4th of July Huntsville style

What better way to spend your first 4th of July in Rocket city than at the Space and Rocket center!

Kate and I made a flag cake (Kate insisted really) the day before. Kate was a great decorator!

We grilled hot dogs and had late lunch on our back porch.

Then that evening, we packed up and headed to the rocket center despite the forecast for rain. The only way it wouldn't happen is if they had lightning. They had many activities to keep the kids entertained for 3 hours.

Making her own paper rocket

She didn't want her face painted but her arm. She asked for fireworks and this is what she got. I thought 'she would be upset but she insisted "This was what I planned."

They had this mascot walking around. Kate would only stand by it if someone went with her. Ellie was wary of it but ok until it touched her back. This is the only picture we got but it's priceless!

We had a delicious meal at the Mars Grill (I swear they have the best BBQ'd pulled pork sandwich in town) and took a few silly pictures.

 Then took our place outside for the fireworks over the Saturn V. It was fun despite being out there is the downpour. We kept tracking the storm and at 9 PM when it should have started we had a window with only a light drizzle. They delayed the start 30 minutes and of course once it began, the downpour started but we all stayed. The girls loved it. Kate had cotton in her ears but Ellie was fine with the load booms. In fact, she was saying "wow" and "uh-oh!" (her favorite word) as the explosions went off. 

Would be do it again, yes! it was a great family time even if we got a little wet!