Laura Goggin Photography: Invasion on the Upper West Side

There are a couple of only-in-New-York things I've wanted to do for a long time. The first is to see the circus elephants march through the Midtown Tunnel at midnight. As of yet, I've not mustered the energy to go see this, but I have a feeling this tradition might not last long, so it's definitely on my list of unique things to do.

The other is to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being inflated on the eve of the parade. And, on the spur of the moment, I decided to check this off my To Do list..

I was stunned to see how many people were gathered around the Natural History Museum, where the balloons come to life - millions! It was almost like being at the parade itself - being squished and funneled down the sidewalk with what felt like everyone in the city. The crowd was happy, though, and the positive energy really made it a special experience.

Here is Tim Burton's B. Boy getting ready for his maiden voyage.

Almost all the balloons were face-down, by the way. I assume that's because they fly that way, but it was a bit creepy to see these characters with their faces pressed to the pavement.

Kermit is still looking a little sleepy...