Ring of Fire: Annular Eclipse

We capped off a crazy weekend with a Annular Eclipse party at the school.

On Sunday night, Albuquerque was THE place to be for this spectacular event. We don't get to say that very often.

Of course, the kids favorite part was the kona ice. 

I don't know why I bothered to have Greta & Charlie take a shower before we went out. She was a sticky mess by the end of the night.

When we arrived, the eclipse was just starting.

While we probably could have viewed the eclipse from out house, I'm glad we went to the new park by the school. The community event made the event even more special. 

I didn't do enough preparation for this night. No special camera or special viewing contraption. I remember making them as a kid & it was such a busy weekend that I forgot. So, I took photos through the special sunglasses the kids got from school. 

As the sun became blocked, the light became very pretty.

Not a bad photo for such a wimpy lens.

I think this is the only time the kids sat down all night.

They were having too much fun with their friends.

What a great way to end the weekend.

We had about 4 minutes of the ring of fire. I wish I had taken more photos. I couldn't tell if they were working (or if I was frying my camera).

Planning Ahead

 

What? No one wants to be an attorney like Mom?
Well, we don't know how to spell "attorney."
Yeah, and we don't want to work that much.

With Malice Toward None; With Charity For All - Washington, D.C.

I had a work conference in Washington, DC last week. It was a very busy conference, but I did schedule a few hours to sightsee.

 I took my friend Shauna's great advice to take bike tour.

The National Mall is not looking pretty these days - so many construction projects underway. As we stopped at the Washington Monument (can't go inside while earthquake repairs are being made), we noticed A LOT of snipers on surrounding buildings. When we got to the White House, the gates were up pushing people away from the fence line. We decided to hurry along to the next monument.

Washington Monument.
As I was praying this was the status quo in DC, we heard a helicopter over head. Apparently, we missed seeing the President land at the White House by mere minutes.

I don't think I had ever seen the World War II memorial. It was lovely.

My favorite memorial is always the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

I am always surprised by the emotion that this memorial evokes each time I visit.

The Three Soldiers Statute.
I loved biking around & hearing the stories & history from our guide.

Next stop, the Lincoln Memorial. When I signed up for the nighttime bike tour, I thought the monuments would be nearly empty (especially since school isn't out yet).

But, all of the monuments were crowded & our visits & photos had to be timed perfectly between bus tour groups. At least the overcast weather kept our ride cool & humidity free.

I don't remember visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial before.

It was spooky & strongly implied the struggle our soldiers faced in the difficult terrain of Korea.

The creativity of the different memorials was inspiring. This memorial includes archival images sandblasted in black granite.

As darkness set, the memorials took on an even more majestic presence.

Out of a mountain of despair . . . 

a stone of hope.  The new Martin Luther King Memorial is beautiful & inspiring. And just who is Dr. King staring down?

President Jefferson.

It was very dark by the time we made it to the Roosevelt Memorial. I'd love to revisit during daylight hours & soak in all the symbolism & tributes to our longest serving President.

From the Jefferson Memorial, you can see the White House (the bright spot to the left of the Washington Monument).

One last stop at the Jefferson Memorial & then it was a short bike ride home. Given my long flight, my high heels & suits all week & the sedentary nature of conferences, it felt good to get out & bike. I would highly recommend a bike tour in DC!

Happy Days

Quick weekend wrap up

Friday brought a major hail storm much to the delight of the kids (but not our flowers).


The snack family didn't show at Tball. Crisis averted by an impromptu trip to Dunkin' Donuts (followed up with a trip to Target to stock up for the 3 upcoming birthday parties).




The park next to their school has been under construction for a year. A visit before Saturday's storm was highly requested.


Sunday morning I jumped out of bed after hearing a clatter in the kitchen. I was sure that a fight over the last waffle was coming. Instead I heard MOMS COMING!HAPPYMOTHERSDAY!MOMDON'TLOOKGOBACKINYOUROOM! A delicious breakfast of cinnamon toast & a mug of milk was quickly delivered to me in bed. I can't express how wonderful it was to see them so excited about their creation & independence.

Greta & Charlie proudly read their cards to me (Ella forgot hers at school).

They were so proud of their beautiful necklaces.

And yes, Charlie did make his for Nick. True to Charlie's prediction, Nick offered to let me wear the necklace whenever I want (assuming I ask nicely first).

Charlie's Home Run

On Saturday, it was Charlie's turn to bat last for his team. We missed Greta's game when she was last in the line up.

Charlie had been waiting for this day all year. 

He's a strong & confident runner.

His teammate on second base wasn't really paying attention to the game.

Charlie took matters into his own hands & geared up to pass his teammate.

Rounding third, he built up enough steam to lap the player in front of him.

It was close, but both runners were safe! Charlie had an excellent game & even remembered to make sure his teammates were looking before he threw the ball to them (one little kid on the other team was hit on the head twice with passes from his teammates). Way to go Charlie!

Mamma's Boy

Greta: Charlie, don't tell Mom what we made for her in class today!
Charlie: I'm giving mine to Dad.
Me: You are going to give Dad my Mother's Day gift?
Charlie: Well, maybe he will share with you.

Week in the Life, Day 6

Saturday was a crazy day. Double header for ball games & a party.

I took so many photos on Friday & Saturday, I think I will add one more page to my weekly spread. I haven't journaled as much as I anticipated, but I love seeing how the photos have come together. It really gives me a snapshot of what a typical week looks like. I hope to find some time to pull together the photos from previous years so we can see how much our lives have changed over the last three years.