Apples and Balloons

This weekend was the kickoff to fall in our part of the world. It starts off with the Adirondack Balloon Festival and involves apple picking and overall a weekend to spend with friends and family. We drove to Ticonderoga with our friends the Burleigh's, all eight of us crammed into their van and headed to Ti to catch the ferry to Vermont. The weather teetered on rain all day, overcast with a clearing of blue sky just far enough of reach that we barely saw it, but regardless we didn't let it stop us. The apples trees were abundant with fruit, it was barely work to fill our bags. Luke climbed a tree and Ellie climbed her dad. We packed a picnic lunch and were lucky enough to be serenaded by a dazzling guitar duo who were playing in an effort to raise funds for the flood victims of Irene. Luke showed 'em how he grooves which was pure awesomeness.

It was a perfect afternoon. We arrived home caked in mud, changed our clothes and headed out to see the evening balloon launch with my mom. Traffic was crazy but we arrived just in time to see the lift-off. Ellie was smitten with the strawberry balloon, Luke was enthralled with the planes that were on display. We stayed until the sun set in a glorious fashion.

Welcome fall, we're happy you're here (although it is almost 80 degrees and hot hot hot!)