January 31 – “Muddlethorpe Monkey”

So when was the last time you went to Space Center Houston?  Before yesterday, for us it was way back right after they changed the name from NASA and turned it into a major tourist trap – er – attraction.  And the transition has been made, and made quite effectively.  What I remember was a mass of humanity all bent on experiencing every one of the hands-on opportunities.  Yesterday there were a lot of people, but not overpowering by any means.  There was one large group from Australia.  Some kind of Catholic Youth Organization. 

One of the things that wasn’t available back in the day was the opportunity to go into the plane that carried the shuttle and into the shuttle itself (or the mockup of one they have).  That meant walking up and down three flights of stairs.  Well, we could have taken the elevator, but I had to get my steps in somehow.  The plane in particular was kind of fun.  Why?  Because Noa finally realized that she was standing inside an actual airplane.  She’d never been in one before. 

Inside the boys went berserk with all the hands-on science paraphernalia.  Oh, speaking of science, we listened to a wacky lady give a fun lecture/demonstration of some of the basic principles of rocket science.  Our little guys got to be a part of the whole thing when they were very quick to volunteer.  We also saw two of the movies they showed on one of those gigantic surround screens.  One was about a time a space station scientist/astronaut almost drowned in his space suit.  The other was an animated feature.  Something about a pet ostrich and an alien, walking, talking pile of lime green jello all working together to save the International Space Station.  I was almost asleep when the light came back on.  I hope the space station guys are OK.

Oh, and we found another new friend who agreed to come home with us.  His name is Muddlethorpe Monkey, the Astronaut Ape.  I know.  How can a monkey also be an ape?  But ol’ Muddy is a wonder of nature.  Guess that’s why NASA just had to have him.

Psalms 138:4-5 says, “May all the kings of the earth praise you, O Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.  May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.”

Father, thank you for another chance to experience something a little different with my wife and those goofy, great grandkids.  Amen.