WHY I TRAVELLED 450 MILES TO STARE AT THE SUN.

[@theMennoniteMom]

There was a lot of apprehension online surrounding the Total Eclipse... one being all the traffic and crowds expected.. The biggest worry I had was getting stuck in so much traffic to not be able to get home. However, I'm so glad I went anyway. What an experience!

[@jewellschaefer8863]

I saw my first (and only) total eclipse when i was 12. Good for you TAking ypur children on a lpmg trip to see it! 😂❤

[@mariehelene2279]

You‘ve done a great job editing this story! Thank you so much for sharing this adventure with us. You are a wonderful, fun, and courageous mom!

[@mruggier0]

That Xander” we can still have an adventure” precious!

[@theMennoniteMom]

😍 I know. Never know what he will say next

[@kimmerrou]

Don't look at just the totality of the eclipse, but rather the whole trip. Being spontaneous enough to jump in the car and go. The food along the way. Jumping on the hotel bed, ice cream. The kind lady who allowed you to park in her driveway. Playing games with perfect strangers. A neat park with a fort. All of it together was amazing for you and your kiddos. I only wish Nolan was there to experience it, too.

[@Anne-py2ci]

What a fabulous gift to you & your children! Xander will always remember this!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Wise words. It's truly about the journey isn't it? God bless your day!

[@theresawilloughby9884]

What an adventure with two small kids. ❤

[@stevenkaskus6173]

I admire your free spur of the moment attitude, reminded me of My mother when I was a kid and coming home from school and have her her tell us to pack a overnight bag we're leaving and when asked where to, she just said South. She had 4 kid's to manage by herself but she did it, her spur of the moment trips continued into My adulthood where I'd do the driving and Go where she would say or point. We had Many memorable trips like this and I wouldn't trade one for a longer planned trip. I inherited that same spontaneity and I hope your influence on your two adorable kids takes hold in them too, I'm sure you won't ever regret this trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[@whyme7400]

You are so amazing! I love the fact that you are raising your children to not be afraid of taking chances to live their best life. I love watching your adventures! Lexi never runs out of steam and that smile of hers' is too adorable. Xander is such a fine little man and he always seems to encourage you to do these exciting things. Thanks for sharing-it was spectacular.

[@WandaPeterson-zv1hx]

Thank You so much for going the distance and sharing it with all of us. It was beautiful Jeanne And the entire video was very enjoyable to watch, you lifted my spirit Gods Blessings upon all of you😊♥️🙏

[@mssandybeach1]

Priceless, precious memories. My husband took 1/2 day off work to come home and be with me for the Eclipse. We live in rural Indiana. We have 4 kiddos and 2 grandkiddos and and 4 furry grandkiddos and I so wish we all could have been together. They are in Texas, Florida and might as well say Ohio..:( So, he went and got our 2 loungers out of the shed and we laid back and watched it happen right above our heads. Our kids went to Eclipse gatherings, etc so we know they had fun but my husband and I got to see it in totality, gorgeous day, no clouds. We are 62 years old and this is I guess our last chance to see this awesomeness. I never get tired or more surprised as I see and learn of all of the wonderful gifts God has given us. Just simply amazing!!! 🌞🌑🌒🙏🩷

[@gailrhodes2859]

My daughter lives in Muncie Indiana and I wish she had been here because I was shopping 😂. I think they had a better shot of it than we did

[@mssandybeach1]

@@gailrhodes2859 I understand. I would love for my 2 daughters to have been here & us go shopping afterwards...lol 😊

[@classyplasse8820]

“A funny shiver”…he was so excited! Good job, Mom! Making memories

[@judye2805]

You are such an adventurous person! I'm so happy that everything turned out well for you. I had a good chuckle when it said, "2000 years later!"

[@janicelabuda8540]

What a wonderful adventure for you and your beautiful little ones. Thank you for taking all of us along 😃

[@ellielizhavenofbless945]

I love how adventurous you are with your kids! Your "can do" attitude is refreshing! We went to Niagara falls to watch the eclipse but it was very cloudy, we still got to see the falls though and then we went to Watkins Glenn and it was still pretty cloudy but we don't regret it at all! Memories made!

[@peggyjohns7893]

You are such a brave, adventurous, fun Mom. Thank you for showing it to us.

[@gillianashley1820]

I saw a solar eclipse here in the UK some years ago. The thing that struck me most was how very cold it became, underlining how we are totally dependent on the sun’s energy. Brava on undertaking such a journey, enormous by our small island standards!

