354.365 Kennedy Space Center

On Sunday, we woke to a beautiful Florida day and headed to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space center.  This is where many shuttles have been launched (and failed), and scientists and astronauts have come together to build, repair satellites and shuttles.   It took us about a hour from Orlando to Cape Canaveral area. 

 The entry to the Kennedy Space Center.  In 1961, John F Kennedy had a goal to make it to the moon and really inspired Americans to support a lunar landing.  

 We took the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour which brought us from the visitor complex and we were able to see parts of the space center.  

 The bus had to stop to let an alligator walk across the road!

We then ended at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.  

 We were able to stand under the largest rocket ever flown, the Saturn V.  This rocket is 363 feet long and 33 feet wide.  This particular Saturn V was actually never used as the majority would have been burned when it re-entered the earth with the exception of the capsule.  Its sister rockets were used for the transportation for 27 astronauts who travelled to the moon and back.

 The girls touching a moon rock.

 We listened and watched through the eyes of the mission control, the historic day at the Lunar Theater.  

 In the Apollo Treasure Gallery

Alan Shepard's Apollo 14 spacesuit

353.365 Universal Orlando

Our friends invited us along to a pre-Christmas vacation to Florida.  Our kids get along so well and the grown-ups have a lot of fun and laughs too!  We left after school on Friday and took a direct flight to Orlando.  We stayed at a villa at Old Key West.  Saturday, we drove to Universal Studios where we had a great day!

Getting a start to the day!

The kids

 Having been a huge Harry Potter fan when the books came out many years ago, I was so excited to see the Wizarding World.  It definitely did not disappoint.  The girls are also huge fans of the books and movies too.

 The details were amazing!!!  I could have done without the crowds though...

 I could have spent all day looking into the shops along the street.

 The girls picked out a personal wand at the store.  The ones they picked were interactive with the park.  

 With a certain movement of the wand, they could make "magic" happen.  They loved this part and really got into the role of a wizard.

Most of us went on the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride which was so much fun!

Another favorite of mine was The Simpsons Ride.  I loved walking through the town of "Springfield".  It was a lot like the TV cartoon.  We even had a Duff beer!!!

Our time was running short and we didn't get to do a lot of the park but we did go on Hogwarts Express to the Islands of Adventure park to Hogsmede and see Hogwart's Castle.  The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride was a thrilling and fun adventure.  Isabelle loved this ride!

We browsed at Honeydukes Candy Shop.

 We walked back to the car through Seusssville

347.365

On Sunday, we went to church and then out for brunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  That afternoon we decorated sugar cookies with loads of sprinkles!

Isabelle and Allie were so excited that Grandma, Aunt Jamie and the cousins could stay for their piano recital.  Isabelle played, " " and Allie played "Carol of the Bells".