Some Things Don't Change

Audrey's smile...

5 months old

4 years old

Or maybe just the fact that she's a ham!

Disney World!

After our fun with Ben we were off to 3 days at Disney World's Magic Kingdom with 2 very excited little girls.

The rides were lots of fun, we met a bunch of characters, and the magic unfolded at every turn for all of us.  Favorites were as follows. 

Audrey: Meeting Minnie Mouse

Waiting for her turn she was literally so excited that she couldn't stand still.  Her feet were dancing back and forth which you can see here.

Natalie: Roller coasters.  She hadn't ridden one before and after her first go she felt uneasy.  She didn't think she wanted to ride any more but we convinced her to try it again.  She bravely agreed and told us she'd try as many as we asked her to.  After a couple more she was hooked and couldn't get enough.  This one was called The Barnstormer and it was both girls' favorite roller coaster.  They also loved Splash Mountain, complete with 50' drop!

Ice cream for lunch was a hit too.  Vacation!

As was meeting Elsa.

We have so many great photos and memories.  These are some of our favs but the whole lot can be seen here.

It was a magical trip for all of us and the memories will last a lifetime.

Orlando to see Uncle Benny!

Chris had a conference in Orlando so we tagged along, and started with a trip to Cape Canaveral to see Uncle Benny!

 We got a behind-the-scenes look at the Atlas rocket assembly and launch facilities.

 Ben took us up 209' in the air above where the rocket rolls on railroad tracks out to the launch pad. If you look off in the distance below you can see the facility where they used to assemble the space shuttle and associated rockets. Very cool! 

 We got to see several sections including the top of the first stage and bottom of the second stage (I think):

 Ben's team oversees both Delta (left) and Atlas (right) launches.

 The girls had a blast!

 

 

 Also got to see one of the mission control facilities - very cool.

 And simulated a launch.  Ben is a great tour guide and explained everything wonderfully.

 While out there we watched SpaceX erect their Falcon 9 rocket with a resupply payload for the ISS.

 On the way out we stopped by the Apollo 1 memorial. Very somber.

 And then went to the Atlantic shore where the girls got to hunt for souvenir shells 

 

 



And were surprised by a nuclear sub heading out to sea!

 After Chris's conference he stuck around to play golf on Patrick AFB with Ben (Ben won, of course).

 Everyone had a great time with Uncle Benny and we can't wait to see him again soon!

 

Easter 2015

Our Easter was full of fun and family and friends.  We got our eggs ready early in the week.

Aunt Sam came to spend the holiday.  We love when she's here.

We worked on the plane a bit on Saturday.  A wing skeleton and a bolted tie down bracket!

Excited girls were up bright and early on Easter morning.  They found all the eggs and baskets before church.

 Mmm, jelly beans for breakfast.

He is risen! 

After church we spent the rest of the day (complete with another egg hunt) and enjoyed Easter dinner with our neighbors, the Reeds, and their family.  It was a beautiful day.

Jesus Christ is risen today.  Alleluia!