[@JimChandler-be7fk]

Love your energy and adventurous attitude. Many women with children would not have tried that, proud of you girl. You have given them yet another precious memory.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you 😀

[@positiveblessingskarrie3194]

Thanks for sharing the Journey to see the eclipse. Glad the kids got some memories.

[@faithclaessens430]

So glad to see you came all of the way to my “back yard”. You were in my most favorite place in all of the beloved Green Mtn state. Please come back again soon!

[@marielouise3187]

These kind of things, is why I love -from the beginning with the camper- watching you. I love people who dare (+have to) to live so authentical. Give this never up, Jeanine.🍀💚

[@debihurd9801]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I’d have never been able to see this without you showing it to me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

[@janettebolin2991]

Best. Eclipse. Vlog. Ever! Also the best video on the internet this week! What a wonderful memory and adventure for you and the children! ❤

[@SandraRodriguez-ff2rz]

I'm setting here loving every song on this video. ❤❤❤ Thank you

[@ruthturkington1736]

Love ❤ Zander’s outlook “ It’s still an adventure!”

[@bettyloewen9390]

Hallelujah! Sing it with the SON! Praise the LORD!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@adelbarnardo4465]

Thankyou for sharing the eclipse. You are surely very brave! A trip Xander will always remember. That is more importanr, they enjoyed being with you.

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

I would have loved to see it in totality! Even what we experienced here made me see God and nature in a new way. Emotional really! Thanks for this fun video!!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks Megan! I wish you could have, but Even seeing part of it is awesome! Hope you are well

[@jacquelineellis8949]

How precious! Xander waking up with a huge smile as his little sister is quietly trying to awake him by saying boo 🥰🥰🥰

[@theMennoniteMom]

😀 that moment was one of the highlights of my trip. Her little boos mted my heart

[@tinafriesen7739]

Wow! 🤩 I admire you, even though your husband couldn’t go along you still went and took your kids with! They’ll treasure it for years to come! You’re a great mom!

[@user-tt4ow2tf7s]

WOW!! Jeanine you are a Great Mom driving all that way for your children to see a Spectacular event created from God, something everyone should witness this event once in a lifetime. We were very lucky to be able to sit on our back porch as we were in the direct path here in New Brunswick, Canada such a Awesome event. It was Beautiful and Eerie all at the same time. Loved the song playing during totality, very pretty and fitting. Glad you had a safe trip. Hugs from NB

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's wonderful you got it in your back yard! It truly is hard to put words onto the feeling. God bless

[@cherylbarrel9966]

Thank you for filming the eclipse experience. I only walked into the front yard. It was fun being surrounded by neighbors, all quietly excited. We were on the edge of the eclipse zone, which was amazing enough. Your film added so much to our experience here: It was great fun to see the total eclipse and the 360° sunset!

[@thearmstrongs]

We live in Indiana and we smack in the middle of totality! It was so neat and we just sat in our front yard! You are a brave mama to go that far with little ones. But a great memory. Jackie from Indiana

[@beverlymurray6554]

Thank you Jeannine for taking us with you! I loved watching it on your video because we didn’t experience much of the eclipse here in Colorado.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@K.M.-ph1yp]

Awesome, awesome. I’m so glad you went, and so glad you filmed it for us to enjoy. Couldn’t make the trip myself but maybe next time now I will.

[@verabauman3017]

You are very brave and your kids are so well trained. I loved your adventure! Your choice of music was so appropriate! Blessings to you and your family! From Ontario Canada

[@elizabethvallely4044]

WOW! That was awesome Jeanine, you are a brave woman doing that with two kids but they seem to have enjoy the time with there Mama!!! Great experience for the children yess hope Xandre remember it for a long time! I thank the Lord taking you there and bring you home safe and sound Amen! I am sure hubby was glad to have you all home! Thank you for sharing your experience with us all, God Bless Hugs Liz 😊

[@theMennoniteMom]

It was an amazing experience. Hopefully you got to see it as well, or partially

[@elizabethvallely4044]

@@theMennoniteMom Yes I did was awesome, Gods Beautiful Creations! ☺💕

[@sharonwest1602]

Thank you for sharing your story with us I love watching you to taken this trip with your children 🙏🏻🙌🏻🥰

[@beccamora5289]

Hi Jeannine! How fun it looks for yall to do a mini road trip to see an amazing day of God's creation! I was in the 98% of its path in North West Arkansas. I was about an hour and 45 mins from the 100% totality. We didn't drive down there due to soooo much traffic predicted. But even the 98% was so amazing to experience. It almost got all the way dark but obviously not 100%. It got cold and silent for those minuets. Your oldest will remember it and what you guys did that day as a great memories! ❤️

