Forest Park Ballon Race

Carol planned a end of summer BBQ at her "lake" house in Goose Creek. Since most everyone had plans that weekend it turned out to be just she and I. So the Forest Park Balloon Race was this weekend...so we went.

This was actually Bob's idea but we did have to push him to go on the actual day.

Karl and I both woke up with bloody noses, some silly person (me) decided it was so nice that we should open the windows. Not a wise idea.

Then we went to buy a "new" car. My little red car was not going to hold out much longer traveling 70+ miles a day. $1500 for a car that made it nearly 2 years with minimal problems was well worth it.

So we were at the Car dealer for hours....I drove away in my new baby. 2001 Mazda Protege. Lovely car. Hail damage so I got it for a steal. This will transition to a car for Cianah when she turns 16. By then the Durango will be paid off (and hopefully still a wonderful car) and I can get a new car.

Anyway, tired and not feeling great I trudged to the Balloon Race.

The girls were at their dad's for the weekend and Cianah didn't want to go...so Carol, Bob, Danny, Bobby and I made our way.

All of us took our first trip on the metrolink. According to the Balloon Race website "a short 15 minute walk for the station." Yeah maybe if you aren't carting two babies in strollers up and down the hills of a golf course.

The way there we got on at Shrewsbury, the 1st stop so no trouble getting a seat. On the way back however, not so nice. 1st we got on the "Lambert Line" and not the "Shrewsbury Line" so we had to get back off and wait for the next train. Only the next train was bursting at the seems so no way of getting on there. 20 minutes later we cram on. Danny's hungry and crying. Bobby is all coozied up with some little girls who allowed him to share their seat.

All in all, next time I think I'll drive. There was parking everywhere.

The Balloon Race itself was more about how much money the man could squeeze out of you than the actual balloons.

Bobby enjoyed the bounce house:

The Barrel Ride got marginal reviews.

Although we did sit him right behind the four wheeler pulling the barrels, so maybe the carbon fumes made him feel good?

Once the balloons started taking off, we sat in a nice shady spot...Danny had a great time with the sticks and grass.

There were too many people for my liking. I felt like I was at the VP Fair. (Or whatever they call it these days)

Here are a few of my favorite shots:

I think we all felt like Danny on the way home....a nap was just what we needed.