New Jersey Balloon Festival

It was a hot, humid day...so we decided to spend the day outdoors at the New Jersey Balloon Festival.

This wind would later add a delay to the start of the balloon show.

The kids had a chance to perform a latin number with Dr. Planet.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

Crocodile Floridee?!

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/8.0, ISO100

Tejus and Mohit wrestled the gator away for a photo.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 9.3 mm, f/4.8, ISO100

Kiran got an airbrush tatoo.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/2.8, ISO100

Tejus' tatoo.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/3.4, ISO100

Bhavna and Kiran found a ride they both enjoyed.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/4.8, ISO100

I think Bhavna enjoyed it more than Kiran.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/5.6, ISO100

The rides were fun. The sun was merciless but this is what we came for and it was all worth it.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

They look likely oddly shaped bubbles.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

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This barn was the largest balloon launched ......and it also traveled the shortest distance.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 9.3 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

This was one of the last balloons to take flight.

New Jersey Balloon Festival—Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

A Day out with Thomas the Tank Engine

Shaan's fascination with "Thomas the Tank Engine" led us on a 2-hour journey to the Strasburg Railroad in Ronks, PA, a trip fueled by his enthusiasm for the beloved train character.

A Day Out with Thomas offers a unique experience for children and fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. This event features a full-sized operating steam locomotive, Thomas the Tank Engine, which takes guests on a 16-minute excursion. There was some disappointment about the duration of the Thomas and Percy rides.

Food and drinks, such as hot dogs, pretzels, and kettle corn, were available during the event, adding to the enjoyment even on a hot day in June. We did have the convenience of ducking into various stores to cool off, making the day pleasant.

Overall, A Day Out with Thomas at the Strasburg Rail Road offered fun and educational experiences.

80 degrees. Low humidity. 4 hours sleep. Sounds like a "Day out with Thomas" | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 21 mm | 1180 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 10.6 mm | 1140 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 9.3 mm | 1470 sec at f/5.6 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 10.6 mm | 160 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 15.8 mm | 170 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 8.1 mm | 1470 sec at f/6.8 | ISO 100
A Day out with Thomas 2004 | Saturday 19 June, 2004 | Sony CYBERSHOT | 10.6 mm | 160 sec at f/3.4 | ISO 100

Strawberry picking at Terhune Orchards

The morning was bright, with the sun casting a warm glow and the air thick with humidity. Eager to make the most of it, we embarked on a short, early morning excursion to the nearby Terhune Orchards.

Terhune Orchards, situated in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, is a family-owned farm and winery established in 1975. Originally a 55-acre farm with apple, peach, and pear trees, it has evolved significantly. A vineyard was added in 2003.

Kiran enjoys a strawberry while Bhavna gives me her best smile. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 9.3 mm, f/5.6, ISO100
Bhavna and Kiran are enjoying the fresh fruit. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/6.8, ISO100
Enjoying some cool treats. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 9.3 mm, f/4.0, ISO100

Shaan and Kiran were excited, gleefully picking and sampling fresh strawberries from the plants. After our fruitful endeavour, we sought respite in the farm's "shed," a welcome haven offering chilled apple cider and refreshing ice pops. It was a delightful way to cool down. This simple yet joyous visit to the orchard marked the perfect beginning to a wonderful day.

Cub Cadet. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 15.8 mm, f/8.0, ISO100
Enjoying some treats. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/5.6, ISO100
Kiran. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 21 mm, f/8.0, ISO100

The farm spans over 200 acres and is recognised for its commitment to fresh, wholesome produce and quality products such as fresh-pressed cider, homemade baked goods, and gift baskets. The farm market, set in a 150-year-old barn, operates year-round. Terhune Orchards offers a variety of activities, including pick-your-own produce, wine tasting, and seasonal events, making it a popular destination for families and a key player in sustainable agriculture in the region.

Shaan and Kiran had the most fun feeding the animals on the farm, especially the ducks.

Feeding the chickens. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 7 mm, f/8.0, ISO100
Feeding the ducks. Sony CYBERSHOT + Sony @ 9.3 mm, f/8.0, ISO100