This morning it was difficult for the Commander to get up. Note to
self...have the Executive Officer in Training have the alarm clock so
it would not be shut off multiple times by myself.

Actually, everyone had a late start this morning. We had our morning
briefing while we ate breakfast and then the F.L.A.M.E. students began
their studies. It was nice to see the galley filled with all their
homework. While they struggled with their math work, I struggled to
fill out all the necessary paperwork that Commanders need to fill out
along with creating our name tags for our Crew quarters. Once I was
done with that I headed to the GreenHab to tend to our vegetation and
do some final cleaning and organizing.

Our F.L.A.M.E. Educator has done a wonderful job with the students and
has given each of them one-on-one attention. He is very knowledgeable
and the children understand his style of teaching. He also loves going
on EVA and having "ATV Fun Time".

Our Chief Engineer went on his first EVA on Mars today. He donned his
spacesuit as if he has put on a spacesuit many times before coming to
the Mars Desert Research Station. Observing him I can tell that he
loves to read and he loves to do puzzles (mathematical puzzles).

Speaking of spacesuits, an important consideration for future
modifications involves the weight of the spacesuit and its effect on a
Crew member to perform exploratory tasks. Another observation is that
children need child-sized spacesuits. Today's EVA was a prime example
of how children can participate in a mission but obstacles such as
spacesuit bulk, the helmet sliding, etc., can hinder productivity as
well as morale.

Some of the Crew members are a little tired (we have had an EVA each
day for the last three days). Performing a series of tasks
representative of planetary exploration activities this week will
include timed EVAs. This will further our understanding of human
factors and how certain objectives can be completed within a martian
Sol.

The evening was highlighted with a delicious spaghetti dinner with
salad, and garlic bread. We were treated with brownies for dessert.
Also, our Executive Officer in Training sent an educational outreach
message to all of her educators, family and friends back home on Earth.


Everyone is in good spirits. Three Crew members were able to take
showers tonight and the remaining Crew will take their showers
tomorrow. We did not have time to watch a movie last night so tonight
we plan on watching "Shadows of the Moon".

To all of our friends and family back home...we love you and miss you
all very much and will see you soon.