Hot Air Balloon Ride

On Saturday evening, Taylor and I went on a hot air balloon ride. I got a free ride from the owner of the hot air balloon because I taught their daughter, Sydney. What a great teacher gift:) Taylor and I lifted off from Kollen Park. It was filled with lots of people--many students taking pictures before prom and lots of families enjoying the weather. I helped with getting the balloon ready for the flight while Taylor took some pictures. Our flight lasted about 45-60 minutes (it was a very calm night, so we did not go fast). It was amazing!! We were just above the buildings in downtown Holland. Our flight past took us from Kollen Park to the former Holland Country Club where we had such a smooth landing. We travelled almost straight down 8th Street. When we finally landed there were several people who came to see the balloon land and then everyone helped deflate the balloon and pack it away in a small bag. The kids that showed up to see it land were mesmerized and excited to help deflate it. It was so quite as we took the flight (except for the occasional tanks that went off to keep us afloat). We could hear all the people who came out of their houses and buildings so see the balloon talking and waving to us. We passed right over City Vue and could see the people eating their dinner at the restaurant. There is also a few great pictures of Hope College's new Soccer/Lacrosse field. I even managed to get a picture of our subdivision and I can spot our house, too. It was a very unique and special experience. At first Taylor wasn't too excited about the flight (he thought it wouldn't be that great), but when we up in the air I could tell that this was an experience that he would remember for a long time:)