STS-133 (finally)

On our way to the Cape, our bus went by to watch the astronauts load the "astro van." How amazing to see them hours before they launched into space. This was one of my favorite parts of the day.

Loading the bus. We were special guests of the Director. Tom Stafford was on the bus with us as well.

Banana Creek

There she is all ready to go!

Harrison was just excited that he was allowed to drink Gatorade. He made friends with the first aid guy who snuck a Gatorade to him.

In the center of the crowd you can see Charlie Bolden the NASA Administrator. He was my dad's commander on STS-60 and such a dear friend. He had a posse/entourage everywhere he went (he is the head honcho now). When he saw us, he came running over and gave Harrison the biggest hug. He said, "you are such a special boy. Your Papa talks about you all the time. Young man, you have to promise me that one day you will get us to Mars." Harrison shook his hand and we said our goodbye's. It was such a deep moment to introduce my son to him and Harrison had no clue what was going on. I hope that Harrison carries on the space torch!

Quite a bit of waiting. Lukcily it was outside and kid friendly.

Quite a pair

Harrison was talking to Buzz Aldrin and asked, "are you Buzz Lightyear??"

3-2-1 Liftoff of the space shuttle Discovery. Her final voyage.

This has been added to "one of my all time favorite photos"

The SRB's (solid rocket boosters)pulling away

Celebrating with the 'hood

Blowing out the candle

A few of our fabulous neighbors

Harrison and Charlotte

Harrison with his cupcake that had just fallen in the dirt. The heat must have gotten to him, because he did not cry over this!

Opening Christmas present with Mom Mom and Dad Dad. Better late than never.

My grandparents came to visit us yesterday and to bring the kids their Christmas presents. it was 76 degrees out and we pretty much had a neighborhood party on the swing set. Mom mom and Dad Dad brought cupcakes and we had an early birthday celebration for Harrison. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy each others company. Thanks for coming. See you soon! Harrison loves Alphie!!!!

Sprucing it Up

I am sort of known for my Craigslist resourcefulness. Joe has been gone non-stop, and the gumballs all over the yard were everywhere. I also wanted to get the yard ready for fresh mulch. So...I found an awesome father/son team on Craigslist and for $60 they cleaned my whole yard. They did not mess around. 42 bags full of dog poop, leaves and gumballs galore. Joe will be so excited that he can just enjoy his weekend and not have to be a yard slave. That is so worth $60 to me!

Then today, I found this watering can at Target. It is Smith and Hawken and copper, great find!

This is the new patio set I want for our backyard. We have a table with four chairs now and we are always short a few chairs. It is at Target and hopefully will be in my yard pronto (just need to sell the existing set).

There are always at least a few people hangin' in our yard and I have been trying to find a little bench. I just found this and think it is a great addition to my sprucing project!

The Magic Kingdom

Harrison posing with Mickey at the airport

Getting the rental car, one step closer to Disney

Riding the tram with Papa

On the ferry

The famous tea cups. Harrison picked out purple because "mommy loves purple."

The closing parade

We ended the night with it's a small world

Harrison and I flew in to Orlando the day before the launch, and met my dad for a little Disney fun. It was an interesting adventure given that Harrison was still recovering from a nasty bout with a stomach bug and had some lingering (frequent) potty issues. I think we used every restroom in the Magic Kingdom three times over. BUT, nonetheless it was such a great day. The weather was perfect. Sunny and warm but not sweaty hot. We completely winged the day, and proved all the researching to not be necessary. Harrison liked the Toy Story ride the best. My dad was such a great addition to a wonderfully "magical day."

A weekend in Charlotte

Camden and Lillian

Nice shot of Harrison pushing his sister.

Lillian dominating

I just needed to pause and reflect on how great it is that my kids can now entertain themselves on road trips. They are both very good little travelers. And a HUGE amen to the fact that Harrison now knows how to use headphones. Love it. When Lills is asleep he can watch his show or play Mobigo, and if he falls asleep I have a remote up front to turn it off. Genius.

This is us headed to the kids museum. Caroline (Marlo's niece) rode with me and was the best helper I could have asked for. She is such a sweet girl and Lillian adored her. I am now trying to convince Joe that we should adopt a 10 year old girl. :)

Carsyn and Lillian in the tub (remember they were born 9 minutes apart).

Harrison was in heaven playing Wii with the big kids

time for a tea party