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Some news about Space Shuttle Endeavour reminded me that while I blogged about my first attempt at seeing its last launch back in April, I never wrote about my trip with Kaitlin to see it actually launch. So, despite the long delay, here’s what I remember.

We traveled to Florida on May 14, 2011, in preparation for the launch on May 16, and returned home on May 18.

While waiting at the airport in Moline to begin our trip, we heard over the PA, “Will Kaitlin Holt please report to the gate agent as soon as possible.” We had booked business class tickets with AirTran because they are refundable (Remember, the launch date of a space shuttle is likely to shift, so one’s travel plans need to be flexible.). The morning of the trip, when we were certain we were going, Katie canceled her business class ticket and bought a coach fare. We were thus concerned that AirTran had detected the change and was going to do something about it.

Luckily the mother of one of Katie’s classmates had seen our names on the passenger list, noticed my flying in business and Katie in coach, and upgraded her for free. The trip, therefore, began on a high note. We both enjoyed Screwdriver and Bloody Mary cocktails en route. When we landed in Orlando, there was some weather-related delay and we had to sit on the tarmac for some time. Katie had to ask special permission of the flight attendants to get up and use the restroom. They gave us a hard time about the cocktails, but it wasn't a problem. After she went, it opened the floodgates, so to speak, as a bunch other passengers did the same.

After collecting our rental car and getting our bearings, we decided to get dinner. I decided to treat Katie to a steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris, but first we stopped at Walmart to buy some things for the launch and the beach. We both bought chairs, which we used at the launch and at the beach, and I think I bought a tent (which I ended up returning before we flew home). Kaitlin bought a boogie board. We had a cooler so we had ice packs, deli meat for sandwiches, etc.

We've been in San Diego for a couple days and have been enjoying the beaches (especially the surf). Tom picked me up from the airport yesterday, and after stopping for lunch (Chicago and New York style pizza) and to change at the hotel, we met up with the rest of the family at Torrey Pines State Beach.