The devestation of April's Fury and the result for our family...

Wednesday April 27th started early. We knew weather was supposed to be coming in so we had the weather radio ready to go and at 4am Tripp was up with it. We were all up around 6 and were about to head downstairs when we realized it already passed us. This startled us b/c we thought we had time, but we wouldn't have had it if there had been a tornado.
That morning Lauren and Allie came over and we watched the weather all morning. After lunch they headed home and luckily my kids got a nap. (So thankful for this!)
Tripp was home by 1:30 b/c he lost power at his building. We just watched the rest of the weather and about 4:15 I started making dinner... yes we eat as early at a 65 yr old couple. As I was finishing up cooking our neighbors came over to "borrow" our basement. We took the kids downstairs and as we ate dinner we listened to the weather radio, sirens, and the tornado chasers on Matt's radio. Right around 5 we lost power and shortly got a call from the Davenports... they were headed over. We sat downstairs for another hour or so in the dark with the aide of flashlights and lanterns. All of us 6 adults, 3 kids, headed upstairs and we busted out some grilled cheese on the gas stove for those who had not eaten yet. Then headed back downstairs. (with more neighbors in tow) We still have cell signal and tripp saw 4 tornado boxes over our neighborhood. We were down there until about 7:30 and although we did not have power we were safe with no damage.
The Kachelman's stayed for a card game and we sat with candles and friends. Matt had an inside source, so we knew of the damage to Browns Ferry Nuclear plant and that our power was most likely going to be out for a few days.
Thurs Morning we got up and made a plan. We were going to head to B'ham with the kids until we had power. If it was just Tripp and I we would have stayed, but with the kids we couldn't figure out how to make it work.
So off to the Ham we went. When we got there and finally saw the devastation not only on the way there (tornado paths crossing the interstate in Cullman) but the video footage of Tuscaloosa (where Tripp's family is from) and the areas of Birmingham, Pleasant Grove (where we have family) and realized how terrible this storm was. Our prayers for the families who still have missing loved ones are still many, and we just thank the Lord enough that we are safe.
Thursday We stocked up on some food for the weekend and let the kids play with their cousins Tucker and Taylor Britton on the bouncy house Lala has.

Friday Morning we took the kids to a park by Tripp's parents house













































We figured we would make the best of our unplanned mini vacay!

Saturday morning we got up and headed to the Pancake house with the kids.






















Then we hit Homewood Park, the McWane Center with the Ham's and the Watkin's (pics to follow when I can grab some of theirs- we didn't bring a camera)
The kids passed out in the car and by the time we fed them lunch any chance of an afternoon nap was OVER. So we went back to the park.

Sunday morning we hit the ZOO and had a blast!
We got to see a training session with the Lions and we were soo close to them. We got to go on a wallaby walk-a-bout and walk in the pen with the Kangaroos and wallabys. Here is a few pics of the kids putting on the helments before we went on the walk-a-bout!













































Sunday afternoon/evening we picked up a generator Tripp's uncle was going to let us borrow and started packing the car. Made a walmart run for essentials and we ready to leave Monday morning for home. Sun night our neighbors had power and ours we expected any time. We opted to leave the generator when we knew there was power in the neighborhood and by the time we got home at 10 Monday morning we had power.

Now I have to take a minute to say I have AMAZING neighbors. They came in the house cleaned out our fridge and deep freeze for us so it was not a disgusting mess when we got home! I am also very sad that these two neighbors are both moving, so if you are looking for a house in Blossomwood let me know and I can hook you up!

As I crawled in bed last night, with tears in my eyes thinking not only what could have been for our family, but all the families in this state who are missing a loved one, and the families who have lost their homes, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed.

We have been blessed beyond belief and it is the times like this that you look around and see what is the most important aspects of your life. One of mine is asleep in his crib, another asleep in his Big bed and another is sitting next to me watching my type saying "what doing mommy?"

The Lord is good and I am constantly praying for those who are currently in a less fortunate state today.