The End of an Era

Today marked the final launch of the space shuttle program.  At almost 11:30 this morning, Atlantis safely lifted off from Kennedy Space Center marking the end of an era.

We joined friends at the beach to share this historic moment with the million or so spectators who lined the Space Coast.  The weather has been iffy lately and we were not sure that the shuttle would even go today.  Happily for us and the many, many visitors who made a special trip to Brevard County, we were treated to a beautiful launch.  The cloud cover did not interfere with our view, thankfully!  And there were no storms in the area to delay lift off.

J was able to take the day off to join us at the beach.  He brought his longboard along for a little surf session before launch.

We met three other families for a play date of sorts.  The children were so happy to see one another!  They had a great time running from the surf to our chairs and back again.  It was fun watching them all interact.  One little girl brought a packet of astronaut ice cream to share.  Wildman loved it, Cutie Pie was not so sure about it…

It was also nice catching up with the adults.  Two of the moms who met us are pregnant and they looked so lovely.  Time flew by as it always does at the beach amid a flurry of games, snacks, lunch and conversation.  As we packed up to leave after three hours of sandy fun, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit sad that we’ll never be able to use a shuttle launch as a reason for an impromptu play date again.

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Second to Last Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis

We set foot on the hot sand right as  STS-132 was lifting off this afternoon at 2:20 PM.  It was a gorgeous day for a shuttle launch!  The beach was packed with spectators aiming cameras, portable radios and binoculars northward to the Cape.

There are only three more space shuttle launches left.  Then what?  It’s bittersweet to see the last few shuttle launches knowing that when they are over so many will left unemployed.

Another Successful Shuttle Launch

Space Shuttle Atlantis lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center on this afternoon at 2:28 PM.  It was a gorgeous day!  I delayed nap time so we could go to the beach to watch the launch.  There won’t be many more to enjoy so we need to catch them while we can.

Although we can see the shuttle from our house we went to the beach for the unobstructed view.  On a very clear day (not today, unfortunately), if you squint and lean, you can make out the launch pad at the Cape.  It’s pretty amazing to live this close to KSC.

So, around 2PM we headed over to the beach.  Cousin B came with us too.

The boys enjoyed running around on the beach, collecting shells and getting sandy from head to toe while we waited for lift off.   Wildman got so sandy and wet that I made him remove his jeans before getting back into my car.  He thought it was pretty awesome to ride home in his underwear.

Boys!

The launch went off without a hitch.  There were a bunch of people there to witness it including Wildman’s preschool friend.

Now that we’re back home, the boys are completely wiped out.  I’m looking forward to catching a little nap myself.