Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

On Monday, August 21, 2017, western Kentucky was in the path of totality to see an awe-inspiring sight by God...a total solar eclipse.  Hopkinsville, KY had the longest span of totality (2 minutes, 40 seconds), so people traveled from everywhere to see this awesome even take place.  As we headed to Dawson Springs to watch with family, we saw vehicles with license plates from Ontario, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, northern/eastern KY, Texas, etc.  We were so excited to get to witness this and experience it in our area of the world.  We had our solar glasses ready!  The partial phase began at 11:55 am as the moon covered the upper right portion of the sun. The boys said it looked like Cookie Monster was taking bites out of the sun!  Starting at 1:23 pm, we had 2 minutes and 31 seconds duration of totality, where we were able to remove our glasses.  Just prior to the totality phase, we saw crescent shadows on the concrete in the driveway.  The air temperature was much cooler as it was getting darker, and we heard the chirp of the crickets.  It was the coolest experience!

The traffic on the way to Dawson Springs was not too bad because people trickled into the area over a few days.  However, once it was over, it took two hours just for the main road in Dawson Springs to clear out (because many went to Pennyrile State Park to observe the event).  Hours after the event while we were traveling home (around 7 pm), we noticed the Pennyrile Parkway from Hopkinsville was still in a complete traffic jam with cars barely moving.  Many of the smaller roads and gas stations in Muhlenberg County were also clogged up because the travelers' GPS systems were taking them on alternate routes, which ended up being on tiny 2-lane roads. I was thankful we were only backed up for about 5-10 minutes on our way home.

Photos above show the crescent shadows.

Below is a photo of the traffic on our way home on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

We had such a great day!  Hoping this will be a special day the boys will remember forever!!!

Hannah 9 Months Old

I love this sweet girl!

1st day of School

The boys were a little sad that summer break was coming to an end.  However, after going to open house, they both started to get excited for school to begin.  Eli, starting kindergarten, is ready to make some friends his age!  After meeting his teacher, Mrs. Latham, and seeing his classroom, his nervousness transitioned to excitement.  Mrs. Latham told the class that they would make their name out of Play-Doh.  Eli mentioned this a couple times leading up to the first day, and I could tell he was looking forward to it. She also gave them glitter to put until their pillow to help them "sleep."  Eli reminded me to put his glitter under his pillow.  He slept great, and woke up ready to go.

Poor Isaac, on the other hand, who had not been nervous at all, did not sleep well the night before school started. He probably didn't fall asleep until about 2 am.  I'm assuming he was just a little anxious (as I always was the night before the first day of school each year).  

On the first day of school, I have to admit, both boys did great!  Isaac was all smiles. Eli may have been a little nervous, but he didn't cry or seem sad.  Both boys really like their teachers. 

When I asked Eli what his favorite thing about kindergarten was, he replied "everything!"  

Isaac has Mrs. Nelson for 4th grade, who I believe will challenge him.  I think it going to be a great year of learning and fun for both of my boys!

One final thing worth noting about the first week of school is that Eli threw up at the end of the second day, got a fever, and had to miss his third day of school.  Poor guy had a stomach virus and did not feel well at all.  Fortunately, he was back to his normal self quickly!