Kennedy Space Center, Falcon 9 Launch, Port Canaveral, and Winter Break | 12th anniversary of Mommy and Me Monday | 629th ed

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Whew! What a week! Our family had a great time in Florida for the girls’ winter break and our first VRBO experience. And to come back for the 12th anniversary of Mommy and Me Monday!!

Here’s the 10th anniversary…the one in Mexico before everything changed!

We did a lot, but I think I’ll just focus on our trip to Port Canaveral and the 24-ish hours we spent there.

We arrived at our hotel suite, loaded everything out of the car, put on sandals and got right back in to get on a beach. I think this was the only thing Mr. Serious really wanted to do on our trip; Get in an ocean and on the beach.

On our way, we asked a lady to grab a family picture for us. She got us all, but we got some of her fingers. It’s a nice souvenir, no?

If you saw my instagram, you surely noticed that B couldn’t resist and got in the Atlantic Ocean while wearing her clothes. As soon as we crossed that bridge I realized that was going to happen.

On our drive, my friend Meghan sent a text that there was going to be a SpaceX launch the next day, which happened to coincide with the day we were planning to visit the Kennedy Space Center. That added some excitement for some of us.

The next morning, Mr. Serious and the oldest were up early to knock out her run, then we had breakfast at the hotel, packed up our bags and were off to the Space Center.

I’m not sure if it’s typical Monday traffic, of if it was because of the launch, but there was a good bit of traffic and a line to get into the Space Center once we arrived. Apparently, the last 2 years hasn’t taught all of our family patience. We are a work in progress.

Some faces cheered up when they got to sit inside some of the early spaceships and see what sitting at 90 degrees for a while is like.

We then followed the signs to the launch viewing area and found a seat on the fake grass lawn. Somebody was making announcements and there was a video projector, but it was hard to hear and see what they were saying and showing.

We played some games and took some pictures to pass the time a little faster. (Next time, bring MORE snacks, mom!!)

Waiting isn’t an 8 year old’s best look!

Before we knew it, people were counting down from 10. Then nothing happened. It was a little confusing. Then, a few seconds later, there were cheers and excitement.

We could see the rocket!!!

Then a few seconds later, we could hear the rocket. The sound delay seemed crazy long.

You can see the Falcon 9 here close to the tree and the arch of the trajectory! It was very cool and while we didn’t intentionally time it to see a rocket launch, it certainly made the trip even more special.

A two-stage Falcon 9 rocket topped with 46 of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 9:44 a.m., soaring into a clear, blue sky.  

https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellite-launch-4-8-rocket-landing

After the launch, we headed to the space play area. The 8 and 10 year olds had a great time here, and let’s be honest, so the did 13 and 15 year olds! And the adults acted silly and had fun, too.

Where else can you take a picture with your 15 year old while “touching” the surface of the sun?

Or how about her pointing to Uranus while I point to, well, hers? Anything for a smile out of these kiddos!

It was then time to head to the Atlantis area. Where else can you get this close to a space shuttle? It’s pretty amazing to see the actual space shuttle there. I had no idea the middle opened for space walks and they used arms, etc inside of it.

I don’t even remember what this is…a booster? Maybe a telescope? Yes, I think a telescope? A Hubble replica maybe? Please notice how 3/5 of us are wearing tie-dye shirts!

If you plan to go to the Kennedy Space Center, I’d say to pack your own lunches/food. The lines for food were so long and in the sun and so hot that we ended up leaving because we were all very hungry and didn’t feel like waiting in the long lines. We didn’t even see half of the Space Center, but also needed food to keep going.

Then it was time to drive across the state to the Gulf of Mexico for our stay at a VRBO for the rest of our vacation.

And a bonus picture from the drive home and a stop at Buc-ee’s for some road brisket for dinner.

What did you do this week?

GET IN THE PICTURE WITH YOUR KIDS! Who cares what you look like? Who cares how you appear? Who cares what you are wearing? JUST DO IT! Come share your picture on the Facebook thread or use #MommyAndMeMonday!

It’s time again for Mommy and Me Monday. Pop out from behind that camera and capture yourself in action with your kids. Check out the inaugural Mommy and Me Monday for more information. Need another reason to participate in Mommy and Me Monday? Read my post about why I blog with words from a friend’s husband.