At the end of last month the Senior Family Home Evening group that I belong to provided hot air balloon flights to a variety of individuals from the Ward. What started out as an FHE activity progressed into a High Priest activity, a great way to start a full day. Those attending were High Priests, their families, and all single sisters and any of their children, grandchildren, etc. It was a great family activity that will hold many wonderful memories for the rest of their lives.
It has been a while since I had the opportunity to help with a ballooning activity, and now I have the bug again. I loved seeing the kids eyes light up as they had an opportunity to help get the balloon ready for flight. While we were cold filling, the pilot let the children go inside the balloon to feel the cold wind, see the sun coming through the envelope, and to have their picture taken. They got to help hold down the crown line, and they got to help pull out excess fabric as we were cold filling. There was a lot of jumping, screaming, and tears when the burner started because it is so loud. However, it did not take long for the kids to get used to the sound.
Some of the older "kids" were just as nervous on their first ride as the younger children. However, all were ready for the second and third trips. The rides were not high or long. They went from one side of the field to the other. Once on the other side of the field, the strong men and boys would grab hold of the ropes and the pilot would lift the balloon a foot or so off the ground. The "haulers" would then walk the balloon back to the loading zone where there was a small step ladder available to facilitate getting in and out.
One trip included an unexpected landing in the trees. It added some excitement but did not daunt anyone's enthusiam. The "ground team" quickly removed the balloon from the shrubbery, and visa versa. Then the balloon was reinflated and walked back to the loading zone. Thank you Brother Jones for sharing your special talent. We all had a wonderful morning.
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