US Space & Rocket Center (Part I)

Part 1 of 2 of my husband describing our trip to the NASA Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Part 1: Rockets!

We drove two hours from Alabaster, AL, to the rocket center.  Megan was giving directions, so at first we ended up trying to enter the Redstone Arsenal Army post.  Security is kind of tight so we did not make it very far.  Once we got there we had the place to ourselves which was nice being able to take our time and enjoy it.

This is the view walking from the parking lot.

Me sitting in front of a sign.

There are a few hands-on activities for visitors.  Since we were the only two people around we were able to take as much time playing them as we wanted.  We both tried our hand at landing the Space Shuttle.  Neither of us were able to land it successfully.  We also got on a ride which was designed to simulate a trip to Mars.

Megan right before crashing the Space Shuttle.

After spending some time in the first building we ventured outside into the ‘rocket park.’  The park features at least two dozen different rockets which are all outside.  Seeing them in person gives you a good perspective of how big they are.  In a previous post, Megan posted a photo of her in front of something big.  It was in fact an Atlas missile – mystery solved.

On a side note: Atlas missiles are still used today (although not the particular model shown in the photo).  Here is another photo from a different angle.

Megan blocking the view of an Atlas missle.

As we moved through the park Megan began to lose interest in seeing the different rockets.  Rest assured the rocket center has something for everyone. Soon we would come upon an exhibit that Megan would be very knowledgeable on.  They built a crater like you would find on the moon, and in the crater they put boot impressions of where an astronaut might have walked.

Megan decided to explain to me how an astronaut would walk on the moon (which I did not mind because I was able to snap some photos of the process). **Insert husband’s sarcasm as HE was the Astronomy & Physics major. **

Walking on the moon.

I think my impression was pretty spot on! (And he’s neglecting to mention my awesome sound effects.)

Now announcing…My husband!

My husband took so many photos on our trip to the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center, I’m going to temporarily relinquish my blog to him.

And then I’ll share my favorite candid shots from that day!

I don't even know what this is...haha, I just know it's big!

The Countdown Begins!

In less than 10 days my childhood best friend will no longer be Miss, but rather a Mrs! That also means that in less than a week, we will OFFICIALLY be on vacation.

Our first vacation since our honeymoon. Sorry New York, Washington DC, Penn’s Cave, Harrisburg, Corning, Gettysburg, and Philadelphia– You don’t count.

Things for a PA Native to Know when Visiting AL

In addition to making Clint laugh in regards to the boll weevil statue, I’ve also started telling him about miscellaneous stuff he should know before we visit. Side note: He has in fact traveled outside of PA, but that was to FL to tourist destinations, not to the heart of the South.

So here goes…Things a Pennsylvania Native Needs to Know when Visiting Alabama:

1. No one cares about the Phillies or the Eagles. It’s all about who won in the Auburn vs. Alabama game.

2. If you ARE going to talk about football, you need to know who Paul “The Bear” Bryant is, especially when talking to Michelle’s daddy.

Alabama Fun Facts

Continuing on the fun facts about the state of Alabama, I recall the time I got to visit the governor’s mansion at Christmas time during 5th grade.

We had just read “The Polar Express” and we took a train ride to Montgomery to visit the governor’s mansion. We even got a bell (like in the book) and I have it to this day.

But of all the things I remember about the trip is the fact that the governor has a pool the shape of the state of Alabama. I never did get over it. And I still think it’s pretty darn cool.

Here’s an aerial shot of it from wikimapia: (okay, I tried to insert it with the link but it’s being stupid, so just click on the link)

Alabama State History

In preparing for our trip to Alabama, I’ve started telling Clint some interesting facts about Alabama state history.

See, when I was in 5th grade, we spent the entire year studying the state. Needless to say, I know squat about PA history or geography … except that Philly is on one side of the state, Harrisburg & Pittsburgh on the other, and that Pennsylvania literally means “Penn’s Woods.”

So when I started telling Clint about the monument dedicated to the boll weevil, I knew he totally didn’t believe me. (I do have a tendency to make up details.) But when I showed him a photo of the actual, much-loved, many-times-stolen, statue, he ACTUALLY believed me.

That would be the boll weevil on top:

Enterprise, AL, Boll Weevil Monument

 The history of the Boll Weevil from Wikipedia.com:

The citizens of Enterprise, Alabama erected a monument to the boll weevil. It was, and still is, the only monument to an agricultural pest.

Joyful Joyful!

So just the other day I was surprised with the news that my best friend Michelle is engaged!!! This is such great news because it’s about time!

Hahahaha…now before you think I’m strange, let me explain that statement! Practically everything in my life and Michelle’s lives have been synchronized as if we were identical twins…our entire lives.

Before I go pulling out old photos (which I have and am half tempted to scan and upload), let me tell you how Michelle and I were destined to be sisters even though we were born over 1000 miles apart.