A historical even occurred where totality eclipse swept across North America for the first time in over a decade. In Birmingham we only received a 93.5% eclipse but it was enough that the school excused absences. The excused absence might have also been granted since the elementary school we attend were not permitting kids to go outside since they did not want the liability but it granted us the opportunity to experience it together. Chris went and check Leia, Ivy and Katie out before lunch and took them on a lunch date before meeting Lisa at Mimi’s for a eclipse-swim party instead of one of the community planned eclipse party events since it was hot. Sara opted to stay at school since her grade would be able to go out to watch it and they were having a eclipse party complete with moonrise and Sunkist. Leia, Ivy and Katie got to watch the view the phenomena at their leisure between sliding, splashing, watering the concrete, and playing in the pool to cool off. Our gang enjoyed the free afternoon more than the historical event but they all did get out of the pool to look at it about a dozen time and we all were able to gaze at the peak off coverage. The girls ended up saying it was neat and awesome, but they were slightly disappointed it was not darker. Truth be told mommy hoped it had been darker too. That evening we found the following online that made the 6.5% of light seem cooler and give us a new perspective.  

Okay, I admit I was a little disappointed in the eclipse, specifically how dark it didn’t get. Until, that is, I realized the flip side. 93.5% of the sun was blocked where we are, yet the remaining 6.5% of sunlight made all the difference in the world, literally. It was still daylight outside, even though under 10% of the sun’s energy was making it through.

The bottom line? Light wins, EVERY time. 

Be light in this dark world. Be positive. Look for and point out the good. Don’t join the throngs pointing out the bad. If you do, God can use your little bit of light to make a world of difference where it’s needed the most.

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Chris had cute lunch dates! 

 Started the party in the front but it quickly moved pool side

We all continued watching the sky in our own time
 
We took a picture through the glasses but a photo does not do it justice

Thankful to experience this together! 

Ivy showed mommy how to use the glasses correctly