The Eclipse Trip

So, the 2017 Total Eclipse was a big topic of conversation in our family last week.  Honestly its been a big topic in our family for the past year as my Spacey Hubby has been anxiously awaiting its occurrence.  There was some talk of taking the long drive up to the totality zone and seeing it first hand, but as it ebbed closer and the reality of school, travel logistics and the fact that little children and 14 hour car drives don't mix, we made the big decision to stay local and witness the eclipse in the 75% zone.

In an effort to make this natural phenomenon a cool kid thing, Bob got a hold of Lily's teacher and asked if he could come into the class with eclipse glasses and do a whole presentation to the kids about the eclipse.  How cool!  What an awesome Dad!

Then the Mesa School District made the decision to require all children under the age of 3rd grade to remain inside during the eclipse so that no foolish child looked at the sun.  Boo.  What a bummer.  Poor Bob was so disappointed.  So we decided to take the girls out of school, head up to the White Mountains and spend the  weekend and eclipse day with Memaw and Papa!

We were left with 25 eclipse glasses at our disposal, but we made really good use of those by sharing our wealth with the surrounding neighbors.  

Bob, of course had backups and big plans.  We snagged 2 big boxes from the local Lowes and he built eclipse projectors for the girls.  They were a big hit because they served as sleeping forts in the days leading up to the eclipse.

In the hour leading up to the eclipse, the girls were curious excited and asking all sorts of questions, they were eating cookies too which was extra fun.

Bob took the box projector out to the middle of the road and made sure that his contraption was indeed catching the sun and we began our eclipse watch.

We had a great time walking the dogs and wandering around outside stopping in and out of the viewing station to see what was happening.

I am SO grateful that my husband cared about this experience.   It was SO COOL!  Even though we weren't in totality, the experience is just simply something you don't see every day and lets admit, its not very often that you get to stare at the sun!

At its max point we were right at around 75% coverage and it was amazing!  It was really amazing to watch Lily's face and see little Evie witness the phenomena.  

I realized that the last time I witnessed an eclipse I was in about 5th grade.  That was 25 years ago!!!!  Thankfully, my girls will not have to wait that long for the next one in 2024 and we already have plans to travel to the path of totality to see it!  I will admit, I've got the totality bug now!

Eclipse 2017 was a memory worth making and was extra special to be able to enjoy it with Memaw and Papa.  Here's to 2024 when one kid's a teenager, one kid's an 11 year old, we are in our 40s, and we make our total eclipse trip!

Evie Soars into Pre-K!

The day is here!  Evie Frances has left the building and is back to rocking the schoolyard preschool style!  Oh how desperately she wanted this day to be last week.  Her eyes in this picture should tell you everything you need to know about her excitement.  She was practically bursting with joy this morning when her day was FINALLY here!

There is just something so special about this little giant of mine.  Evie may be only 38 inches tall and weigh in at around 36 pounds, but this kid's personality fills up a room, brightens any space and leaves the inhabitants of any area smiling a little bit more.  She's just something special.....

and she's fearless.......

Utterly and without question, FEARLESS.  Her boldness knows only a few boundaries and her willingness to go, do and proclaim loudly are matched only by her big blue eyes ability to snuggle.  She is amazing......She is Evie.

Evie got her very own personalized backpack this year that is just her size and fits her perfectly.  She has watched it for the past several weeks with sincere anticipation and longing.  You see her asking, "When? I'm ready Mom.......put me in!!"  Her joy makes my heart happy......trust me kid....I can't wait either!

Evie has got some major personality lately.  She has mastered the art of rolling her eyes, growling like a little tiger and working her bottom lip when needed.  How fun teaching this mighty lady will be. (Good Luck Mrs. Foster and Mrs. Pennington!)

Our Meet the Teacher morning yesterday only solidified the inevitable, Evie is gonna change the world whether its ready or not.  She marched on campus like she owned the joint, and only had a brief hesitation when she couldn't remember one of the teachers (lasted like 5 seconds).  We had an hour to visit the classroom, reconnect with her friends and discover her learning environment.  After a brief look around she and her posse of friends had already set up shop in the kitchen area and were talking to each other on pretend phones while preparing meals......yeah......shes gonna be just fine.  Getting her to leave was the tricky part.

