Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Florida Trip to see the Shuttle Launch!

After working on the Space Shuttle flight software for 10 years I finally got to go see a launch at KSC in Florida. It was an awesome experience! My good friend and co-worker Jennifer went with me and we had so much fun! First I got to fly on the company jet which is the only way to fly! We got to park right near the plane at Elington and then just walk on board, they didn't even check ID, no security, no instructions at the beginning of the flight, and lots of good food and drinks! The flight went great, it is very small inside though, and we flew into Orlando because the airport by KSC was restricted due to the launch. So the only bad part of the trip was driving 3 1/2 hours to get to KSC when it normally takes 45 min. There were so many people going to see the launch we got in a huge traffic jam. So we were worried about missing the launch but we got there 30 min. before and made it to the employee viewing site just in time! It was an amazing site to see! There is a video at the end of this post. And then we got to tour several buildings at KSC and stay at a hotel on Cocoa Beach for the weekend! It was a great trip! And Jeremy and the kids survived while mommy was gone, he did a great job taking care of them!

Here is the company plane
Here is right before the launch

The STS-132 Atlantis Space Shuttle launch to the International Space Station!





Here is the Launch Control Center and the Vehicle Assembly Building


Here is the inside of the VAB, it is 525 feet tall, and it is where the shuttle is prepared for launch


Me by the top of the Solid Rocket Booster


Looking up at the crane that lifts the shuttle


Jennifer, Me and a Florida co-worker Matt


Me and Jennifer in front of the countdown clock


Mercury rocket


Shuttle launch pad


The crawler that brings the shuttle to the launch pad


The shuttle landing strip


The KSC visitor center


Rockets at the visitor center


We got to tour the Tile Processing Facility, these are the tiles that go under the shuttle


The tiles coming out of the oven


Putting tiles on the Orion vehicle


Where they sew the blankets for the outside of the shuttle
The outside of the Orbiter Processing Facility where the shuttle undergoes maintenance between flights, we got to tour inside and it was so neat to see the shuttle upclose!
Me standing under shuttle Endeavour
The side of the shuttle
The payload bay of the shuttle

Standing by the nose of the shuttle
I also got to see an old friend and co-worker who works in Florida now, Christian!
And we did some other activities while we were there like an airboat ride, going to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and going to the beach

Video Jennifer took of the launch! The sound was unbelievable!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Brady's 1 Year Portraits





























Brady's 1st Birthday!

Brady turned one on the 5th and we had his Elmo birthday party last Saturday! He is doing great! We can't believe how big he has gotten!
Weight: 25lbs. 13oz. 86% Height: 31.75 in. 94% Head: 18.7 in. 80%

He is still crawling all over, he stands on his own, and walks along the furniture. He sleeps all night and takes two naps during the day. He loves to throw and chase a ball (I don't remember Brianna doing that, it must be a boy thing :) If you give him a comb he combs his hair and if you give him a phone he puts it to his ear, I think he learned that from his sister! His favorite toys are balls. He likes to play in water and crawl in the grass outside. It is interesting to see how he is different from Brianna- he's not as outgoing, he's not as adventurous (he cries when he's thrown in the air, she used to love that), he's more of a snuggler, and he likes to be read to. He hasn't said his first word yet other than ma ma, da da, so we are waiting to see what that will be!

Here are some pictures from his birthday party! He had fun with all the family that was there and he loved all his presents! Thanks for coming!
Birthday Boy!
Family shot

Gigi and Grandpa

Playing with Uncle Caleb


Brianna helped open the presents


Brady had fun with his little cake


Brianna loved her cupcake













Playing with Momo


Brianna had fun with Uncle Chad


Giving hugs to Grandpa Jim


Brady's Elmo cupcakes