Denise,
Here a few comments about your balloon outing.
I assume you've talked to the company about the ages of your children. Many balloon pilots have a minimum age requirement. It varies by pilot.
Expect to sign an injury and litigation waiver.
Ask how many people the basket holds. This may not be a private flight with just your family. Some baskets are huge and can hold more than 10 people.
Ask what the weather cancellation policy is. Typically, you will pay your money ahead of time and if the weather doesn't cooperate you get a rain-check for a flight at a later date (i.e. no refunds). They may not have availability to give you a flight the following day.
Ask what percentage of their flights get canceled due to weather for that time of year. This might influence your decision of whether to schedule the flight at the beginning of your trip to allow for rain-check dates.
Flights will be canceled due to fog, rain, wind (current or expected > 10 mph or if the aloft winds are fast), etc.
If not everyone in your family is going in the balloon, ask if the land-based folks can ride along in the balloon chase vehicle? It can be a lot of fun for them to chase along.
I would suggest bringing/wearing a baseball cap for the adults. Your head will possibly be very close to the burner. Not a big deal, but it can add to the comfort.
On the initial lift-off, there will be a sense of movement. But after the first 200 feet there is very little sense of movement. It is amazingly quiet (except for when the burner is going).
Do you have any balloon festivals near you in Michigan? Just to name a few: Howell, Jackson, Midland, Frankenmuth, Traverse City, Charlotte, Mason, Carson City, Greenville, Metamora.
The Michigan balloon pilots are a very friendly bunch and usually welcome new folks and are willing to answer questions. Many pilots are looking for ground crew at the festivals. No experience necessary (hint: sometimes the crew get free rides).
Ballooning is a lot of fun. Have a great time and let us know how your flight was (pictures are required!).
