Way back in August 2017, we were somewhere in South Carolina gathering our kids to drive home after our first total solar eclipse. Neil was checking his phone to see when the next one would be because it was so dang cool we couldn’t wait to do it again. Well. Turns out it was April 2024 and his parents’ house was in the path of totality. Done. We also realized that [Gasp!] Garyn would be graduating from High School so it would be the perfect time for a trip. Double Done! You know, eventually. Because way back in 2017…2024 felt like forever away. I mean Corra was 4 (barely)…yeah.
Time did that “marching on” thing and the plan was put in motion. It ended up it would also be Conference Weekend and correlate with the kids’ Spring Break beautifully. Love it when a plan comes together! There was a moment of concern when we wondered if traffic coming home right after the eclipse would be horrendous (we had to leave right away to get home so the kids could get to school). Turns out there was nothing to worry about. We hit minor bits of construction related traffic but ended up rolling in home at 2 a.m. exactly as planned.
It was lovely. The weather totally cooperated and we had the most perfect Eclipse experience. Before that was Conference weekend complete with Grandma and Grandpa time, ping pong and exploring Neil’s hometown. I love my family and they are the best traveling buddies.

Thanks to our Ohio family for always being such gracious hosts. And for holding on to comic books that my kids only read at your house and toys that I’m pretty sure only exist at your house. We love you!