Balloon Glow and Hop in the City
Last weekend was jam packed with fun, family, and friends. On Friday night, we went to the Balloon Glow in Forest Park. I had never been before and it was a really cool experience. We arrived at about 7:15 and most of the balloon were up and glowing.
There were so many people and beautiful balloons. We were joined by my parents and my sister and her boyfriend, Kyle.
When the sun went down, the balloons really started to glow. Every few minutes, someone would blow a bullhorn and the all of the balloon would fire up and glow. The whole area would light up and you could feel the heat on your skin. It was an awesome sight!
Mike loved taking pictures of the fire up close.
(You can check out more pictures on Mike's blog.)
At about 8:30, we started the trek back to our car. Then, we sat. In traffic. Not even traffic. In a parking lot. For 1 hour and 30 minutes. I was NOT a fan. We did see the fireworks from the lot but we weren't too happy. Final verdict: Although I loved the balloon glow and thought it was a great experience. However, I won't be going back for a long time. It was one of those "see it once, and don't need to see it again" kind of things for me. I am sure I will bring my future kiddos there someday but obviously, that won't be anytime soon.
Saturday was the day of the Hop. We weren't able to go to this amazing event last year but we did attend in 2007 and 2006. There's not too much to say about the Hop. You get a little cup and are able to taste 40 different Schlafly beers. It all starts off just great and turns into a pretty hot mess quickly. We even ran into Jenn and Mary. Great seeing you girls! Ok...time for the pictures...
Final Verdict: I will attend this event every year that I can. SO. MUCH. FUN.
What a fun weekend! I'm always so jealous of your social life, miss thang.
You're family is so cute. :) We didn't make it to either event this year, but I REALLY want to go next year!
Your weekend sounds fabulous!! Love the pics!!
Awesome pics! It was great seeng you too :) Mary sent me an email about the Bottleworks Hop festival on 10/17...are you guys heading to that too???
I so hate feeling like a herd of cattle, and I'd probably feel the exact same way about the Balloon Glow. Now, the HOP Festival on the otherhand...so so jealous. Missing things like this is the hardest thing about being pregnant...
Thanks for sharing about your experience at the Balloon Glow. My husband and I were going to take our 18 mo. old but at the last minute decided it'd be too late for him to be up. Glad we skipped it. He would not have liked the 1 1/2 traffic jam in Forest Park! Maybe when he's older...
I had not heard of the Hop. But sounded great. A little like the Brewers Festival? We went this summer and it was the same idea. Will have to mark my calender for the Hop next year!
That's such a bummer about the traffic-I'm so spoiled because I live within walking distance to the park. I had fun seeing you at Schlafly! Did you know there's ANOTHER event at Bottleworks next month?
We went to the Balloon Glow a couple of years ago and felt the same way as you did. It's a great experience, but we aren't ready to go back anytime soon.
You aren't the only person I heard complain about getting out of there. That sounds like a really bad downside, but the pix are great. Maybe I'll take my kiddo when he's older. Thanks for posting about the hop too, I've never done that.
Great pics! We went last year, so didn't feel the need to go this year. It is definitely a cool event to attend every couple of years maybe.
Oh, and I love your new profile pic. Gorgeous!
We want to take our girls to this next year...it looks amazing!