Sweetgrass Day

Saturday was a celebration marking 4 years since the first home was completed in our neighborhood. I think it was a great success. Our family had a great time at all the festivities.

First, we got up early so we could take a hot air balloon ride. You know, the kind where the hot air balloon is tethered down, so it can only go up about 20 feet. We were the second family in line, so we didn't have to wait long to be able to take our ride. And it's a good thing, too, because the wind picked up pretty quickly, and not many people were able to ride. Jack and Miriam went up first. Miriam sat on the floor of the basket and looked out the foot step hole. Then Rebecca and I went. We actually had to stay in the balloon for several minutes until the wind calmed down enough for us to get out. Joseph stayed with the Delaneys while we went because he was scared by the noise of the balloon when we were in line, so we knew he would not be happy in the basket!

After the balloon rides, there was a pancake breakfast at the park. The food was good and the kids had fun playing after breakfast. Then we took a break and went to a Primary activity at the church. After that, we came home and went right over to the games and activities going on at the park. There was face painting, which the kids went right to. Even Joseph climbed up in a chair to get his face painted. I feel bad for the poor boy who painted his face. It was his first time painting anyone's face, and he got a squirmy 2-year-old!

Sparky the fire dog came out to visit with the kids and talk about fire safety. It is a remote control fire truck with a dog in it that the controller talks for. It is a great way to interact with the kids in a fun way. The kids were dancing around with the dog, too!

There was also a table where the kids could paint. I know this was a big hit with my kids. Miriam even painted a rock, but we discouraged that...

There were also other games for the kids to play and earn tickets to be entered in a drawing for a prize. Here is a funny game-- they had a stuffed mosquito they would drop down the pipe and you were supposed to try to swat it with your hand. It was actually pretty difficult to do! Rebecca did finally hit it, though!

There were also booths for different companies in the area and some craft booths. After the fair, there was a Mexican lunch served. All in all it was a great day and lots of fun!