Tuesday, May 25, 2010

3,2,1....Blast Off!

It has always been Geoff's dream to see a shuttle launch and I am so happy to say that we were finally able to make that dream come true! 2 weeks ago, we made the journey to Kennedy Space Center. Watching the shuttle launch was one of the most awesome and memorable things I have ever experienced. I will definitely remember it forever and I'm so glad I was able to watch it with Geoff.

On our way to Kennedy the morning of the launch
Can you see the line of cars all the way over the hill? We were in stand still traffic for much of our trip--we were lucky to travel even 10 mph. It took us almost 3 hours to drive what would usually take 1 hour! We were hoping to see the astronauts as they prepared to board the shuttle, but because of all the traffic, we didn't make it in time.
We were so lucky to be able to watch the launch from where the media was located. This is the countdown clock that you have probably seen on TV if you have ever watched a launch. If you look closely, you can see the shuttle on the launch pad behind Geoff. We were approximately 3 miles from the pad--this is as close as anyone can be during the launch!
This was our view behind us. See the all glass building behind all the media trucks? This is where all the big wigs watched from--including former astronauts and David Letterman!
3,2,1.....
BLAST OFF!




These pictures do not even begin to do it justice. It was amazing and breathtaking--an awesome experience I will never forget. Thanks Geoff, for letting met tag along with you :)

Hanging out in Cocoa Beach after the launch--waiting for all the traffic to die down.

Of course, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this awesome experience if it weren't for my parents and sister who took great care of Arden while we were gone. Thank you so much Nonna, Tuck-Tuck, and Auntie April--we love you so much!