TULSA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM

On Wednesday we took Aric to the Air & Space Museum & the Planetarium. Mickey & I have been to MANY Air Museums in our travels because of my husbands love of planes. Visiting Tulsa's was most interesting because it isn't real big and it covers the history of aviation in Tulsa.

If you look at the very top of the picture you can barely see a hot air balloon. This was Tulsa's first official aviation encounter. On July 4, 1897 a gentleman completed a smoke balloon ascension to a height of 300 feet and parachuted from the contraption to the delight of the crowds below. What is really interesting about this......the man was to be paid $200. He refused to come until he had received the money. The promoters were afraid if they paid him up front he wouldn't show up. The problem was solved by the promoters going ahead and placing

the $200 in a fruit jar that was placed in a store window for all to see. The man did show up, did the stunt and was paid from the fruit jar.

Grandpa is showing Aric one of the old gas pumps and explaining it to him. What was interesting is that the pump only held 10 gallons.

To prove we've all been to space.........well, sort of!!!

There were many interactive exhibits Aric was able to do. Here a volunteer is instructing Aric how to use the robotic arm. Aric is actually standing inside a section of the space ship at the controls.

Here Aric has activated the robotic arm and is lifting this canister from the hole next to the red one and actually moved it across to the other side and placing it in a hole there. Aric and the controls are behind the white section to the right and he is looking at a screen monitor as he performs this feat.

Outside is a nice playground with a space theme. We took time for Aric to play awhile on the different features. Here he is climbing the "rock" wall

He is proceeding to come down out of this rocket ship so we can go to lunch!!!

TASM is out in a remote section north of the airport so we inquired about a place to eat. We were directed to a truly lovely little cafe hidden away among the industrial/aerospace businesses that we never would have found on our own. Imagine our delight when we opened the door to white tablecloth covered tables and beautiful pots of flowers everywhere. Neat as a pin and an absolutely delicious home style cooked meal. What a winner. We opted for a booth, more comfortable for my back & leg.

After our delicious meal we went back to the Planetarium where we saw a 40 minute show entitled Infinity Express. We were wowed and delighted at the beautiful and educational display of the heavens above us.

A wonderful, fun and educational time for all of us "kids".