Eclipse day...

In a clearing in the woods, on beautiful Whidbey Island, we gathered to watch the sun rise above the trees, then watch the moon move across the sun and out the other side. It was magical and special, even though we didn't get to see a total eclipse.

The last time our little telescope was set up for a solar eclipse was in 1979, when we watched the total eclipse from the desert in the Tri-Cities.

I remember that day so well... we took the morning off from work, walked out into the desert near our house, and set up the telescope ready to project the eclipse onto a white card. We watched, worried that the clouds would keep us from seeing this amazing event. And half an hour before the eclipse was to begin, the clouds parted, leaving a wide band of sky bare for the sun and the moon to dance. It was an experience I will never forget.

The boys ready for the show

Playing around with a colander full of tiny half-moons.

Showing off those stylish glasses.

And while we didn't see a total eclipse today, we had a pretty great time together, one we won't soon forget.