(5) Space & Springs!

Disney 2024, Part 5: NASA & New Disney Gear

On Wednesday, we took a much-needed break from the parks to visit the Kennedy Space Center -- something Tate was really excited for, and there were lots of cool things to see there!  My feet had three blisters from the day before, so it was lovey that this day involved less walking (like 12,000 steps instead of 20k, so still lots of walking).  This whole week has made me think about what Annie F. Downs has said about living in New York - how being in a setting that requires you to be outside and walk and be around people more is good for your soul and body, and makes you feel more alive and connected with the people around you... I believe that!  

I rode with Teresa and Donetta on the hour-long drive there, which was nice to get some time with them!  The weather was cooler and breezy that day, perfect timing for my light long-sleeved shirt and jeans!  We had a great view of the Atlantic Ocean during part of our drive down, which also made me happy.

Group pic!

We took a short bus ride over to another building, and while on the bus, we saw the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building (apparently MUCH bigger than it looked from where we were - they said that 3 Empire State Buildings and/or the Roman Colosseum would fit inside).  We also saw an eagle and an eagle's nest the size of a King size bed... which, for me, was actually cooler than the NASA building, as I've always wanted to see an eagle! 

Here's the massive Saturn V engines... bottom right = where Ben Affleck (AJ) proposed to Liv Tyler (Grace) in Armageddon - I audibly gasped in excitement when our tour guide mentioned that little factoid! lol  I was a big Armageddon fan!

These tiny spaces made great photo ops for the kids!

?? Not sure the name of this one.

Tate in an astronaut helmet and Parker E snapping a photo with her disposable camera (Karli got cameras for both of them to take a few pics of their own as we walked around this week - I so look forward to seeing them when they're developed - I feel like it promises to be entertaining!)  

Tate with Marvin, the Mars Rover!

The kids loved the little space-themed indoor  playground area!

Rental van pic + ocean view!!

Dropping the kids off went smoothly - they were excited for a carefree night with Donetta and Teresa (who were excited to have their company) - then we (me + Chet, Karli, Bill, and Melissa) went to the Lime Parking Garage entrance for Disney Springs!!  #getexcited

We came in through a different entrance this time - passing so many great stores (Lululemon, Lily Pulitzer, Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, Coca Cola World, Gideon's Cookies, etc.) I want very much to come back and spend more time at Disney Springs... loved their Christmas decor, Christmas music, and fake snow!

Group pic with the lit up palm trees and Christmas tree!

The sunglasses were a no, but in my struggle to choose which bag, I got 4 votes for the rose gold Minnie-backpack (Chet, Mom, Rach, and Kyndal) and bought it that night!

Me:  "Okay, what is even happening right now!?"

Chet:  "Lindsey, you're at Disney.  Most things don't make sense here!" lol

World of Disney = shopping success!

A lake at Disney Springs - night lights reflecting off the water bring me joy!  And we all loved Guy Fieri's Chicken Guy restaurant, then we stopped by Ghirardelli on our way out!!

All of our extra time outside, the great company, the delicious food, the leisurely walks, the breezy weather, the Christmas music and decor, finally feeling in a rhythm, a sense of familiarity sinking in, sunset ocean views, long drives and good talks, road trip time to edit photos + charge my phone + finish a few things I'm doing for others, the kids genuinely loving NASA's space-themed indoor playground (which we had mostly to ourselves), and a kid-free night with fun conversations and stories, and finding a few things I was excited about while shopping made this the best day so far!

❤ ❤ ❤