I had a dream to go in a hot air balloon...

And that bucket list item finally got checked off!

In the summer of 2019, I fell in love with the beautiful balloons that float through the sky, carrying people above the terrain for a unique view.

All I wanted to do was go up in a hot air balloon. For my birthday, a hot air balloon trip was the only thing I requested. My family and fiancé (at the time) all chipped in to help me accomplish that dream. The date was set for the fall! I was SO EXCITED. Due to windy weather, schedule conflicts, the long winter, and then COVID-19, we never got to go on the flight.

Until this August. Jess and I started doing a weekly date-night, now that we're married and living in Lebanon, MO.

It was his turn to plan date night, and conveniently the hot air balloonist we were scheduled to fly with back in 2019, Mark, contacted Jess to see if we were available for an evening flight. Jess took up the opportunity and texted me quickly -- "Don't make any plans for tonight, I've got date night covered!" He told me to dress comfy and cute, but the occasion would remain a surprise.

On our way to the rendezvous point, I tried guessing where we were going. I did actually guess it was a hot air balloon flight, but Jess did a really good job at changing the subject (lol). So when we pulled up and saw "HUMBLE FLIGHT HOT AIR BALLOON" on the side of Mark's trailer, my jaw dropped.

The Ride of a lifetime

I wasn't nervous at all.

I was so excited.

We were finally getting to go on a hot air balloon ride! I don't think I stopped smiling the entire evening.

A team effort

Family Owned | Faith Based

Mark and his family did a phenomenal job with our flight. They worked together quickly and efficiently to get the balloon in the air. The entire process was so neat to watch! I can't even describe just how amazing it was to see the fabric get unfolded, aired up, and transformed into a beautiful balloon.