[@bettyangstadt4242]

Oh my gosh. You are so amazing! Driving all the way to Vermont with two little ones to watch the Eclipse. I feel so bad… I live in Erie, PA and I would have loved to have had you join us on our back deck to watch the Eclipse! The sky cleared up right on cue as the eclipse began, we had a beautiful view with our daughter and granddaughter. We celebrated our granddaughters 23rd birthday blowing out her candles during the total eclipse. Zander will never forget this “adventure” with his mom and Lexi and what a beautiful video he will have to relive it all! You are the best! ❤️

[@theMennoniteMom]

Oh what a neat experience! She will never forget that birthday. I'm so glad it cleared for you! I had seen it was mostly clouds and I just didn't want to risk it if I was going to drive that far already I wanted to make sure 😀 so happy you got to see it!

[@MaggieGriffin-wf1fl]

Beautiful video! You have such a beautiful family. The light of Jesus just shines through you!! Thank you for sharing. ♥️

[@allenhochstetler7444]

Way to go Janean! 🙌. Love your courage to do adventures on your own.

[@kimenfield195]

Oh my word Jeanine, you made me cry all over again! My husband, son and I traveled from MN down to Cape Girardeau MO to watch the totality. It made me cry then and your video makes me cry again! It was so beautiful and just so special to experience the wonder of God's creation. It was also special to experience it with people from all over the country. They were all so excited and everyone was so polite. We stayed in a hotel a couple of hours north of the event and had managed to get the room at a reasonable rate. We decided to tough it out on our way home as well and didn't get home until 5:00 in the morning! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! I know it's probably something that little Lexi might now remember but I bet Xander will remember. You are one brave lady to take that on your own. But what a great way to show your kids a little adventure is good for us once in a while!

[@theMennoniteMom]

Aww thank you. It sounds like you had a similar experience. I'm so glad you got to go 😀 there is something of a euphoric feeling that gets you thru the traffic and no sleep on the way home! 😀

[@deborahjohnson2708]

I so enjoyed this video! I remember you mentioning a Tennessee license plate. The reason they would have been there is because it was very cloudy here. You are such a good mom! Keep up the good work, your friend from Tennessee! ❤

[@alisondoughty2194]

Wonderful vlog .The Eclipse is awesome.It almost seems unreal because of how quickly it disappears but so worthwhile.Thank you for sharing as it was such a long journey for you.😄🎉

[@triciabrooks2520]

Excellent Video Jeanne! ♥

[@tracyfishback6142]

How amazing God is!! Only He can do such things!

[@cindyw7013]

Thank you 🎉❤ I really enjoyed watching!

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thank you for sharing! Beautiful!

[@SusanAylor-k5p]

What a wonderful trip to be taken with just you and your children -I know they will each remember this special time with just their mom ❤

[@nancyespinoza6228]

Beautiful photography of the eclipse and wonderful family memories!

[@maureenholbery7629]

Thanks Jeannine for taking us along to see the eclipse, it was well worth the long drive for you. I thought the kids behaved beautifully. Maureen, Melbourne Australia

[@GoFishOffice]

So much fun!!

[@joantuttle4575]

You are a amazing mother. Your children are truly blessed ❤️

[@SandraRodriguez-ff2rz]

You have not lost your mind. God created this special creation of the solar eclipse. I got to watch it and it lasted nearly 4 hours doing a complete eclipse. I live in Northwest Arkansas. It spoke of this in the Bible. I'm so blessed and happy I was able to be one of those that got to watch it. I'm 70 years old and it something I truly appreciated I was able to watch it. To be honest it was amazing and beautiful. Just enjoy that you and the kids have the opportunity to be a part of God's creation in watching it unfold. ❤❤❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Amen! I agree with you 100% and I was glad i made the effort! I'm so happy you got to experience it where you live!

[@oklahomafreedom5536]

My step mom was born in Burlington Vermont. It is a nice place to live. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@barefootminis]

We were in the path of totality and it was incredible. Incredible!!!!! What a might God we serve! So much fun to step out into our backyard with my youngest kid and our little horses. It was so amazing!

[@user-ek6mf8jn6m]

I, with my 2 youngest children, drove over 500 miles and paid over $100 to sleep in our tent in someone's yard, to experience the 2017 total eclipse. I so wanted to see this year's as well but would have had to drive over 1500 miles to do so. Once you experience totality, you get it!

[@faithhaines]

It was definitely a very cool experience. I got to watch it from my backyard in Erie. It turned out to be perfect for viewing here. Cleared off right before it started👏

[@KristinaSkaggs-m2u]

Girl! Holy buckets! Such a beautiful video! Thank you so much for sharing ❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks for watching!

