Got balloons?

I absolutely adore hot air balloons. I have loved them since I was a little kid. I have even gotten the fortunate experience of riding in one (everyone needs to do it at least once). When we first moved here, 15 years ago, the city used to do an annual balloon launch every day for a week the last week in June, during what was called the River Festival. But about five years after moving here, due to city budget cuts, the River Festival went away, as did the balloons. Oh, I would see one every once in a while, but never a skyfull. 

So imagine my joy at learning of a new tradition being started this year, to occur annually in the first week of September: The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic! My camera was ready, my coffee was poured, my robe was on (it was 6 am), and here they are:

  

I only regret they aren't the greatest pictures. The pics don't capture the colors as vividly as I would have liked. But trust me when I say they were absolutely breathtaking.