We live in a world of wonders, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in New Mexico, a state of enchantment. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day minutia of life, which tends to make us overlook the pleasures to be found right in our own backyards. When it comes to witnessing the joys and spectacles that surround us, none come close to the abject fascination of a child enthralled. Sophie is just such a child. At four years old, she presents a fresh take on the vast landscape of our wonderful state and the marvels that surround us.
Setting The Stage
For her first road trip, Sophie was introduced to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world’s largest balloon festival, which takes place right here in New Mexico. For sheer attendance numbers, this event can’t be beat, but that can also be a detriment for those parents who are afraid to let their children wander too far away in large crowds.
Many also argue that the festival is far too commercial and touristy for locals. Believe it or not, there are ways to experience the spectacle without endangering your kids. In turn, your kids can reignite the wonder of it all, no matter where you live.
For our first trip, we chose the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, which sits on the southern edge and overlooks Balloon Fiesta Park. Opened in 2005, the Balloon Museum has an incredible collection of ballooning equipment and memorabilia, dating back to the beginning of human aviation in the late 18th century. It’s a great place to introduce young minds to the fascinating history and culture of this uplifting pastime.
Watching the spectacle from the museum field may not be how most people choose to experience the balloons, but from a parent’s perspective, it seemed the safest. It allowed Sophie the freedom to roam and explore. It also allowed her grandmother and great grandmother to enjoy the spectacle. That’s another great thing about the museum, you can take people who might not be as mobile to see the balloons, without worrying about the crowds.
Starting The Day
During the Balloon Fiesta, the museum opens early, for those interested in starting the day with the dawn patrol at 5 a.m. We arrived at 4:30 a.m., which is early for anybody, much less a child. Sophie took it all in stride, eager to begin her adventure. The only thing she didn’t like about it was that her little brother was allowed to wear his pajamas, while she had to get dressed, so she would be prepared for the video we would be shooting. The promise of breakfast helped.
Tickets to the museum included a full breakfast in the upper foyer of the museum, catered by Garcias and providing the standard eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and, of course, New Mexican chile. Sophie had eggs, fruit, and, if we’re going to be honest, way too many biscochittos. That taken care of, we walked out onto the balcony to watch the dawn patrol.
That experience kicked off a whole day of learning and abject amazement. At first one or two balloons at a time went up into the waking sky, but after dawn broke, more and more began to rise. Her excitement grew. She was completely mesmerized and began asking questions. Back into the museum we went to answer them.
A Learning Experience
Back inside, we learned about the history of ballooning, and saw examples of all the different balloon types, along with schematics, heritage, and milestones along the way. We wanted her to grasp what goes into this sort of thing, and the museum staff did not disappoint. She learned that the Balloon Fiesta isn’t just about a bunch of pretty balloons up in the air. Getting them there takes a lot of time and energy, and a lot of expertise.
Most people in Albuquerque tend to see the balloons at a distance, and don’t really understand what goes into it until they’re on the field to see and hear them being inflated. Then when they rise up and join the others, it can blow an adult’s mind. Imagine what goes through a child’s mind! Her response to it all was, “Mommy, they all look so teeny tiny in the sky, but when they fall down, they’re huge!”
The other takeaway for her was the teamwork that goes into it. She was very taken by how many people are involved. For her to realize that putting a balloon in the air wasn’t a solitary experience was notable. She was counting how many people it took, from the inflation crew, to the chase crew, to the people who guided the balloons back down. For her to realize just how much teamwork is necessary really intrigued her.
Experiencing The Event
As for the balloon fiesta itself, Sophie had a great time. The magnitude of all those balloons in the air was mesmerizing to her. She had a hard time focusing on any one balloon. She said that the most challenging part of the day was picking her favorite color. She was so taken by all the colors in the sky that I think it was a little overwhelming for her. She was struggling to nail down what she was seeing, and picking a favorite color was easiest for her.
The shapes, too, intrigued her. It must have been like a dream to have so many unique and colorful characters floating above her. She was completely mesmerized. But when the balloons started coming down right in front of her, she was captivated. She watched as the crews brought the balloons down, folded them up and put them away in the trucks. She found that completely fascinating.
We talked a lot about why the balloons go up the way they do, only to return later. She couldn’t figure out why they came back. She understood because the schematics at the museum showed her how it worked, but it wasn’t until we were watching it happen, and I explained it again, that she got it. She equated it to airplanes. We leave from a certain location, only to return to it when we come home.
Making Memories
In the end, it was an experience she won’t soon forget. In fact, she’s ready to go back. It was non-stop fun for her, from start to finish. We were there until around noon and she was completely engaged the entire time. Now, when she rewatches the video we shot, she says, “That was so fun, I want to do it again.” I couldn’t be happier.
As a parent, it’s important to me to articulate all the amazing things we have in New Mexico. It’s just such an amazing place to raise children. You want them to see and do it all. I felt compelled to make it happen. I don’t have to force Sophie to do anything. Everything you see in the videos is completely unscripted. I don’t even think we could script anything for her. She’s a force of nature.
