In The Life of A Jensen

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

New Year's Day- Happy 2009!

The night before we had gone over to the White's. Strangely, I forgot my camera. They have a beautiful home and welcomed the whole crew for delicious foods and good company. Thanks White's! We headed back to the Miller's early to get the little guys to bed and just hung out with the family. We woke up for a day or relaxation. Not much happening.

Oma, Elizabeth, Terri, Payton and Sydney decided to get pedicures. I went along for the ride. Riley actually came later and got her first professional eyebrow wax. Note to self: need to get a professional eyebrow waxing kit. Later, we played games, hung out and Terri taught anyone willing (willing to EAT it, that is), how to make sushi. YUM! Payton and Riley were the only takers- Riley was being brave just so she could play Sushi chef and Payton loves the stuff.

Maisyn created her own game using the Mars Mud purchased at the Kennedy Space Center the day before. I didn't play- but it looked interesting.

I tried the Wii for the first time- not very good at it.

We ate lots of delectably fat appetizers for dinner and enjoyed each other's company until we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer.

New Year's Eve at Kennedy Space Center

This was Larry's choice. I was excited to see Cocoa Beach and reminisce about Dr. Bellows, Major Heally, Major Nelson and Jeannie. To see those computers that took up entire rooms! But all joking aside- I was interested to learn more about our country's space program. Larry was told that this was a must-do while in Florida and he purchased the tickets online our first week there. We wish we had another day there - the tickets are 2 for 1. But we got to see some ins and outs, learn some new terms used, get close-up and personal with a real space shuttle and see quite a few alligators as well. The Kennedy Space Center is located in the center of an alligator and wildlife preserve. My sisters prepared me by telling me how they walked by one in the parking lot on their trip the previous year! Yikes! We took a bus tour of the entire place and we were able to enter several different buildings. Each tour guide made sure to tell us how we need to not worry about the gators. Just check under your car when you get to the parking lot. Oh yeah, and also you only need to run faster than the person next to you. That got laughs each and every time we heard it! Boeing is actually a contractor for the space program. They have a building on site there. Larry had applied there before - I don't know how I would have felt about living with all those gators! We watched movies on the space program history and future. We were able to walk through an actual shuttle and see an actual astronaut toilet! There were several places that were off-limits, of course; guards at many points along the way. We were warned to not take pictures of them or we would have to deboard the bus and we would probably not be allowed back on! No kidding! We ended our day there by riding the shuttle launch simulator. It was pretty cool! And who can forget the gift shops galore! All in all, I think it is a great way for folks to learn about the space program while recovering some of those well-spent tax dollars. I feel we did our patriotic duty by buying something from all three gift shops on the way!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

THE Magic Kingdom

We love Disney. I love Walt Disney. I think I love Disneyland a little better than Disney World- but don't tell anyone! We could feel the past 2 weeks wearing on us and we had a few not-so-stellar-moments. You know the ones. When you see the family, grumpy-faced, walking several paces apart in a speedy fashion. Parents grumbling and occasionally calling out in a (I'm positive!) not angry yet stern voice attempting to not be heard by the passers-by but clearly by all children involved. Yes. Those moments. But all in all, another wonderful day in the sun with Mickey magic.

On the way in we were entertained by a sky writer. We all had guesses as to what each line added would create. This smiley face ended up saying " Jesus loves you". Interesting.