We started the week with a long beautiful flight off the field. We flew right over the Bair house, I took a few pictures for Ray to use on the For Sale brochures. Carol couldn't bare the thought of selling the house, so she has run off and joined a biker gang. We had a lovely going away party, dressed up and everything, but it was too late. (Okay, not really.)

Andrew brought along a friend from school. Sammy the class dog, made it all the way from Ireland. We figuered it was only fitting that he should get to fly in the Flight of the Nations.

As always we had a crackerjack crew. And since we were flying the stolen Kaleidoscope, we named the balloon Recovery and our crew the Recovery Wagon. George was the best, after only 3 years out helping he has learned more than I have in 10, I blame my children. We took him out for his birthday midweek and said a big thanks for all his help.

And last but certainly not least, where would we be without the kids. We got a great surprise on the second weekend as the Snyders took their long break to drive out from their new digs in Austin to hang with us. It would not have been Fiesta without them. The girls were thrilled to see each other. Of course Andrew had his hands full long before their arrival. Between Gwen and Julie, not to metion all the girls he left behind in Dublin, he is quite busy already picking out a ring. (Just ask Cindy.) Who will wear this ring, he does not know, but I guess he feels its importants to be prepared!