Balloon Festival and The 4th of July

We've made a tradition of going down to the Balloon Festival every year. Last year the kids were miffed because, instead of seeing the Balloon Festival on the Fourth, they had to come watch me run over the finish line of the Freedom 5K. This year we went on the first day of the Balloon Festival -- the day the balloons didn't launch because of inclement weather. Oh well, it was fun to walk around the hot air balloons as they inflated!

On the Fourth of July I ran the Freedom 10K (although "ran" may be a rather generous term, considering how many people passed me). When we were running up by the state mental hospital we saw a deer get attacked by a dog. One of the runners had the presence of mind to run over and give the dog a swift kick, giving the deer enough time to run away. Excitement all around.

After I crossed the finish line and claimed my awesome white water bottle, I met up with the boys, who had found a good place from which to watch the parade.

I love how H stands with his hands on his hips.

S and O

When the parade was over we walked down to Colonial Days. This man was dipping candles. S was fascinated because he just finished reading "The Swiss Family Robinson" and they dip candles in the book.

We shared a funnel cake and headed home. It was a fun morning.