Tuesday, August 21, 2012

NASA Wallop's Visitor's Center

Since Pierce has been so into all things space, we wanted to stop by the NASA Wallop's Visitor's Center while we were at the beach. Luckily, it was only about 10 minutes away, and it was free!

The twins love to work puzzles right now, so they were really drawn in by these huge foam space puzzles.

Pierce liked this bottle rocket launcher.  You press it down and it fills with air, then you let go and it soars up on the line.  It was kind of noisy, so he was initially scared, but then he came around.

Space suited Pierce.

They had one of those globe things that shows a movie you can sit and watch. 

It was nice and cool in the room, and I loved watching the movie evolve across the giant glowing globe.

Outside is a huge rocket.  It was used years ago to launch Sam the Monkey and Miss Sam the Monkey into space.  The flight took a mere 3 minutes.

On the top of the visitor's center is an observation deck.

You can see many of the satellites across the field.

The boys had fun pretending to talk on the phone.

And of course, we had to finish off our visit with some Astronaut ice cream.  This was the first time the boys had tried it, and they loved it!  I hadn't had it since I was a kid myself, and I have to say - it does taste just like ice cream!

30 comments:

andy said...

Hey that looks like a blast! "I remember i was a kid we took a 14 hour road trip to kennedy space center in fla. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Love that Pierce floating in outer space. How cute is that! Bet the boys were in heaven around all the space things. We toured Nasa in Florida years ago. Pretty darned neat!

Unknown said...

This looks like a great place to visit! The globe projector looks really cool.

Eat To Live said...

How cool the boys got to see this... well Pierce is probably the only one that really appreciated it out of the kids. The other two are a little young. Looks like the enjoyed the puzzles though.

Jill said...

Dreams and memories in the same trip. Perfect!

Marie said...

Looks like the boys had a blast! What a full vacation you had. My son always enjoyed Kennedy Space Center. :)

Valerie Boersma said...

This looks like a great museum! I can't get over how primitive the rocket that carried Sam and Miss Sam looks-almost like some high school kid's science project!

Amy loved museums like this as much as your boys do. I think it is so wonderful how you guys take advantage of what these places have to offer!! :)

Barbara said...

Those pictures are great! That looks like such an amazing place to visit.

TexWisGirl said...

another great experience you give your boys! :)

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Looks like a neat place with hands-on fun. Y'all did a lot during vacation--lots of adventures!

Liz Mays said...

That movie is really cool, and finishing with ice cream is perfect!

Mary said...

What a cool place! That place just says little boy all over it. I think Kyle would even like that place! :)

Nancy said...

Love the photo of Pierce as an astronaut. Too darned cute.

Lisa Lynn said...

Sounds like your family is having a wonderful summer! Enjoy!

renae said...

What a fun place for little guys.

That pic is so funny. I didn't ask Mary if I could share it --- I might get in trouble. Don't you love our fuzzy curls?

renae said...

That looks like a great place for your guys! I'm glad you got to go there.

Don't ya just love Mary's and mine fuzzy curls?

The Cranky said...

That looks like a wonderful time, do they let 'adults' play too?

Thanks so much for your well wishes, they were very appreciated.

Debbie said...

oh i want to go!! you bring them to the best places!!!

Sandy said...

Pierce in that space suit picture is adorable. I think that dried ice cream is nasty. I had some friends that used to carry it backpacking.

Anonymous said...

I know the boys enjoyed this outing so much. What special photos/memories.

Thanks for your kindness re John's surgery!

Unknown said...

Lots of food for young imaginations there.

Gail Dixon said...

What an awesome day for your boys! You're always giving them some neat experiences.

Michelle said...

Glad they were able to try the ice cream!

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

He is so cute in his suit! I want to go with you new time!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a great experience for all three boys... I know that Pierce especially enjoyed it... Astronaut Ice Cream, huh??? I've never had any --and probably won't ever have any... ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Susan Cook said...

That looks like fun and free is for me! :)

Grandma Bonnie said...

Looks like they had fun. I remember the Astronaut ice cream my kids brought home from NASA.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

You and Paul are such good parents!...:)JP

Anonymous said...

That's an awesome field trip!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Always enjoy the freeze dried ice cream. Looks like a great place to take the boys. I am sure Pierce loved it.