This has been in the works for over 2 years, planned and canceled 6 or more times, several siblings, parents, or friends set up "on call" to babysit.. and finally, one hot July day it came to pass.. my birthday surprise of 2014. We met at the park on Schwartz road. I had no idea what we were going to do until I saw the "wonder aloft" truck and trailer pull in across the street. 5 people got out and began working on inflating a huge hot air balloon.
A few first thoughts were: "ok.. so we're going to do this"
I also had in my head a romantic Time of me and Jeremy enjoying a beautiful ride.. overlooking God's amazing scenery, a few kisses here and there....however I was a little concerned about his hot air balloon skills- I didn't realize that Larry would fly with us at first.. so this was both comforting and disappointing at the same time.. now that the ride is over.. I'm really glad he came along- he's been in flight 840+ times:) and has a license. ..
Another thought I had before taking off was "well. . It's a good thing we had our will made this year in case anything happens to us.. at least we've got things in order for our son".. you can tell I'm not used to living too near the edge.. I prefer caution most days (possibly inherited this from my mother?)
And we're uup and away! 
We thought about stopping in for Wednesday night church. . But hollered at people in the parking lot instead.. 
We also noticed there was plenty of room in the parking lot on a wednesday night. . 
Kind of cool seeing our church from this view..
The city of Grabill was also cool.. we flew right over Christian Community Health Care Clinic too!
Jeremy thought this was pretty cool. He asked lots of questions and I'm pretty sure he's ready to go himself at this point. . If only we had $20,000-$50,000 to spend on our own balloon. .
"The picture" every one gets while on a hot air balloon ride
How we both felt inside a little at times. .
We considered landing in Steve and Jane's back yard.. but power lines and wind direction prevented this.. 
The "romance" that crossed my mind initially. . 
Steve/tyler/Joel .. your corn is looking good
Jeremy and Larry
The back yard we landed in brought 2-3 families out with lots of excited kids.. it isn't every day a hot air balloon lands in your backyard:)
We hit a few things on out way down. . Some large hedge - tree things by a pond and some corn stalks before we skid a few times on the ground and the crew stopped us. 
This is the kind of romance"eros" love our Father has bestowed on us.. such beauty!
After each flight they do a toast based on a tradition started in the 1600's.. 
And the final pictures with the owners by the truck. What an awesome surprise Jerms! Thanks a bunch:)
