Balloons Aloft make for an enchanted morning at Enchanted Hills Elementary

RIO RANCHO — 7 a.m. has never been this fun.

That's what the students (and some parents, perhaps) had on the mind Friday morning, as Enchanted Hills Elementary got set to send off two hot air balloons from their school as part of the "Balloons Aloft" program.

As the sun rose over the Sandia Mountains, students ran around the recess field with parents and families in attendance in anticipation of the launch.

"Electric Kool-Aid" by Jody Browning and "Bottom's Up" by Chuck Wehner got ready to go from the playground launch points, as each pull of the burner inside the balloon cued screams and yells of excitement from the children.

Families lined the field with their vehicle tailgates, some turning truck beds into seating. Others got up close and personal with the balloons, watching the magic unfold right in front of them. Some kids were enamored with the two aircraft, while others were off to the side playing football or tag.

Either way, there was an energy in the air.

But if that wasn't enough to wake you up, the school also offered refreshments at a make-shift concession stand. Donuts, hot cocoa and (thankfully) coffee were available for $1 along with breakfast burritos for $8.

Sweet treats in hand, the students waved goodbye to Electric Kool-Aid and Bottoms Up as the morning sun fully rose.

"Balloons Aloft is always such a magical event for students and families," Enchanted Hills principal Jennifer Bartley said. "It is a great learning experience to be able to bring the beauty and wonder of the Fiesta directly to their community. We are so very appreciative of the pilots and crews for this event."

The two balloons, launching from the home of the Mustangs, made their way into the air with dozens of fellow flyers around the Metro, as Balloon Fiesta is ready to launch.