Annular Solar Eclipse - Ring of Fire

Yesterday was an event of a lifetime. The moon passed between the earth and the sun producing a ring of fire. This is called an Annular Solar Eclipse. We were right outside the perfect zone to view this event. We decided to head south to get an even better view. We ended up at the Needles Overlook area where we met many people there for the same purpose. 

Road trip! Going to Needles Overlook.

I got Colton to smile by offering him a coconut cookie covered in chocolate. 

We brought the telescope, forgot the lenses. Doh!

Earlier in the day the kids and I got instructions on how to make eclipse viewers so we could watch this rare occurrence. This is what we came up with.

Here is Bailey's viewer made out of a shoe box. This hole is the viewing hole. As the moon approached, the shadow in the box showed the crescent sun. I couldn't get a great shot of this with our camera, but I posted what I was able to capture.

Pin hole in the tinfoil

Homemade viewers

I have to say the longer the box the better. Because the sun is of course bigger in the viewing area.

Bai is trying to figure out how to use hers.

Agi's viewer

Almost the peak moment

Taken at the peak moment! Awesome.
The welding mask really made a difference in watching this happen.
I was amazed at how much colder it got as the moon began to cover the sun.
I also felt humbled realizing all that is is because of this constantly burning ball of fire.  I wish I could describe the feeling in my chest as it bubbled with excitement.

Although we used a number 14 in welding glass, I still made the kids wear sunglasses as double protection. The retinas can burn painlessly and permanently looking at the sun.

Bailey and I talk about the dance between the sun and the moon  all day, every day. Finally, they get to kiss.

This is what I'm able to capture from inside one of the homemade viewers.

The clan with our viewers (My shadow on the left)

This picture was taken by putting the welding mask between the sun, moon, and camera. You can't see the eclipse unless you open the picture and zoom in on the sun. 

Lovin the Saxophone

Bar M Trails in Moab

The Bar M Trails in Moab are one of the many reasons outdoorsy people come to Moab. These biking trails range in difficulty from easy to advanced this area has it all. In the five years I've been here, I hadnt taken the kids until now. 

 Bailey and I waited in this beautiful land until the boys made the loop.

 Here comes Colton!

 I love putting a smile on this kids face. Getting out and back into nature does it instantaneously. He complained the whole way up saying it was going to take way to long. He would rather stay home and text his friends, or be online. But he forgets that I know how to make him smile. 

 Alex didnt have as much fun. Apparently he fell halfway around the loop, which took about an hour total.

 He's trying to smile though! I'll give him that.

At the end of the day, they all love it!

A welcome visit from our friends

Our friends, we do miss.

 Cedar, Alex, and Bailey

 I love these girls.

We will be out there soon to visit, I hope!

Goofey Glasses

Found these goofey glasses in a drawer. We had to play a bit...

 "Cheese!"

 I love this kids freckles.

Okay, these suit him a little too well.

The kids loved this. (Me too!)

Culvert Canyon (and the rare smile from Annie)

One of our favorite hikes in Moab filled with super sized boulders and potholes filled with rain water.

 BOO!

 Should we get in?

 "Where are you Shanon?"

 "Oh, Hi!"

Annie tried covering her beautiful smile. She claims she never smiles. Being the youngest of four and the only girl in the family she has to pretend like she is a tough one. But I caught it, on camera. Dimples and all. 

Daddys girl.

Super Moon

The Super Moon brought in TONZ of energy for me. Things changed this night that will affect me forever. I dont know yet that they are the best things for me, but I have to trust that the world has better things waiting for me. I have to believe that the next part of my journey is just beginning. I have to let go. 

This is the best picture we could get with our digital, waterproof, shockproof camera. Maybe one day I'll get a camera that takes better photos. 

Mohawk!!

Colton came home and told me he was going to get a Mohawk. When I said "OK" he did it almost immediately. I don't think he expected me to be okay with it. He has such great hair for it too.

I'll tell you what. When I'm going through something significant, I do something with my hair. I am not going to go off the deep end and do something that will cause harm to others or myself. The hair is a perfect outlet.  I'll take waking up early to help Colton get his hair to stand up just right any day of the week over him doing something else to experiment with his experience...

I'm proud of you Colton!

What a great kid this one. Glad he is the leader of the pack.

First tulips of the year!

 "Mom! Flowers are growing!"

 "What's inside?"

 "Hi Flower!"

 "Smell the flower Bailey."

"Okay, Mom"

 "It smells good"

Springtime is the absolute BEST in Moab. 

(Notice the black on her nose. That was the flower kissing her back.)

Me and my silly daughter

Fake teeth Colton got for Christmas to replace his two broken front teeth

"My turn Mom"

 Isn't she the cutest? I love her humor

Prom Colton going with Meera

Colton chose the most beautiful sophmore to go to the prom with this year. Her name is Meera and is in his band class. Smart and beautiful! She wanted a his suit to be silver to match the rainbowy silvery sparkly dress she chose for her dress. 

 After dinners at Eddie McStiffs I picked them up in the van.

  I decked it out with dragonfly lights

 Crystals, and sunflowers

and of course chilled sparkling cider in wine glasses was served on the drive over to the prom.

Her friends where impressed with the corsage. They thought it was neat that he got her real flowers and not fake ones (?).  Our flower shop was sold out of wrist bands when we called to order a couple of days before the event. I was shocked considering there aren't many events in Moab where they can make money and Prom is one of them. Fortunately, our local City Market was on the ball and did a beautiful job putting this one together.