We were so excited, February 24th had finally arrived. It was all systems go for Discovery launch, STS-133, at 4:50pm EST. We joined the crowds of people driving out to Space Coast and watched the launch from Marina Park in Titusville. I do have a slight regret of not trying to be south of the bridge. I had planned on checking out Space View Park, but we arrived at Marina Park first, there was free parking in the parking lot, a beautiful new playground and restrooms. These made the seven hours we spent there much more enjoyable. Crowds developed as the day wore on, but we had spot right on the breakwater and were pretty much oblivious to the crowds on the field behind us.
I must admit I staged this picture before the launch. I was worried I would be so focused on the shuttle I would forget to get a picture of the kids. Turns out I was right. I took so many pictures it looks like a video when you scroll through them. Or you can watch the hilarious video Kristen took with Andy's flip.
Solid rocket boosters released.
And then they were gone into space.
The clouds they left behind were one of my favorite parts.
This was an absolutely perfect day that we will never forget. It was all worth it, even the five hours of traffic we sat in to get off the space coast.
[On March 9th we were at the Wild World of Sports Complex in Orlando for an Atlanta Braves game. They stopped batting practice while everyone watched the shuttle landing on the big screen. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as they approached and cheered when we heard the sonic boom and they landed safely at Cape Canaveral]
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