Trying Something New - Floating Lanterns

On the evening of the day of the half-marathon, we attended a beach picnic birthday party. What we didn't know was that part of the activities planned for the birthday party included lighting floating paper lanterns!

It is a tradition better-known in Thailand, and one I've never experienced before. In many places it is illegal to light them, but our local friends hosting the party said that where we were, it was legal, and we asked no further questions. The paper lanterns were much larger than what I've previously envisioned, they involved more fire (for some reason, I'd always imagined they were powered by something tiny like a tea candle), and they were also a little bit challenging to actually send off into the air. We were a bit worried that a few of them would crash into the ocean far before their time, but they did all end up successfully floating!

The kids got to hold onto the smaller lanterns as they were lit and began to fill up with the hot air that would make them float.

But when the really big lanterns came out, you can bet that I quickly volunteered to help hold one. Such sacrifice, I know!

At first, Angel was lighting this one, but then they told him that he had to come hold it with me because it would be 'romantic.'

Some were saying that the party ought to have waiting until after dark to send off the lanterns...but that would require staying up late. I was perfectly content with the daylight strategy. #asleepbefore10

Other things that happened at the party were more normal, like Rebekah throwing a dead crab at MaryGrace, and afterwards being tackled to the ground by both Anna and MaryGrace...and once Mom broke up the fight...she threw another dead crab at MaryGrace. So when people ask what it's like to grow up in a family with hardly any boys...that's what it's like on some occasions...

Sarah had the intention of digging a well so deep she could reach fresh water.

And Anna just really, really loves being on the beach again.

What was the most recent time that you tried something new-to-you for the first time?