The sun was setting in the Utah desert, clouds filling up with shades of pink and orange as we slowly made our way out to the Lantern Festival.
We find a spot and lay out our blankets, then read the instructions to get our lanterns ready. The creative processes of my nieces and nephew flow as they decorate their lanterns in their own unique style.
Cbug draws mushrooms, Flooey does a self portrait, and crazylegs fills her lantern with a million flowers.
I write a note to lost loved ones, and welcome any alien life that may come upon my message.
Cbug excitedly asks if he can light them with the lighter. I can tell that his parents don’t usually let him play with fire, but I’m the uncle.
He is thrilled, as any young boy would be.
The night sky becomes an ocean of wishes as the lanterns slowly rise.
It’s the most magical experience we’ve encountered together as our wishes are sent out into the universe.
