It's a bird, it's a plane, it's hot air balloons!

On the way home from our county fair adventures, we ran into something really cool! It's not unusual to see hot air balloons, but it's extra special when you get to see them getting ready to go right before your eyes.

We caught them as they were spreading out the balloons and getting them ready to be filled up. 

Getting a hot air balloon up in the air takes a lot of people and effort!

M and Mischa hang out from the car door. Things are starting to get exciting.

There they go, three balloons getting ready for the journey.

Outside of the car was a much better view.

The lady was holding the tether for this balloon, while another man held the other.

It's getting bigger, we want to try this out sometime!

That is one massive flame. Check out the colors and the guy's funny face!

One hot air balloon is up and ready to go!

Time to gooooo!! Watch out for that hot flame though!

See you later! What a cool experience. M and Mischa and the two of us will have to give it a try sometime!

The best place to watch the balloons as they set off on their journey! An ice cream truck even showed up behind our entourage along with a bunch of other balloon watchers. Definitely something to add to our "Adventure To Do List".

Visiting the County Fair

M and Mischa visit the county 4-H Fair. Good times for all! Since they're a little too small to drive the tractor, they posed instead.  There are lots of fun things to see (and eat).

M and Mischa have decided to go into construction.

Chickens and bunnies galore!

Zach and the bunny had some words. Nice words.

Of course there are sheep. This is the fair!

Clearly, we had found the pigs.

Mischa meets a pig! This pig was interested in what was under its bowl.

M met the pig, the pig wanted to eat M. I'm not sure this is the ideal outcome.

Talented people with talented animals! Pretty exciting.

Llamas apparently like to have staring contests.

It's not M or Mischa's idea of a good meal, but this goat thought it was appetizing.

That's more like it! Mischa thinks goats are pretty cool.

The perfect thing to eat at the fair! You can't pass up a lemon shakeup and elephant ear. It's a fair staple. M and Mischa agree.  (It was delicious!)

Kutztown!

So on our wondrous travels we stopped at a place of higher education known as Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.  We have been told it is the place our malevolent caretakers met, and went to school.  It is famous for having a clock tower which some say looks like a chicken.  This notion is preposterous and anyone I catch spreading the rumor will be beaten without mercy.

I SEE NO CHICKEN

There are many nice sights to see at Kutztown, all of which will be demolished when I am finished with my master plan.  After looking at the NOT-chicken tower we were forced to go to a strange set of water stairs. I would have tried to collapse the rock wall on the hapless humans, especially the one in the stupid shorts with the bald spot but the monkey stayed my hand.  One day there the pain will be yours bald spot man.  ONE DAY.

The fountain did feel nice though...

After the fountain our captors forced us on a trail of tears to visit the schools monument.  On the way I spotted a building named the academic forum.  I plotted with the monkey to chew through our captors bag and escape, but she just faced forward smiling.  

This inferior human structure will make a good temporary base of operations once our freedom is obtained.

Finally someone worthy of carrying my visage.

Finally before our handlers became fickle and bored with this place we were greeted with the school's mascot.  A bear of great stature, I enjoyed being perched on his arm, and tried to get him to attack our savage jailers, but he refused to speak.  I fear not though for my vengeance will be enacted soon, and they will bearly be able to utter a word before their demise.

M and Mischa Meet a Mummy

M and Mischa meet Nefrina, the resident mummy at the Reading Public Museum. Mummies are cool and interesting and tell us a lot about the past. 

Mummy Nefrina from the side. Even the wrapping is well preserved.

The top of Nefrina's coffin case. 

They've discovered a lot about Nefrina.

The mummy mask of Nefrina

This is what they think Nefrina would have looked like when she was still alive.

M & Mischa at the Reading Public Museum

M and Mischa visit the Reading Public Museum and play mancala. This museum has changed a lot and everyone was pleasantly surprised that they have added some fun activities for kids and have made some great overall changes! 

Toothpick World is a must see! 

These are pretty cool statues of the Chinese Zodiac.

Mischa and M have found fluorescent minerals, cool!

The museum has some awesome art by Keith Haring.

What a cool exhibit with armor and weapons!

The Pennsylvania Dutch exhibit is a must see, lots of old treasures.

M & Mischa visit Reading, PA

Hi M and Mischa! What a lovely day to visit the Reading Public Museum Arboretum, even if it was hot!

I spy with my little eye, two fuzzy little friends!

M, Mischa, and Zach think the museum is pretty cool.

Mischa likes to hang out, like monkeys tend to do.

Mama duck and her babies like to hang out in the arboretum.