Memorable Moments Monday...Houston, we have a problem...

Not, really. Just always wanted to say that. Especially since we spent the day at Space Center Houston located next to the Johnson Space Center. Boy, how things have change since I last visited the space center pre-9/11. Last time I went you actually went straight into Johnson Space Center and were able to walk into the Mission Control Building and see the actual control room at work. You were also able to walk to the building that held lunar artifacts and check out their lab. That has all changed. First the new Space Center actually sits adjacent to the JSC and upon arriving you go through a bag check. Then later, when we went onto the tram tour that took us over to JSC you go through another bag check and scanner. You also receive boarding passes that they collect later on the tour to make sure no one stayed behind.

Despite all the changes it was a lot of fun. The girls tried out a trainer in which they had to maneuver around in order to complete a task overhead. Em mastered it with plenty of time to spare, while Soph was more interested in perfecting her maneuvering of the craft. She was getting good at it too

Soph driving her space craft.

Em completing her mission.

Gramp on the Tram tour in front of the Saturn V building.

The crew standing by the Saturn V.

This is Joe. He was our guide in the historic Mission Control. He was a wonderful storyteller. This is another thing changed from the past. We only were able to see the old mission control, not the real live working one. We did get to view it on a TV screen for awhile, which was neat since the shuttle is up.

The famous red phone. The one they use to call the pentagon. Wonder how many times it has been used?

Before we left we got to see the shuttle's path as it hurries to catch up with the space station. It will be docking soon and bringing home a female astronaut that has been there for about 3 months. I bet she'll be glad to see them out her window!!!

It was a great day and full of memorable moments:)