the beach and balloons

How to enjoy the beach:

go in the morning when the sun isn't so hot and not so many people are there

bring lots of sweet and salty snacks to enjoy along with a cooler of ice cold beverages

remember your towels, shades, sand toys gear
forget all worries - you are at the beach!

apply plenty of sunscreen to your silly 2 year old
remember to let your daughter try things on her own - she is getting so brave in the water

let loose and make a big splash with your little family


How NOT to enjoy the Indianola National Balloon Classic

decide to go without researching into the event

leave only 45 minutes before the balloons take off
forget any sort of snack for the car trip or wait time in traffic

wear sandals so walking through the field is not only fun for you but also challenging for your daughter who is also wearing sandals
forget chairs and use the dog blanket you have had in your car for the past few weeks to sit on...a little dog hair won't hurt anyone.
leave the water and Gatorade in the car...after all, the signs did say no coolers

arrive to the event as the last balloon takes off

and finally, don't bring any bug spray for the fireworks...You are sitting in a field surrounded but thousands of people, how bad could the bugs be?