Space Shuttle Endeavor liftoff!

Last night was the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Because the kids were having a sleepover at our house we were unable to drive over to Titusville to watch the launch from across the bay. Instead we popped out the door, all 4 kids in tow, and watched it ascend through the night sky from the yard across from our condo.

We've been studying the American Space Program this last week or so, and the kids were excited to see this launch, because they actually understood what was going on.

It was somewhat cloudy last night, which affected how the light from the engines was distorted. We didn't get the huge glow we did when we watched a different night launch a couple years ago. This time is was subdued, but still breathtaking to watch.

Here the shuttle has just passed by the moon (from my point of view)


Here you can really see the vapor trail. During the day it would be a stream of white cloudy smoke. But at night it's a whole other experience.


Here the shuttle is now out of view in the large clouds in the top left of the frame. But look at that trail! It's so beautiful with the silvery moon partially hidden in dark clouds. I love this picture :D


We were unable to hear the massive boom that comes with a launch because the wind was moving away from us going north. The kids were dissapointed they didn't get to hear the explosion. And I was too. :P Even without the boom, it was still a sight to see!

National Doughnut Day!

Yesterday was National Doughnut Day. And super-mom/teacher thought "What a great project for the afternoon."

Photographic proof of my insanity:

J mixing the dry ingredients.

K mixing the wet ingredients.

Rolling and cutting of said doughnuts.

Did you find the hidden mickey?

The frying of the doughnuts. eeww...

The sugaring and the powdering. K set up an assembly line. She'd move fresh doughnuts to the appropriate bowls and "encourage" J to move quickly!

Happy Doughnut Day! :P

Life after "Fall Break"

Originally it was only a week, just enough time off for our vacation to St. Louis and then on to Michigan for a bit. But when we got home we were all just too tired. The kids wanted to open the boxes they brought home and I just wanted to sleep. So Fall Break became a 2 week vacation, culminating in the celebration of Halloween and Daylight Savings Time ending. What a way to go out. Extra sugar and extra sleep!

Now I'm forcing myself to get back into the thick of things. I have lots of plan rattling around in my brainbox. But I fear I may need a can opener to get them out!

With more holiday coming right around the corner, we're also preparing for more travel. This makes me nervous about keeping us on task for school. Yesterday was our "first day of school" since break. (We don't do Mondays - Dad's day off) It was a rocky start, but then K, thankfully, jumped right in. J, bless him, dragged his feet as long as he could...isn't that what little boys do? He's just too cute to scold sometimes, with those big blue eyes and lopsided smile...

So, before the day gets away from me, I should sign off and get going. Today is National Doughnut Day, so I think for Home Ec we'll make some homemade doughnuts. :D That should make 'em smile. And give me more dishes to wash :(