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!

Summer fun - A LOT of pictures!!

It is hard to believe that school has been out for a month!  That means summer is 1/3 over and I haven't even started on our summer fun to-do list.  That doesn't mean we haven't done anything fun, because it has been great so far.  We have had quiet and relaxing (as they can be with a 2 and a half year old nick-named Full Throttle) mornings.  We've enjoyed the weather outside in the afternoons and evenings.

We have already put in time at the zoo and the parks.  I am sure both will be favorites this summer!  

We had a wonderful birthday party for Julianne at the park.  We enjoyed chicken and banana splits to eat.  We played kickball, played on the playground equipment and flew kits.  Most importantly we made great memories with Julianne celebrating her 8th birthday!  (Though I think she should only be 3...time has flown by!!)

The girls participated in the year end dance recital with Main Stage and did awesome.  Katelyn was in 2 dances (ballet & tap), Julianne was in 4 dances (ballet, tap, jazz & hip hop).  

We made a trip to Mitchell for the baptism of Jen & Chris' little guy Ty and got to spend some time with them, their daughter Ella, and Brian's mom Mary Kay.  

The kids, my mom and I spent a Saturday morning downtown, at the Falls, and riding the Trolley (a first for me).  The girls loved the Falls and I am pretty sure William would have spent all day on the Trolley if we would have let him.  

We were also lucky enough to take 8 days to travel to Baton Rouge to see my sister and her family.  It was great to see Rachel & Josh and their boys Mason & Murphy as we hadn't seen them since last July!  The kids did pretty good playing together and all things considered we had a great time.  

Finally some random fun and soccer...