It didn't seem to make alot of sense at first. Spend a really large amount of cash to rent an airplane a car and a hotel room for 4 people with a couple of weeks notice and hurl yourself through bad weather halfway across the country.
But on second thought -meeting your mom your flight instructor and some more of your best friends in the world in New Mexico for the legendary Balloon Fiesta where you can help set up balloons, meet balloonists, eat incredible food, see aspens turning and see the sun rise 4 days in a row...
Duh - No brainer!