The Eclipse

On August 21 we took a little road trip to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to watch the solar eclipse.

The morning started out early (6am) as we had to "tear down" camp and get on the road.  The kids were less than thrilled to get up early, but in the end they all agreed it was totally worth it.

As we hit the road, there was a little napping, lots of music and even some learning.  We headed north  from the campground and the traffic was moving and light.  Our first stop was for a little caffeine and gas.  Our next stop was once we got to Fort Laramie.  We were greeted with smiles as we pulled in.  We unloaded our cooler, blankets, the stroller and the kids.  We found a nice shaded area and got all set-up and ready for the amazing event!

Words and pictures do not do the solar eclipse justice, but here are some pictures that I did take.

The beginning...

Sweet Caroline hanging out and enjoying the shade.

Exploring Fort Laramie

It continues...

Checking out the eclipse

A rare picture with mom!

Still hanging out and enjoying the shade!

So close to complete!

IT'S COMPLETE!

What an amazing sight.

The weather changed - it cooled off,

the wind stopped and there was a weird "calm" around us.  

The total eclipse was over just 2 minutes, but it 

felt more like 30 seconds!  

The horizon during the total eclipse

One of the planets we could see.

And, it's over...

 The ground during the eclipse.

And it all tuckered Sweet Caroline out!

What an amazing experience this way!  Brian is already thinking ahead to 2024 when the next solar eclipse will be passing over the US. The kids are onboard and are looking forward to it too.  

If you have the opportunity to see a solar eclipse, GO.  Don't walk, RUN - well, actually drive.  

Until the next eclipse I will enjoy the memories and the pictures.  

Now, go out and make your own memories!

Where has time gone?

So many parents ask, "Where has the time gone?" and I am no different.  As I looked back, my last post was in February - but it doesn't seem like it was almost six months ago!  So much has changed in the last 6 months.

The first big change is we are expecting baby #4.  To answer the question I am probably asked most, yes this was planned.  It seems crazy (sometimes) to think that the baby and William will be 7 years apart, I am excited to see the interactions between all the kids.  We told the kids on Mother's Day and shared the news with many family and friends.  It was so much fun to see their reactions to the news. Here are a few pictures of the kiddos from that day.

This spring Katelyn also played softball and had a great time!  She enjoyed trying a number of positions in the field, but her favorite position is short stop.  Though, I know she really enjoyed pitching and catching (much to dad and mom's dismay, but we both embraced it).  She also had a great spring batting.  She is definitely a left-handed batter.  She greatly improved as the season went on.  She is very excited to play again this fall.  Here are a few pictures of her playing ball:

Hey batter, batter...

Swing batter, batter!

Ready to find the ball!

Taking off from 3rd and ready to score...

And, she scored!

Julianne also had a busy spring running on her middle school track team.  Events were cut short because of the weather and one was cancelled, but we all made it thru getting soaked in the rain.  She enjoyed trying different events and challenging herself.  She tried shot-put, long jump, hurdles, 800m, 1600m, and the 4x400m.  She worked hard, tried hard and helped bring her 4x400m team a win at the district meet.  

And last, but not least, is William!  He has had fun experiences this spring.  He's watched and cheered for his sisters.  Played with friends a lot.  And, he got to do some fishing! One of the events we found for the kids this spring was a fishing clinic where they each got a FREE fishing pole.  William had a blast.

And as a family we had a blast getting out and enjoying the outdoors.  We spent quite a few weekends skiing.  Brian and the girls have enjoyed some hikes.  We all enjoyed driving up thru Rocky Mountain Park and enjoying some snow.