Hot Air Balloon Ride

So in February (I know, I am forever behind in blogging) Justin took me on a hot air balloon ride for my birthday/valentines day. I have always wanted to do this, but surprisingly when in came down to it, I was nervous. In the end, it was so much fun! 

It takes a whole team to work this balloon, and I can't believe so many people would come out and  help (usually you only get one ride in a day, unless you are a commercial balloon). My sister and brother in law were great to come along and help. It really is a sacrifice, not only is it a lot of work, but it is early. 

The cute basket 

My awesome sister and brother in law!

That is one big balloon!

The take off. What an awesome feeling leaving the ground in a balloon. 

 the pretty view

 of course we had to get a picture up in the air.

you have to get up really early due to wind... but on the bright side, you get to see the sun rise. and I am a night person, so this is a rare view for me!

justin's "up the nose, in the balloon" shot. this is what happens when you marry a 5 ft 1 girl and you are 6 ft 3 and you can't move to take a photo.

I guess Phoenix is kind of pretty in it's own way...

Gene took us really close to the mountain and then we shot off the mountain and saw the view. Probably one of my favorite things about the ride.

Anthem is the happening place for hot air balloons. 

So we landed in someone's yard! How crazy is that?! That reminds me another fun part about the ride is you can see into everyones yards. I have always loved just seeing into others lives and how they lived. A lot of people came out and waved to us... oh so friendly! 

 After they had a celebration for us! Bubbly for us non-drinkers, champagne for the team. 

 And THAT was a SURPRISE! Never had champagne poured on me... I guess it's tradition! We had so much fun and made some great friends through our hot air balloon adventure. First time in a balloon but hopefully not the last!