautiful day! No wind at all. That rarely happens here in the panhandle. You can click on all the pics to see them larger. Rob helpin get Serenity ready.
I think he's caught "the bug"

Almost up.

Amarillo National went up too!

The crew

Amarillo National about to lift off

You can see the launch site in the distance. I love all the fall colors.

This is 34th and Bell. Hobby lobby to the left, Walgreens in the middle and Stein Mart to the right.

View from above

Nice view of the city with the fall foilage.

Bullseye! This is at the corner of 34 and almost I-40 (albertsons to the left)

I can see my shadow!

Pretty houses

Reflection over a pond

Reflection over a pond

The horses didn't like the balloon very much

The colors on these trees were just gorgous!

Gotta love Stanley Marsh

Beautiful sunset

Landing at the local golf course.

Jaz and Jacey about to go up.

Jacey holding on for dear life!

Jaz and Jacey on a tethered flight.

I love this shot from under the balloon as it's going up.

Hello down there!

Jaz's new passion

Jaz has a new passion. BMX racing. We found out about the track purely on accident. We were driving home one night and saw lights and being the nosy ones we are we decided to check it out. The kids were practicing that night. They let Jaz try it out that night and the next night and she loved it! So we signed her up. Last night she had her first official race. She had 3 races and she placed 5th, 2nd and 3rd. She was so excited!!! With a little work and lots of practice I think she'll be excellent! Yes, she has bit the dust a few times. Last night she hit pretty hard and got the wind knocked out of her but she got up and got back up on her bike. She's quite persistant. Yes, I know there is a probability that she might get hurt but ya know what, you can get hurt walking along the sidewalk too. We can't protect her in a bubble for the rest of her life. Although I wonder if I could bubble wrap her bike and jersey??? :D She's having a great time doing what she likes to do and really, that's all that matters isn't it? Gettin ready at the gate. Jaz is in the middle in the blue jersey.
All the kids from the track.

Jaz and her friend Hannah. They had a costume race since it's Halloween week. They had to run to one end of the track, put on a costume and run back.

Hula girl Jaz.

What Daddy????

Jaz settin up for the rhythm section.

Up and over.

Jaz

Jaz gettin ready for the turn......gotta love the pink shoes. LOL

Pirates of the Canyon

ARRRGH!!! Amarillo has been invaded by pirates! We spent the weekend at Pirates of the Canyon a local balloon festival. We had lots of fun. Lots of early mornings being bundled up in the cold but it was well worth it. Take a look at the pictures and see for yourself!ARRRGH!
Jaz and Jacey in the Amarillo National Bank balloon. Jaz got to pull the burners. She thought it was pretty neat!
Very early! We got up at 4 AM!! Everyone is bundled up.
Everyone glowing at once.

More glow....

Yup, that's the moon you see. Told ya it was early.

Glowing....

Close quarters....

Ducks, er balloons in a row.

Jaz and Jacey's favorite pilot Chris.

Flying under the pirate flag.

Pirates

Cruisin 66 balloon. Rob got to crew for them. He had a great time. Unfortunatly it was too windy for them to fly this one.

Cruisin 66

A vintage look at Cruisin 66

We have liftoff

Serenity

Inside of balloon

View from inside all aglow

Serenity

Cool view

Little shot of propane.

Hiya