A tale of two balloons

It was the best of times...and then it was the worst of times.

Friday morning on our way home from Mary's gymnastics class we stopped at Sonic (because we're Texans now). Oh happy surprise! The car hop brought my children each a balloon! They were thrilled.

As we drove home, I was filled with happiness. My children were gleefully playing with their balloons, and my heart was warmed by their ability to be amazed and entertained by such simple things. I was reminded of how much I love my children.

With my heart swelling, I thought to myself that those balloons were a good omen. It was going to be a good day.

Then we got home. Have you all seen big Texan suburban homes with their super steep pitched roofs and accordingly high vaulted ceilings? They are DEATH TRAPS FOR HELIUM BALLOONS.

Not surprisingly, within 3 seconds of entering THE BALLOON DEATH TRAP, David's balloon was a goner, tangled in a moving fan twenty feet up.

While I was trying (unsuccessfully) to retrieve David's balloon with a ladder and broomstick, Mary's balloon succumbed to the high ceiling above the staircase (where a ladder cannot be placed).

Happy hearts to broken hearts in less than thirty seconds.

Let's just say it did not turn out to be a good day.