Space Camp

Through these doors enter America’s future Astronauts, Scientists and Engineers

B and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. We lived in the space habitat and tried out all kinds of simulators.  We also learned about space history, designed rockets, and flew a space mission.  B was the commander of the mission.  She did very well.  Her mother was a basket case!






Having run of the museum at night was really exciting.





Performing experiments in the International Space station.


Walking on the moon.

Water Parks

 

Really,this is the last Disney post.  We love water parks and were a little worried the weather would not cooperate.  We had to adjust the schedule, But we found two awesome days for water play.

I can’t believe we got away with this,but Brian put L in a tube and launched her down a small slide.

This padded area at Blizzard Beach made it perfect for L.

Any day where you can play to exhaustion, eat huge ice cream sundaes and smoked turkey legs,and fall into blissful sleep is a great day.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell one of the traveling home stories.  For some insane reason,we made the trip home in one day.  Yes, our pictures can be found next to the word “insanity”.  At one point J and L were taking turns yelling back and forth at each other and then blowing very wet raspberries. They were not fussing and found the whole thing hilarious.  Exhaustion can make parents do strange things.  Brian finally said “As long as you stop yelling, you can keep spitting at each other.”  That folks, is called creative parenting.

The Dance

A few minutes after we were seated at Boma, I was placing drink orders for my crew that was rushing the buffet line, and I noticed a family being seated behind us.  I saw the dad first, pushing a travel wheelchair with a boy about nine.  He didn't have full head control and wore those all telling braces on his feet.  The boy was transferred to a regular chair situated between Dad and Grandpa.  Mom, Sister, and Grandma filled the other side.  I couldn't help but stare a little and keep turning to observe what I knew was probably us in five years.  L was wide open and keeping her from clearing the table was pretty consuming, but I kept glancing back.  This time everyone at the table was in the buffet line except for the boy and Grandpa.  Grandpa's arm was draped protectively around Boy's shoulders and he was smiling and seemed to be sharing some fabulous secret.  Dad returned and began feeding Boy.  In a few moments, Grandma was beside Boy, patting his hand, casually wiping his mouth.  Few more crazy minutes at our own table and then I glanced back again.  There was an almost effortless,unspoken movement around the table.  Each adult taking a turn at comforting or feeding Boy, each adult having a chance to fill his or her own plate, each one taking time to look adoringly on Sister.  No one was stressed, smiles and soft laughter drifted over the food.  Another look from me and the song had played on.  Dad was helping sister get dessert.  Mom was helping Boy with a straw,  Grandpa headed for more food. It was like watching a beautiful Viennese waltz.  Oh that we could all strive to dance as beautifully as this young man and his many partners.

Animal Kingdom

In Animal Kingdom, we once again arrived very early for breakfast and then were able to be on one of the first safari expeditions of the day.  It was amazing.  The animals roam semi freely so you never know what you will see.  Morning was promoted as the best views and we were not disappointed. 

When will we ever be this close to a giraffe?!?  It just kept coming closer as we all snapped pictures and held our breath in awe.

And who isn’t a sucker for baby elephants.

As usual, we then parted ways so big people could ride expedition everest, and little people could find characters. 
We met back up for the Lion King show.  We had front row seats and characters paid special attention to L.  J was invited to be part of the show.



After lunch, Mama had intended for us all to rest before supper at Boma, mine and Brian’s favorite place to eat at Disney, but the lure of AK was just too strong.  B and H had more rides to find and we all wanted to see Nemo and Tough to be a Bug.  As we entered the 3-D bug experience, J was unsure.  By the time it started he was screaming.  This would not have been funny but for L’s cackles at the same show.  Of course this made J fuss at L which made her laugh harder.  What would we do with out siblings. ; )
The Dig is just a huge playground that everyone loved.



And then we found flying dinosaurs.  So much for rest, and yes, exhaustion reigned.

Chef Mickey’s & Pirates

 

Swing your napkin and celebrate with Mickey and Friends.  Who has time to eat with such shenanigans!

 

Spinning for my pirate name.

We patiently await our pirate transformation.

L chose to stay a princess!!

Hollywood Studios

 

Hollywood Studios was probably B and H’s favorite place.  They could not wait to ride Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror and they were not disappointed.  They are serious thrill riders.  Of course HS is also the home of the Pixar characters.  J and L both love Toy Story.  We rode Toy Story Mania only once due to the long lines.  It is supposedly the most popular ride in all 4 parks.  The “green men” are awesome.  They put on impromptu street shows and “draft” kids into missions.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by B’s willingness to actively participate in all things Disney.  I’m not kidding- they really are sprinkling Pixie dust in the ice cream bars.

B and H really wanted L to like the ears,but as you can see, her smile was accepting at best.

We waited in line for several minutes to see Buzz and Woody, but the queue was so well done, we explored and took pictures making time fly.  After all, when else can you strap your little brother to a rocket!

 

Woody was so sweet with L.  He took so much time with her,and L just came alive.  She sparkled and smiled and looked on Woody with complete adoration.  It was one of those mama moments when I had to fight back the tears.

This is a show your age picture.  If you know who this is, you are under 10 or have small children.

  I just love these pictures.

* I really do promise to only do a few more posts on Disney!

Hot Chocolate

Our house is freezing this morning so we started with steaming cups of sweet hot chocolate. I actually measured the ingredients so I can give you an accurate recipe. (I rarely measure)

In a large saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups cream. Heat over medium heat until the chocolate chips melt. Stir continuously so the chocolate doesn't stick,but don't whip the cream. When you have a nice chocolate sauce, stir in 7 cups of milk and heat through. Yum.

A word of warning- once you make this, your family will never again accept envelopes full of chocolate powder.