Florida Vacation: Kennedy Space Center

We had an extra day in our Florida vacation, than the rest of DJ's family. So we said our goodbyes in the morning and headed East to the Kennedy Space Center. 

We arrived after lunch, and while several exhibits were closed, we were looking forward to exploring. 

The girls in front of the countdown clock. 

Okay, I realize, I'm not about to do this whole space thing justice, but I'll at least try.

Outside was a "rocket garden" and we were able to walk around and peek inside. I guess astronauts have to stay in this little black thing  for landing, and the entire time, it made me think of the movie Gravity. 

Megan was so fascinated. She loves outer space, so this was right up her alley. She and DJ probably knew the most and helped to educate us. 

They were able to take a picture with an astronaut and space car. 

Then we walked over to see the Mars Rover, and it looked like something right out of the movies. 

We eventually made our way over to Atlantis. 

The white and orange things were attached to Atlantis to help it blast off in to space. 

When you walk in, Atlantis is hanging there on display. It was huge! The entire front area is where the astronauts do everything. Eat, sleep, etc. until they connect to the International Space Center. 

Then there's this huge back half. 

I 100% decided that space life would not be for me. This is an astronaut "flying" around in a little space chair. Again, taking me back to the movie Gravity. 

Here's the underside of Atlantis. 

There were lots of exhibits, again, some of them were closed so it wasn't very hands on, which was a bummer. 

There was a humbling memorial to the astronauts who had died in launch, with mementos from each astronaut and then TV scenes. 

Outside was a little photo op area that the girls thought was fun. 

Addy in mission control. 

Megan found a tribute to her favorite male astronaut. 

and her favorite female astronaut. 

Adalyn didn't have a favorite, but since Megan had one, she decided she had to have one too, so she picked this guy. 

We finished our visit with a trip to the gift shop. Megan had the best time picking out a few souvenirs to bring home. 

I have to say, that even though I don't know a ton about outer space, astronauts, and the International Space Center, I did learn a lot. I also decided that I would never go to outer space if I had the chance, and seriously the movie, Gravity, flashed back in to my head the entire visit. If you ever have a chance to visit the space center, I'd 100% tell you to go! The girls really enjoyed the visit and I think we all learned a lot! 

Cheers & Beers to 40 Years: DJ Turns 40

Last week, we celebrated DJ's 40th birthday. 

He teased me and asked if I would take his "last day as a 39 year old picture" like I do for the girls. So, I did, and it may be one of my favorite pictures of him. 

I was off on Friday, so the girls and I decorated and I asked if Gretchen could bake a cheesecake. She has baked several with her Gee, but this one was a bit of a failure. Sigh. After we laughed about it, I ran to the grocery store to just buy one already made. 

While she was baking, Megan and I worked on decorating. 

I purchased a 40th birthday decoration kit on Amazon, and everything was perfect! 

Since we bought a camper earlier this Summer, we decided that we wouldn't really do presents this year, but I couldn't resist grabbing him two Texas football magazines, his favorite candies, and a gift card to one of his favorite lunch spots. 

We basically tracked him the entire way home, so we knew when to be ready! His cake topper is here. 

I think we did a good job surprising him! 

Sparkler candles for the win. 

His dad and stepmom sent his present last week, but he wanted to wait until his birthday to open it. They gave him a Pepper Barrel so he can make his own hot sauces.

Megan made him a card :) 

The birthday boy with two of his girls. (Adalyn is currently at Camp Gee.)

After he went through his presents, I told him to change because we were heading out for dinner. I had arranged a sitter for the girls. 

I had lots of comments about my dress on Instagram; it's from Target and I bought it last Summer.

A friend recommended Treaty Oak Brewery in Dripping Springs. We had an about an hour drive, and ended up getting lost, which made the trip even longer! When I looked it up, I was thinking it was actually in a different town and a bit closer. One of DJ's co-workers was able to meet us for his birthday dinner. 

The atmosphere at the brewery was perfect. Because we arrived later than I had planned, and they closed early, we didn't have time to look around, but we grabbed drinks, ordered food, and found a spot at a picnic table. The food was delicious and we really loved the atmosphere, and decided that we would definitely go back despite the distance. 

I had called earlier in the day to see if we needed a reservation, and happened to speak to the owner, who told me to tell our waiter that DJ could have a free shot of their newest bourbon. He loved it so much he bought a bottle to bring home! 

This 40th birthday celebration wasn't exactly what I had planned for him. I wanted a big surprise party, and we were suppose to go on a cruise in May, but I really think DJ had a fun day and hopefully we made it pretty special for him! 

Florida Trip: Universal Studios

While we were in Florida we took a day and went to Universal Studios. Our original plan for the trip was for us to stay an extra day after going to Disney, and surprise Gretchen with a day at Universal. Once Disney closed and our plans were forced to change we weren't sure that Universal would happen, but thanks to DJ's mom for making it possible. 

We parked the car and headed into the park. Along the way, the girls found all these places to pose. They wanted their picture taken on everything. 

I mean, everything. 

Yup, this too. 

We were ready to conquer the day! DJ rode the Hulk roller coaster because the line looked like it was really short. Thanks to social distancing, they were only filling half of the ride and the line took a lot longer than he thought it would. 

While DJ, his mom, and our niece were on the roller coaster, I took the girls over to ride this spinning ride. There was no line, so they rode it several times! 

We made our way over to the cartoon area. 

And finally, over to Hogwarts!

This was the entire reason we decided to brave the heat and the masks. 

Gretchen was pumped for all things Harry Potter. 

We rode one Harry Potter ride then had to say goodbye to half of our crew (my mother in law, niece, and Adalyn decided to head back to the condo), but DJ, Megan, Gretchen and myself faced the rest of the day.

The Harry Potter themed cupcakes helped.

It's her dream to go to Hogwarts all day.

Also, I must add that I know zero anything about Harry Potter, but this girl is a huge fan and enjoyed all of it! She and DJ rode one of the roller coasters several times! 

We eventually made our way to Seuss Land for Megan. 

This part of the park was practically empty. We rode a little train ride, and then went in to another Seuss themed ride. 

The girls headed to the merry-go-round, and DJ and I took a break to watch. 

Megan thought it was all super fun and Gretchen was a champ that tolerated it well. 

We headed back to the Harry Potter area for lunch and butter beer.

Gretchen loved it! 

After lunch, we split up. DJ and Gretchen stayed in Harry Potter to ride rides again, and Megan and I walked around a bit. She found Captain America and Spiderman. 

She and I finished out the day in the Dr. Seuss area again, and finally met up with DJ and Gretchen before calling it a day!