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hot air balloon ride.  definitely ON the bucket list.  can't tell you what number, but it's on the list.  and it's been checked off.  4th of july weekend, 2011. 

my mom and dad and my dad's sister and brother-in-law were planning the trip and i got to tag along.  i think they needed some comic relief.  or someone to master the art of taking the photo of the group while in the balloon.  or who really knows...
we met the balloon company at 7am friday morning. 

and, what they don't tell you when you sign up for this, is that YOU'RE the one doing the work.  you don't just get to ride in the basket.  no, you'll actually need to shower upon returning home.  everyone riding helps set up and tear down the balloon. 

becuase it starts like this.  oh yes.  in a small bag.

 i know it doesn't look like i'm doing work, but i am.  i'm letting the ginormous fans which you don't see and are blowing me in the face fill up the balloon.  but, always an opportunity for a photo.

i can't really get over how large this balloon was--some perspective... that's sandy and karen on the right; mom and dad on the left.

and i thought it was just fun to be with the parentals.  i don't get to see them all that much. 

alright, annie, get in the balloon. 

right about now is when i was wishing i had worn, like, a tank top and shorts.  it's blazing hot in a hot air balloon--i mean, you wouldn't think, but it's like sitting right next to a really big fire--THE WHOLE TIME--i can't believe my head didn't just go up in flames.  that was like 3-day hair.  a lot of product on that hair. 

see-i've already lost the jacket. blazing hot.  sweaty arm pits.  but, yes, it was still fun.

but it was worth it for views like this...

and this...

 and the airport...

and here's the balloon chase vehicle...a completely different experience, i must say...while riding in the balloon chase vehicle, it is just that...a chase.  and it's completely chaotic.  pretty much a riot.  i'd ride around in the van again, just for a good laugh. 

so back toward the ground and we're still having fun...

and once it's down, you have to work hard to keep the basket on the ground...

and then you have to roll it up...(still sweating, by the way)

take a quick photo with the parentals--this was how i helped deflate the balloon...it worked...

roll up the balloon--again, let's just sit on the balloon to get the air out.  i know how these things work...

and we're all done.  it was so much fun.  and it was a lot of work.  and a lot of laughs.