Total (Almost) Eclipse of the Sun!

Well, one of the big reasons we are in Saipan now has come and gone. On July 22nd, there was a Solar Eclipse. It was not total, but about 70-75%. It was total in China but from what I heard on the news, it was difficult to see there because of cloudy weather. Here in Saipan, it was a bit cloudy all morning but just before the eclipse was due to start, the clouds cleared and we had a perfect view the entire time! J.Ward gave a presentation and just as he concluded we could see the first little "bite" out of the sun. They had a telescope aimed at the sun and then projected that image onto a large screen T.V. so people could watch that way. We also had some "viewers" that people could hold up to their eyes and look directly at the sun without injury. We had a very good turn out with lots of excited people!
Here is the eclipse at the beginning.
Here it is a few minutes later.
And then a few minutes after that.



Here it is almost at the maximum here in Saipan.


This is a picture of the maximum that we saw here in Saipan. The final picture was taken through the telescope with the special filter. All in all, a very exciting day! And one that probably won't come around for another 130 years. Atleast not one of this duration, according to our own "Astronomer in Residence"!

Up, Up, and Away!

This last week, we took a boat ride out to Managaha. We spent an enoyable day lounging in the sun, playing in the sand and surf, snorkeling, and for some...para-sailing!
J.Ward and I watched Andrew while all of the kids went out on the boat and took turns para-sailing two at a time. The kids said that it was amazing and very relaxing! I think the picture above is either Jeanette and Heather or Stephen and Aaron. They were so high and far out from the island that it was difficult to see who was up!
This picture, I'm pretty sure, is of Mike and Emily. Para-sailing was on Emily's bucket list so she can check that one off!!
Andrew had a GREAT time playing in the sand and running around. This was the best way to keep him in one spot!
And...what could be more perfect than ending the day with one of Saipan's gorgeous sunsets. The rays of color and the reflection on the water are really unbelievable!! (The picture isn't even photo shopped!)

Here's a few pictures of things we've done this last week:

It may be difficult to see but this is a picture of a hermit crab that has made his home from an old piece of rubber. Can you say "Hawthorn" anyone? (That's the crab from the comic Sherman's Lagoon).
Emily, Mike, and Andrew arrived a couple of days ago. Andrew is enjoying his first ever meal on a tropical island!! Boy is it good!
This is a fire dancer who performed at the Sunset Barbecue. He even held the flame in his hand for a minute!!

We went scuba diving yesterday but, unfortunately, we don't have an underwater camera so we have no pictures. We saw lots and lots of coral, some beautiful and big shells with creatures in them, and many varieties of fish. It was awesome!

We are headed for the island of Managaha tomorrow for some snorkeling and para-sailing. More pictures to come later!!

Stephen arrived in Saipan!!! Then, about 6 hours later, Aaron arrived!! We are very excited to have them here with us. A few more days and Mike, Emily, and Andrew will be here too...we can't wait!

Jeanette, Heather, and Cindy all got pedicures. That was a fun day, once we found the shop we were looking for. We got manicures, too but I didn't take pictures of that. Don't our toes look lovely!!!

We went to Tank Beach, where there are tons of hermit crabs. This one is a teeny-tiny guy. It was fun to let them crawl around in our hands. They tickle! They move pretty fast, too.


Here is Jeanette, Heather, and Cindy at the Garapan Street Market being "Saipandas", riding on a banana boat! The Saipanda is the weird little mascot of Saipan. Don't ask what the nose is all about!



Today we went up to the top of Mt. Topachau, the highest point on the island. You can see the entire island from up there! You can also see the island of Tinian, which is about 3 miles south. You can't see it in the picture but it is behind us. In the picture...Stephen, Jeanette, Cindy, aaron, and Heather.

This picture is Heather and Dad, in a Saipan Department Store. They actually sell, and forgive the word, "butt" enhancers! Heather thought it was pretty funny, J. just thought it was embarassing!
Yea!!! Jeanette finally arrived. This is her at the airport, at 1:40 am. We are happy to have her here and can't wait for the boys to arrive this next week, then Mike and Emily, and Andrew the week after.

Today is Sunday and we spent a nice morning at church. The Saipan Branch is very strong. It is humbling to me to hear the testimonies of the people here. Most of them have experienced trials in the extreme and have sacrificed so much to remain faithful to the church. We are uplifted and strengthened every time we here them speak! I think we too often take for granted how easy we have it, living in the "heart of Mormondom" and having things come so easy for us.