A Little Bit Spacey

We decided after all the stress of selling a house, moving, and buying a house, our family needed a little get-away.  Somewhere out of this world seemed good, so we chose space--a Space Center.  We learned  all about the past space programs and the future program. We saw moon rocks, rockets, mission control, space capsules, Saturn V, and so much more. We stayed the whole day. I think by the end the kiddos were feeling a bit spacey.  A great time was had by all, and we learned a bit in the process.

 A mock up of the now-retired Space Shuttle.  

 Vanna, A. showing the stylish orange suit an astronaut wears while shuttling toward space at a gazillion miles per hour.

 And this is the shuttle port-a-potty.  

L. was less than thrilled to point out this feature.

 Here is the cock-pit of the shuttle. 

There were so many buttons, knobs, and switches. 

How do they know which to push!

 Getting ready to go on the tram-ride tour of the Johnson Space Station.

 T and J

(ahhh)

Mission control. 

 This doesn't do justice to the size of this amazing rocket.  

The Saturn V sent the Apollo space capsules and their astronauts into space and ultimately to the moon.

 One of the base engines for Saturn V. I think there were five. They were huge! 

 The top of Saturn V.  See the triangular capsule? 

That's where the astronauts were. Cramped!

 Astronaut L.  

These were mock up helmets of different missions. They were all heavy and awkward.

 Astronaut B.

 Astronaut T.

He loved this whole day. He loves space.

The entrance to an Apollo capsule (a mock up).

 The astronauts (B, L, and A) within--on their backs. 

Not so comfy for a ride to the moon, if you ask me.

 X-man building his own Mars rover.

 Space man X on Mars!

After a day in space we needed a day with the earth firmly under foot. Or rather sand in between our toes. We went to the beach. We dug in the sand, collected shells, and rode the waves.  FUN!  

L. digging around. 

 X. digging a hole and A looking for shells. 

L riding a wave. 

Beach bums! 

Now we are back, still trying to get sand out of our suits!  I think we brought half the beach back with us. It was a fast, fun trip, a great way to end our summer.  Now the count down begins for school!