Traditionally people pop open crackers on Christmas, but we crack them on New Year's Eve. Christmas crackers have been around since 1845 - more on their history here.
This year Aaron found the coolestl crackers for us this year. Each one had the traditional paper crown and bad joke, and also a packet of balloons for making balloon animals. The box came with a balloon pump and how to instructions.
We were making balloon animal all night and the rest of the holiday!
Last week Aaron and I got a preview ride in the Civil War replica balloon, The Intrepid at Genesee Country Village and Museum.
This historic flight almost didn't happen. The balloon uses helium instead of hydrogen (good thing) as you may or may not know there is a helium shortage. Macys saved the day by donating helium for the balloon. Macys? Yeah! Think about all the balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
I didn't even know there were balloons in the Civil War. Turns out Abraham Lincoln approved the fleet for spying on the Confederates. The Museum recreated this balloon with all the details like the painting on the balloon and the basket.
Now visitors at the Genesee Country Village and Museum can take rides in The Intrepid.
The balloon can go up to 300 feet. The morning we were there we only went up 50 feet because of the winds but it was still cool.
I want to go back and take the balloon up to 300 feet. I've heard the view is amazing.
What a fun thing to add to your Rochester to-do list.
