space.

the rocket garden

On our trip to Florida, we also went to the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island. Mister's mother lives in the area of Florida deemed "the space coast" which I think is an awesome name. I love learning about space. I am totally fascinated by it. When I was 10 my family went on a vacation to Florida for some beach time and my parents took me to the Kennedy Space Center. I was completely amazed with everything there. We did the longer bus tour and got to see shuttle launch pads, training centers, old rockets and shuttles, and eat space food. We were also extremely lucky because when we were there we got to see a shuttle launch, the Atlantis.  This shuttle took Shannon Lucid up into orbit to stay on the Mir Space Station.  When she came back to Earth 188 days later she gained the record of the longest time spent in space by an American and by a woman (as of a few years ago, she no longer holds these records).   Two years later, one of my favorite books, Space, came out and we traveled all over Texas making an important stop at the Johnson Space Center.  Those two things kind of cemented my love of Space.  But enough with all that.  

This trip to the Kennedy Space Center was amazing.  There were many more displays to see, things to do, and places to explore.  I particularly loved getting to walk around in the space shuttle Explorer and going on the Shuttle Launch Experience.  Both of those things were unavailable when I was 10.  If you ever have a chance to go to either space center (Kennedy is my favorite of the two, though that just might be for nostalgia) you should definitely go there.  And take the bus tours at least once (we didn't bus it up this past time, too hot & not enough time).

I think it's just heartbreaking that the shuttle launches are ceasing with the end of the space shuttle program and the NASA budget cuts.  I'm of the opinion that space exploration is important, it fosters an adventurous learning spirit and gives people something to look to outside themselves.  It's just really sad to me that our country cares more about putting money into weapons and pointless wars with the grossly astronomical (space adjective!) military expenditures than putting money into exploration of space.  From now on, if we even want to send someone up into space we have to go through Russia.  Sigh.

The regret on our side is, they used to say years ago, we are reading about you in science class. Now they say, we are reading about you in history class.
-- Neil Armstrong, July 1999, Gemini 8 and Apollo 12, first man to ever walk on the moon.

Anyway, let's end this on a good note.  I had a fantastic time on the Space Coast!  Yay!

Space Shuttle Explorer

mouse ears.

We've been going going going lately and we've been fortunate to have some great experiences.  Just this morning we said goodbye to two of my dear friends, Lauren & Cecilia.  They came and stayed a long weekend with us.  It was lovely to catch up with them -- talking, eating good food, lounging in the pool, and being lazy watching television.  I'm very thankful that I got to see them and hope to see them again soon.   But before they came over we were in Florida visiting Mister's mom, hanging by the beach, going to the Kennedy Space Center (more on that tomorrow), and... as you've probably guessed -- going to the most magical place on Earth -- DISNEY WORLD!  

Enough with the talk, here are a few of the pictures I took...

outside the Magic Kingdom

the coolest mice on the planet

Alice outside the Teacups.

ELEPHANT! 

Mister with our Mickey treats

I got a new charm for my bracelet

It was a most magical day for sure.  I got some Minnie Mouse ears and wore them the whole day while at the park.  Unfortunately due to time & money we only got to explore one park so we chose Magic Kingdom (as if there was any other choice when you have to choose just one).  Of course this means we are going back as soon as possible to hit up all the parks -- shooting for October to be specific so we can celebrate my birthday and attend the Wine And Food Festival.  

Even though it was just one day and one park, it was still a m a z i n g.  A place where no one cares that adults walk around dressed like kids with spontaneous music numbers in the streets and everyone is happier than anywhere else?  This is where I want to be always.  I've worn my Minnie ears many times since we tore our eyes away from that shining magical castle that night.  We rode Splash Mountain 4 times (we got stuck on it for 20 minutes the last time & got free fast passes for our trouble).  In Frontierland I was pulled into a musical performance and danced and clapped and smiled and laughed.  We rode the monorail around and toured the pretty hotels.  We had dinner at Wilderness Lodge.  And we got to see so many tiny princesses walking around the park that had visited the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -- so jealous of them!  I totally wanted to have my own fairy godmother make me into a princess.  It was just lovely.  So so so thankful for that experience.

next time, I'm buying a balloon!

If you have the chance to go to Disney World, you should.  If you've visited many times, that's awesome!  I hope to be a regular Disney goer in the future. 

See ya real soon!