A wonderful big surprise!!!

While we were attending the Balloon Fiesta, we had another big surprise (aside from the Dawn Patrol "Glows").  The Balloonists had decided to have their shaped balloons at the Mass Ascension on Saturday since everybody had missed them on Friday.  It was fantastic:

This post will be filled with mostly pictures (and remember, not all of them by any means, just my favorites and the ones I think my family will enjoy the most).  There's a special one just for my son-in-law M, and another for my son N, but they'll have to find them.  There are also lots my grands will enjoy.  I wish I had had them there to see them for themselves. 

As I explained in the previous post, the Mass Ascension is all the balloons flying (or tethered, as some didn't take off) that day, taking off one after another within seconds of one another.  It was beautiful and awe inspiring.

The Mass Ascension was started with this balloon holding the American Flag while a local trio sang a beautiful version of the Star Spangled Banner.  It brought tears to my eyes, as Verle and I stood saluting our flag as it rose into the air.  Most people near us stopped whatever they were doing and watched, but it is so disheartening, to me, to see how few men removed their hats or anyone saluted, but at least they paused and watched: 

Here are a couple distance shots over the field as the balloons were being filled:

Then came the shapes, the glorious shapes:

Remember, they all had official names, but I didn't write them down, so you'll have to fill in the blanks or I'll give you my interpretation:

One of my favorites was Baby Bee (I think Bitsy Bee) who had a special seat rather than a basket.

Baby Bee was quickly followed into the air by Mom and Daddy Bee. 



They always try to "lift off" while having a special kiss and hug and then hold hands while flying.

Now just some favorites in no particular order, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

There was also an attraction that wasn't balloons, but was still impressive, to short me, anyway:

The following ones were tethered and did not take off, but they were big and impressive.

Here's one of a bunch of balloons in the sky at one time, during the Mass Ascension: 

There were lots more, but I'm going to stop here, as there are more than enough to look at for one post.  I hope you enjoyed the day as much as I did.  Smiles, Sue C