Where in the world is Alexander Taylor Pierre?: A little magic happen last weekend

Wishes come and wishes go. As adults, we (meaning I) take those wishes for granted. I tend to play it off because, let's face it, we don't want to let our loved ones down when they do make a wish and it doesn't come true.
Well, I was proven wrong this past weekend and could not be happier for it.
On Thursday, June 16 th we drove to San Antonio, Tx. We did the touristy thing and walked the "river walk", had dinner and later visited the Alamo. It was HOT!!! We felt lucky for being able to bring along our dog Molly and in most places that we went she was welcomed; except for the Alamo. Jackie took Alexander for the tour while I waited outside with Molly; when they came out Alexander insisted I go in to see the rest of the museum with him. We went in, and in the middle of the courtyard was a wishing well. I had to explain to him the mythology of the well and gave him a penny; being Alexander, he made his wish out loud: "I wish I could fly". Well I said, being the practical, protective parent, "you can't fly without an airplane, but maybe someday".
That weekendb, Jackie planned, for my birthday,

Balloon Glow

A mother and son moment

Lucky Charm

Alexander in Blue hooded sweater in Awe of the fire

WOW

That fire keeps me warm

something like a 120k BTU every he fires that thing

That poor guy it's his job to keep the balloon
steady.

life is good.

as well as for Fathers Day, for us to observe the Balloon Festival at Angel Fire, NM. We arrived Saturday and after dinner attended the ceremonial night- lighting of the Balloons (called Balloon Glow). It was spectacular to see but avoiding the prairie dog holes was a challenge. The next event was at 7:00 the next morning and we surely were not going to miss that. Up at 5:30am with sleepy eyes, having changed time zones recently, we head to the field. Once there we met some people whom Alexander chatted with, but they were working hard to set up and obviously needed another couple of hands so I offered to help and in between helping they hinted that we may be able to go up. Yippee!!!! I texted Jackie, who was sitting in the car, to come out and take some pics while we worked: being able to "fly" was like a dream (or a wish) come true.
As expected, Alexander did get the chance. Unfortunately, there was only room and time for two guests plus the pilot to lift off at a time. One father who was helping allowed his son to go first and Alexander went next.
Later on, after the work of descending and packing up this huge balloon, a small ceremony was held celebrating Man's first flight. The pilot told a story of the first flight which happened somewhere in France in 1837; that's when the magic happened. Alexander and the other boy were both "christened" for having taken part in a tradition of the first man who left the earth without wings. Champagne was passed around (apple juice for the kids) and another little story told; then the kids got down on their knees for the "christening". As part of the ceremony the pilot said and I will try to put it as best as I can remember:
"for having taken your first flight without wings or hands now you must drink without hands".
It wasn't until the next morning that I realized how magical this encounter was and I wanted to share it with all of you (including myself) before I forget it...