ACTUAL Vacation

We are planning an ACTUAL vacation for this summer. No running around, doing planned things, driving for hours on end. And we’re taking a direct flight, no getting rerouted.

And I. AM. SO. EXCITED.

So where are we going??? Florida! To the beach!

The best parts:

–> For Clint, we’ll be near Titusville, where the final space shuttle launch is suppose to take place.

–> For me, that same week is my birthday! Hazzah!

So, if we’re not partaking of beachy-things, we’ll be at NASA.

Now, time to stock up on things like:

• More bathing suits…I only have 2.
• LOTS of cheap beach towels…again, only 2.
• Flip flops.
• Big floppy hat and a spare pair of sunglasses
• LOTS of sunscreen (for the tattoos)
• Tote bags

Sadly, just in time to finally and completely pay off our credit cards, we’ll be spending another $2K. But it will soooo be worth it.

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!