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This is exactly why I love Fall. I have been waiting ALL month week to finally go to the Hot Air Balloon Festival that’s held here in Gonzales, LA. The last time we attended was in 2010 and it was still here in Baton Rouge. After moving to a new city with more ground, there were a lot more activities added to the festival. And being that one of those activities was on my bucket list, I was sold.

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The food–amazing. But isn’t fair food always amazing? I could not wait to get down there and get my chicken on a stick but when I saw bbq pork on a stick, ya’ll.. I indulged and I pigged out! I have no regrets. At. All.

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After eating, the kids spent a little time in the Kid’s Zone which included a load of inflatables and other fun activities. The “rides” were a bit expensive but I expected that since they were local businesses. And while I just could not spend $75 for them to bounce around for a few hours, they did get a chance to have a little fun in the inflatables.

I also got a chance to get on a ride… something that I had been wanting to do for a while now. Yes, I got in a hot air balloon! Although tethered, it was still an awesome experience. I wasn’t sure if they kids would be afraid or not so I decided to ride in the balloon alone. Next year, I’ll be sure to let them get in the balloon with me. *Ride in a Hot Air Balloon – check!

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The view was simply amazing. The picture doesn’t even do it justice. Being in the balloon really makes me one day want to take a ride that isn’t tethered.

Besides riding in the hot air balloon and the food (of course), my favorite part of the festival was the night show. Things really get interesting at night.

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Besides aliens, all of the balloons glow and then there’s fireworks. There’s also an activity where the pilots “twinkle” and they glow to the tune of music. Pretty cool to see.

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In the past, we never stayed for the firework show but this time we did. And after seeing it, I’m glad that we did. There were hearts and smiley faces and all type of designs and patterns. I didn’t take any pictures of the fireworks because I was too intrigued and amazed, plus I didn’t want to pull out my camera once we packed everything up. We got home around 11 PM and everyone was beat. I guess you can say we all enjoyed ourselves.

While I’d much rather dwell on the fun that I’ve had yesterday, but this cloudy day will be spent cleaning, studying, and preparing for the school and work week. Womp. But not only that, today will be spent reflecting.. on the laughter, the smiles, the satisfied bellies, and the familyhood of yesterday. Yesterday was a wonderful day. A wonderful, blessed day.

How was your weekend? Any fun festivals around your way?

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18 Comments
  1. Stefany Mari

    September 29, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    Omg that is beautiful! I wish we had stuff like that up in Boston. Your children will definitely cherish these memories. Yay for crossing something off your bucket list!! I’ve been on a tethered air balloon as well & it was scary as hell LOL I am too chicken to do the real joint.

  2. Jennifer

    September 29, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    In all the years that I lived in Louisiana, I’d never heard of/been to this !!! Where was I ? This looks like such a great time 🙂

    http://www.futurelawyergirl.com

    1. Rae

      October 2, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      Don’t feel bad. I just found out about it four years ago but I don’t think it’s been around for a long time. Or maybe it has.. I’m not sure. I’m sure there’s something like this where you are. If there is, I’m sure you’d love it!

  3. Kat

    September 29, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    Sounds like a great time and the photos of the hot air balloons are superb. I’d be terrified to get into a hot air balloon, tethered or not, lol. Your children are going to have a lifetime of memories 🙂 you guys are always doing fun things.

  4. Jessica L

    September 29, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    I definitely don’t mind picture heavy posts….Anyhow, I would definitely enjoy going to this. I wish we had a hot air balloon festival around here. There are hot air balloon rides in Temecula, but I don’t think there is a festival. Although I’d go alone as well because Scott hates heights. -Jess L

  5. Josie

    September 29, 2013 at 10:20 pm

    Whoa this seems AMAZING! I want to do a hot air balloon ride but I’m terrified. How was it?! It looks like you and the kids had a greattime. What I would give to have a NO version of fall!

  6. Haley

    September 30, 2013 at 12:30 am

    Amazing photos! Wow–I’ve never heard of this festival! I’m putting it on next year’s agenda–and right there in Gonzales–an hour and a half drive would definitely be worth seeing this for me! Also–your kids are such cuties–beautiful family!

    1. Rae

      October 2, 2013 at 10:47 pm

      you are going to love it!

  7. vanessa

    September 30, 2013 at 9:03 am

    wow, this festival looks amazing!
    riding in a hot air balloon is definitely on my bucket list, except that i’m terrified of doing so, haha.
    i’m happy you all enjoyed yourselves 🙂

    vanessa
    http://grace-and-gratitude.blogspot.ca/

    1. Rae

      October 2, 2013 at 10:48 pm

      I think if you’d try the tethered ride, you’ll be okay with it. I’m considering a full hot air balloon ride sometime next year, perhaps during the summer.

  8. Tamara

    October 1, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    I am too ashamed of myself! My own hometown and I have never been to the Balloon Festival! Not only that, as I was developing my photos from the Jambalaya Park this weekend (that’s what I was doing! Homework..EGH) a classmate of mine all the way from Monroe came to the Balloon Festival just to take photos for our project. Double EGH! I feel like I missed out and your photos are beautiful!! But attending this festival (and many others too!) are on my mental list of accomplishments yet to be made. I am glad you went and had fun 🙂

    1. Rae

      October 2, 2013 at 10:44 pm

      Shame on you! I won’t lie, you missed out but they’ll be back next year. And you BETTER be there too! (;

  9. The Indie

    October 2, 2013 at 8:56 am

    This is so amazing! I had no idea a hot air balloon festival would have actual hot air balloons! (Don’t judge me lol). It’s one of those things that sound too good to be true to me. That’s so awesome that you were able to ride in the balloon (albeit tethered). Your post and experience has just completely inspired me! So glad you went and shared your experience 🙂

  10. Chymere Anais

    October 2, 2013 at 10:30 am

    That is so neat! I’ve always wanted to ride a hot air balloon. A lot of fall festivals are coming my way, so I’m hoping to attend a few.

    Chymere Anais

    …and guess what? I tagged you in The Sunshine Award! For rules and information, I’ve linked it for you to check out: http://chymere-anais.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-sunshine-award.html I look forward to your participation.

  11. Jhan

    October 2, 2013 at 1:09 pm

    How cool, you got to ride in a hot air balloon! Although it was tethered, did you feel your heart sink a little when it began to float? (I’ve always wondered about that). This looks like such a fun day! I love the piggy balloon. :-)…oh, and I wouldn’t be able to pass up the bbq on a stick, either.

    1. Rae

      October 2, 2013 at 10:43 pm

      To be honest, it did. I couldn’t stop giggling. I just felt so happy and light and ..free. I wish it would have been a little longer. It was so soothing.

  12. Valla

    October 3, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    These pictures look amazing and that funnel cakes looks do delicious. One of my favorites.

  13. Kay

    October 28, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    I always wanted to attend a Ballon Fest! The south is where I need to be. Great pictures!

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