I know we were all excited to hear that Luke Skywalker's ROTJ lightsaber was begin flown on the October space shuttle mission and would actually find itself IN SPACE!!!! So thrilling!

I was even more excited knowing that it was going in and out of Johnson Space Center here in Houston! To be so close to that kind of history... Oh my gosh, I could hardly contain myself!!

Then it was said that the lightsaber would reside for a brief stint at Space Center Houston on a special Star Wars display and I knew I had to go see it!!!

I finally got my chance to go the weekend after Christmas with my mom and luuke.skywalker, who formerly played with us here on the blogs, and his family! I knew it was in the stars that we would have a fantastic time... and did we ever!

I arrived with my mom just right about the time that Space Center was opening for the day on Dec 28. Luuke and his family would be arriving a little later.

So, Mom and I began looking around at the various displays on site. They now have a large model of the new capsule for the newest vision of space flight in order to return to the moon, as well as small model rockets that are designated to be used in the effort. Then we spent some time in the gift shops, eating Space Dots (ice cream) and I had to at least go take a peek at the Star Wars display because... well... I just couldn't wait! Squeeeeee!!!

There it was in a beautiful display case before my eyes... Luke's lightsaber! It still amazes me that it has now been "up there" where so many of us would like to go ourselves! Just incredible!! In addition to the lightsaber, was a full-size model of Luke's X-Wing, complete with R2-D2, and a display of Darth Sidious' costume. Space Center had also hired a member of the 501st Legion to come in costume for the display as well, so that was fun!

Shortly after that, my friends arrived and we decided to go on a tour that Space Center has set up to view some behind-the-scenes areas in Johnson Space Center.

We first went to a training facility that is set up to practice functions on the International Space Station and working on the Shuttle. It was fun to see people in there actually working and training.

We then went to an area set up with the last Saturn V rocket built. It was designated to be Apollo 18, but that flight was cancelled, so the rocket is displayed for people to view. I've seen it so many times, but I never get tired of seeing that BIG piece of space history. It was decorated for Christmas which made it more special than usual!

In addition, right outside the building containing the Saturn rocket are examples of Gemini and Mercury rockets and one engine from a Saturn rocket. Love these!

Upon returning to the Space Center after the tour, Luuke, his sister Kisa, and I decided to go view the Star Wars exhibit and snap a few more shots!

After that it was time to do some various programs available to participate in and then one more turn around the gift shop before heading home.

We had such a BLAST (pun intended)!

Unfortunately, the lightsaber has left Space Center again, but it sure was a thrill to see it there!