Kennedy Space Center

On our third day in Orlando, Sam was still having some tummy issues, so he and I stayed "home" and relaxed while the rest of our group went over to Cape Canaveral to visit the Kennedy Space center. Sam did not want to go anywhere, so we literally stayed inside ALL day. We watched TV, read books, slept, and ordered room service--it was fun (well, as much fun as you can have in 800 square feet).

Meanwhile, Rick, Jack, and Rick's parents went to the space center. Here are a few of the 100 pictures Rick took.

Rick's in his happy place!

Jack & Papa rode the simulator

Ducky has been to the Kennedy Space Center! Have you?

Where the last shuttle of the current space program will launch in less than a week!

Inside a space shuttle!

Downtown Disney and Caribe Royale

@Downtown Disney

The boys are waiting for one of the Lilo & Stitch characters sitting atop a building to "spit" water at them!

Jack got shot!

Both boys hit!

Buzz!

Tinker Toy fun

On the carousel--so pretty at night!

The g'rents took the kids on the carousel--self-photo op:)

This is Buzz & Woody made entirely of Legos in front of the Lego store

Caught him yawning

Snack break at the pool

:)

What a looker!

Breakfast at the kitchenette bar

Daddy bought Legos for the boys--this is a major building session

Disney!

The castle was bathed in purple light as we were leaving...so pretty!

Inside the Toy Story Ride

Sam, trying to defeat Zurg!

My Boyz...with Buzz Lightyear behind them:)

Howdy, Sam!

That's "Trader Sam" in the background. That's why Sam is confused (well, that, and the fact that he's holding scalps with flowing hair).

Rick's mom, Sam, and I hop on the boat for the Jungle Tour. Sam had an upset belly, but he was hanging with us as best he could:(

Jack and Sam on the Robinson Family Treehouse

Watching the street parade:) in the heat of the day:(

At the shooting gallery...

Sammy rides a fine horse.

For the boys' spring break, we headed down to Orlando for our family's first Disney trip. We brought Rick's parents, who were gracious enough to let Rick and me go out several nights by ourselves! We found a great resort right off the main entrance to Disney that had an awesome pool with a waterfall and waterslide as well as a gated kids' splash park. What a fun week!

Our first ride: It's a Small World

This has to be the original craftwork--I don't think Disney has ever updated this "ride." Very cool to see how clever the design is.

Sam, taking it all in:)

On the carousel...

Rick and I went out the first night we were there just to get the lay of the land.

By car, by tram, by monorail--heading to Magic Kingdom!

At the entrance to Magic Kingdom

The castle!

Happy Birthday, Cheryl!

Happy 36th! (left) Happy 35th! (Right)

Thank you to the staff at Red Robin who sang in such a spirited manner:)

Nanee & Papa

Sam and Rick get their chow on:)


Cheryl's in-laws (at left) joined the rest of us for a birthday dinner!

Happy birthday, Cheryl! Thanks for letting me celebrate for one more day with you!

Sam's Easter Egg Hunt

He kept picking up the big eggs that didn't fit his basket:(

Every time he picked one up, several fell out:(

The hunting is done. Time for a hugging with friend Sophie.

This little Easter egg hunt was the last thing Sam's class did before spring break. They made their "baskets" from egg cartons and pipe cleaners--cute, but not functional:)

My Happy Birthday

My boys and me:)

Jack sang Happy Birthday to me!

The cul-de-sac kids threw me a surprise party with my favorite, little Harris Teeter cake and juice boxes. Perfect!

What a great birthday! It started out with birthday gifts from the boys with a twist--I had to find them! In a large plant, I found a little jewelry box containing a beautiful bracelet from Jack. Sam also got me a bracelet with Rick's help:) Apparently, he took the boys to Belk, brought them to the jewelry counter and told them to pick something out--and they did! Gorgeous Kate Spade bracelets! Rick did say he had to do a bit of redirecting:)

My good friend, Charlotte, took me (and Sam) out to lunch, and got me a beautiful necklace and earrings from my favorite little boutique.

After preschool, all the cul-de-sac kids (along with Stacy and Ashley) threw me a surprise party. I got a giftcard for a pedicure and a gossip magazine:)

Rick called me and told me not to fix dinner. He came home with dinner (and a dozen gourmet cupcakes) for the kids and his parents who babysat while he took me out to Del Frisco's where we enjoyed some amazing food!

My wonderful husband got me a Kindle, which I've wanted for quite a while. Well done, hubby. Well done!

I'm thankful for all my friends, neighbors, and family who made me feel so loved on a very special day.

Happy Anniversary to Jason & Traci!

Wow! Happy anniversary, guys! We hope you got a chance to celebrate what a great thing you've got going and all those beautiful kids:) Love you! Miss you!