[@deannabrock5951]

❤❤ Thanks for sharing Janeen ,that was awesome, glad y’all got to experience the eclipse ❤❤

[@gloriamedina6908]

Awesome video thank you for sharing

[@farmwife3622]

You are soo brave to travel that far with little ones. I am sure it was worth it! My daughter and i drove 3 hours to see the total eclipse and was there for the day. I was a wonderful experience and worth the drive. The traffic was terrible, and some person passed on the shoulder, going about 80 miles an hour😮😮!!

[@shaundabrook94]

You are a BRAVE mama doing a trip like that solo!! I can barely go to the store with my 2 kids 🤣😅

[@cindyhunter166]

What an amazing adventure for you and the children. Making those wonderful memories.

[@SandraRodriguez-ff2rz]

Y'all's babies are such a blessing. Just a joy to watch. ❤❤

[@lifeinthepiedmontVirginia]

Great video. The kids are growing so fast. Loved the park you stopped at. Also glad you enjoyed the esclips

[@raethibodeau9604]

What an awesome experience for you and your children. I would have been there with you, but I had to work. Thanks for sharing your experience. I felt I was right there with you. That kind lady letting you park at her house made it even more special. I used to love doing spontaneous adventures with my kids when they were little.

[@laurenalcala4253]

So amazing! I definitely think Zander will treasure that adventure for many years. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

[@brackalack1]

Lexi is adorable, she really loves to run! That looked like such a memorable trip!

[@darlenethompson9325]

Wonderful!! Thank you for sharing.

[@dietschegroosmame3596]

I watched from my backyard in Ontario Canada. It was so clear and spectacular. Almost total darkness and temperature dropped by 10 degrees.

[@ruthturkington1736]

Same here in Michigan!

[@theMennoniteMom]

So glad you got to see it! The temperature drop was surprising! I didn't realize how much it would drop

[@sandrawenger7921]

You never cease to amaze me! This was a fun video to watch - what an adventure! You are the best mom ever!

[@thefehrs]

Brave lady you are! Thanks for taking us along it was great to see even on tv, can't imagine how wonderful it must have been, I've never experienced it yet. God is amazing 👏 ❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

I hope someday you get to!

[@mishloud4215]

All I can say is you are brave and an adventurer. And you got the most spectacular views of the eclipse I have seen yet.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you! I was happy it showed up as well as it did. Was hard to capture it

[@lovelyday04]

That's wonderful you took the time to make special memories!! I probably wouldn't have been as brave as you! You have such a talent in making videos, this was incredible! Thank you💕

[@krisschmucker3668]

Oh, Janine, I’m so glad you went! It is definitely worth all the pain and the miles to experience totality. There’s just nothing like it - it’s a “soul” experience and one you can’t replicate in any other way. We were so nervous about the traffic also - we got up at 1 am for a 2 am departure (we were three hours from totality). It wasn’t exactly necessary, as it turns out, but we were joining up with family and enjoyed our extra time together. A tip for your keys - put them on a lanyard so you can put them around your neck (comfort and security). You can also find them much more easily floating around in your purse if you have a lanyard you can spot. An additional thing you can do is get an AirTag if you have an Apple device. Video was very well done.

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you. I love those tips and will have to do something, especially wengen in wrangling so many things. You nailed it with a "soul" experience l. It's hard to put words on it. I'm glad you didn't have bad traffic and got extra time with family! So special

[@krisschmucker3668]

@@theMennoniteMom I saw someone say they had bad traffic afterward, but they smiled the whole way home. No regrets. 😁

[@Heavncentt]

We live in the path of totality, so we were able to enjoy it from our front yard. It was such an amazing experience, something we won't ever forget. When it started to happen, it just became this eerie feeling. The last eclipse we were in a partial path, and that was a unique experience too. But totality was phenomenal.

[@theMennoniteMom]

That's amazing you saw it from your back yard! Yes totality is phenomenal!

[@peterwhite9261]

Vermont in the fall and Christmas is absolutely beautiful. Lexi saying boo boo to Xander was so cute. Beautiful road trip. Your footage of the eclipse was the best I have seen. Thanks for that. I wouldn't have seen it outside. Praise the maker!❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you 😀 and yes. Her sleepy little boo boos melted my heart. Was a favorite memory of the trip. 🥰 thanks for being here!

[@Thefunfamily_3582]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@carolynhostetler8641]

I was impressed how Lexi was into it while it was total! Truly this event was a once in a lifetime chance for me to see. So glad it came through our area in Wayne County, Ohio. God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power, and love our God is an awesome God! I felt blessed to see it. It made many people look up.