This morning I watched her in awe.  She may be 4 but the kid has an inner confidence that rivals many adults.  She chose to wear her Belle dress and pair it with that amazingly large flower headband.  Her style was perfectly her.  Out there and big!  I say, wear it and rock it Evie Bee!

Lily and Daddy covered her in goodbye kisses and plenty of tickles to last the whole day through.

My Evie Bee has this unbelievable capacity for love and cuddles.  She never misses a moment or chance to remind you that she loves you....fully completely and forever.  This girl LOVES and in case you couldn't see......she really loves her Daddy.  His ability to literally set our wings on air is a quality we 3 girls are ever so blessed to have.  Why should Evie be afraid? She has only ever been taught that she is supposed to fly!

Today we followed our little Bee into her last year as a pre-K kid and could only observe with pride as she confidently walked into her class with only an over the shoulder goodbye.  She knows we love her, she knows who her team is......

but she also know's its her time on the field.  

And no, we didn't cry!

Dearest  and Bravest Bee,  Oh little girl how much I love you.  Your day is here and your courage, confidence and beauty made the whole world a little bit better today.  I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming.  Jesus shines all around you little one and your love and heart are the stuff giants are made of.  Go boldly into the life Jesus has called you  Evie.  Have fun, learn stuff, make mistakes, seek forgiveness, love others, act kindly and above all remember that no matter what you do, or where you go we are always on your team!

Love you Forever

Mom

PS.  Happy First Day Bee!

Lily Goes to 1st Grade!

And just like that......Lily has started first grade!  Today was the day and this little lady was practically bursting with anticipation! All morning she kept asking me, "Mommy, is it time to go to school yet?" I have to admit, I LOVE watching my girls grow up and open new chapters.  I LOVE IT!  This little girl was ready......so was her Momma!

I feel like first grade is a really big year for a kid.  Its funny that I say that because I cannot for the life of me remember my first grade teacher, but its big. It's the bottom of this big ladder of learning and it just feels really significant and important.  She has so much to learn and so much knowledge to gain. Knowledge is power....great power and this is the beginning of all that.  It all matters now.........No pressure kid.

Lily's personality is every bit as big and bold and daring as it ever has been, but Lily Lou is cautious.  She wants to do well, but doesn't leap without knowing how things could go.  The kid is fearless, but she is calculating.  She is bold, but must choose to be so.  Her heart is brave, but she needs affirmation.  She is determined......and when she sets her mind on something.....that's it.  Gosh her life is going to be so full of adventure but perhaps with a few less broken bones than her sister.

There is no doubt that it is time for school to start.  My girls are amazing playmates, but they are also excellent sparing partners.  The summer has been long....and short......and then long again.  They need a break from each other and are so happy to be getting back to their own posse's of friends.  

We all walked Miss Lily to school this morning and I will admit that I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  People keep telling me that "It just goes by so fast."  Okay....I get it, but when your children are screaming and fighting and you are exhausted from refereeing all day, the start of school and new chapters is like a shining beacon reminding you that maturity is a beautiful thing.  I love that my girls are growing up.  It does go fast, but it also goes miserably slow and I for one embrace every chance to move forward.  Life is SO worth living and doing!

Lily walked right in to the crowded playground and found her friend crew.  There was no hesitation or fear.  She is ready and wants her time to go.  Little Evie found herself a sad lip this morning.  She would walk right into first grade too.  Don't worry wee giant.....your time is coming.

Lily, I am so proud of you little girl.  I am so excited for the year ahead of you and for the things that you are going to learn and do.  You are amazing and special.  Jesus created and incredible being in you.  You are full of love and compassion.  You understand injustice and push against it.  When I look at you I see the best parts of me and the best parts of Daddy all wrapped up in a special dose of Lily Grace.

You little girl are brave, bold and fearless.  You are a world changer and destined to do great BIG things.

You are Lily Grace Longmire........go and do you kid. (And don't forget me when you travel to China ;))

Happy first day of First Grade!