Starting the Bucket List
Starting to work on your Bucket List feels a little scary and exciting at the same time. After all, this is a list of things you hope to accomplish before you expire. When you decide to start chipping away at it, a moment of trepidation creeps into the back of your mind. You can’t help but wonder if you’re entering the home stretch.
But then the excitement takes over. Seeing lifelong dreams come true pushes the fear aside, and suddenly, we are running full speed ahead. There is something incredibly exhilarating about turning those dreams into reality—and we don’t intend to slow down anytime soon!
A 35-Year Dream Takes Flight
This collision of feelings hit us recently when a 35-year-old dream finally came true. We fell in love with hot air balloons the first time we saw them back in the ’70s. Whenever we could, we sought them out, and what a thrill it was when we found 10 balloons launching together! Back then, even 10 balloons seemed like an incredible sight.
Then one day, Lori browsed a bookstore in Boston and discovered a book all about hot air balloons. Inside those pages, we learned about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. At the time, around 100 balloons launched together, a number that seemed completely unfathomable to us.
100 balloons!!! Can you imagine???
We made a vow that someday we would go. But Albuquerque seemed like a world away, and life had other plans. We settled into our jobs, raised a family, and tucked that dream away in the back corners of our minds. We never forgot it—we simply waited for the right time to bring it back to life.
Finally, We Were on Our Way
Fast-forward 35 years (35 years???), and suddenly we found ourselves living in Arizona—just a hop, skip, and a jump from Albuquerque. We tried year after year to make the trip, but something always came up and kept us from going. Finally, we decided that 2017 would be our year, and nothing would stop us.
The eight-hour drive seemed to last an eternity, but we finally made it to Albuquerque. We just can’t wait to see all those balloons! We set the alarm for 4:00 a.m. so we could reach the field by 5:00. Unfortunately, about 10,000 other people had the exact same idea, and they sent us straight into a 45-minute traffic jam.
Just another hiccup.
Deep breath.
We’ll get there.
550 Balloons Take Flight
The Dawn Patrol balloons had just started inflating when we stepped onto the field, glowing like giant light bulbs against the predawn darkness. They lifted off with quiet beauty and effortless grace, drifting across the sky like fireflies.
Then they gave the thumbs-up, and the remaining 550 balloons began to inflate.
The sight. The sounds. The smells. The excitement.
We simply can’t describe it.
550 balloons! In the air. All at once. OMG!!!
After 35 years of dreaming about this moment, we finally stood there and watched it unfold right before our eyes. It felt surreal, thrilling, and absolutely magical.
We captured hundreds of photos, and here are just a few of our favorites. If you want to see more, check out the link to our extensive photo album at the bottom. We hope you enjoy these incredible moments as much as we enjoyed experiencing them!
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time – Much love,
Romin, Pete, & Lori
Note: all links in this newsletter are secure and will take you to our photo albums, videos, or to a secure website. Click on any photo to enlarge it.
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