[@cherylknepp8894]

What an adventure...Zander will never forget it!

[@shannonwreede6475]

I'm glad you stuck with it! It was a great once in a lifetime experience.

[@cherylmintz5230]

You’re absolutely right about your coffee. Getting low and picked up some Aldi coffee. Definitely not that wonderful fresh smell like when you open a bag of Mama Java. Will definitely be reordering sooner than later. You’re such an awesome mom doing this trip with 2 kids by yourself. Zander will forever remember this trip and possibly Lexi 💙Cheryl

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thanks Cheryl! And I'm So glad you love our coffee 😀 blessings on your day!

[@ruthmcewuen2086]

Your such a great Mom

[@CitaHostetler]

Love this!!!👏🏼 and love your spontaneity! We were also in the line of totality in Kinsman Ohio,and were able to watch it right from home😍 (we’re bout an hour from Erie PA) and while it was cloudy in the morning,it cleared off by noon and was so beautiful and we were able to experience it!!🥰 what a mighty God we serve for sure!!!❤️ it was incredible!

[@theMennoniteMom]

I'm so glad it cleared for you! That's amazing 👏

[@dotgoodwin4312]

Pretty amazing in so many ways! Blessings

[@Cristielee100]

I watched eclipse on TV and getting dark outside. Awesome!

[@KaitlynZacharias22]

Totally got chills watching this happen again! I seen the total eclipse in 2017, and it was just like this! Incredible! ☀️😄😍from where we live now, we couldn’t watch this one, but I so enjoyed your video! Thanks! 😊

[@ladykfirst]

You’re a fun mom! GOD is …..HE JUST IS!!!!!!

[@carolynhostetler8641]

We had totality in our area in Ohio. We live in Holmes County, where it wasn’t total but about 6 miles from us in Wayne it was total so we watched from there. It was awesome. So glad I got to experience it in my lifetime.

[@sheilahackney6214]

Your video was so good!! You done an amazing job👏💕 You are one Brave Momma! ..glad you all had an awesome trip 💞

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you so much!!

[@KathyCrenshaw]

Thanks so much for your lovely description, I felt like I was right there with you. I also have a new appreciation for our Creator and all His ways!

[@sandygraetz5166]

Xander come to Australia and bring you whole family and I think we have it July 22, 2028 in 4 more yrs! This way you won’t have to wait 100 yrs!😊❤

[@susanmyers6375]

Thanks for sharing. You're adventurous and fun. Xander and Lexie are blessed ☀️🌑 24:51

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Love your channel❤ GOD bless your beautiful family ❤

[@theMennoniteMom]

Love having you here! Thank you!

[@AdrianaPage-vb8zu]

Than you it was a pleasure to watch ❤

[@pamsmith319]

You are so courageous, I’m glad you got to see the totality. We had too many clouds in western New York, but it was eerily cold and dark when the moon was covering the sun. Makes you really appreciate the sun!

[@theMennoniteMom]

I wish you could have seen it! Yes, it's amazing hour much we rely on the sun

[@sandramiller8183]

What a wonderful jaunt! You’re not crazy! The children will remember this fondly! I have a friend who lives in England and she went to Erie! But I’m sure she was at her dad’s in Southern Lancaster County! 😀

[@theMennoniteMom]

😀 Good for her! That's a long jaunt 😇

[@sara5750]

We also went to see totality. We left at 3 a.m. from Kentucky to Washington, IN to my cousin's place. We had no traffic issues. We had a beautiful, clear sunny day. We stayed for supper then headed home with no traffic issues at all. 😊 We had totality in 2017 right in my back yard. After such an amazing experience, there was no way we were going to miss it. I may have to go to Australia when they have theirs! 😂

[@theMennoniteMom]

😅 so glad traffic was not an issue. We have too many big cities on the east coast that were going to see it. Yes! Once you experience it you definitely realize it's so worth the effort to go! That's awesome you've gotten two in so far

[@lovalin4139]

You are such an adventurist extravaganza! I like your sense of humor and your videos are so much fun to watch. What a wonderful memories you created with your babies 👍🙏🌸🌼🌺

[@theMennoniteMom]

Thank you so much! You made my day 💞 have a lovely week.

[@ConservativeVeteran]

I'm so glad you did this for your children! Lexi may not remember but she'll see the videos in the future! Xander will remember, I'm sure!

[@gailrhodes2859]

We were about 3 hours from totality but we got really really close and street lights and automatic lights came on so I was a little excited but am so glad you got to share the experience with the children!!!