Spring storms

We had our first big spring storm roll through last night. It was definitely a big one. F2-F3 tornados touched down in the metro area. Our sirens went off, but so far they aren't saying any tornados hit here in our part of town. Although we wonder about that - seems like the damage is so hit and miss that it's characteristic of a tornado, but they are calling them straight line winds. We had downed tree limbs, and some buckled shingles on the roof and our baby weeping cherry tree (that we planted last fall) had one of the tie down lines snap and twist itself completely around the trunk of the tree. But two of those lines held and the tree is still standing. Not so lucky for our neighbors Bradford Pear tree. It toppled over at the base, just missing one of their vehicles. Again, it made us wonder about the winds... our portable bball goal is still standing but the tree fell? Just a hundred feet or so away. Strange.

The kids held up well through this storm. It helped that we have switched away from satellite tv and we could stay up-to-date on what was going on as it happened (with satellite it always went out in the severe storms like this!). We all took up residence in the basement, and I have to say, our basement feels pretty safe when you are down there. We had pillows and blankets and snacks and books. And dogs, hermit crabs, gecko and fish. Oh, and laptops... we kept up with our bid on the Mac iBook on ebay.. and won it in the midst of the storm! Happy birthday son! :-)

We headed back up about 10:30 or so, only to be awakened about 1:30 AM with something that just felt "wrong." The attic fan was buzzing, even though it wasn't turned on. Things definitely sounded not good at all! I was just about to get everyone together to head back to the basement when Rylie came bounding in our bedroom saying "I don't like this. I want to go to the basement!" We all went down again and checked the tv. It was looking like it could go on awhile, so we blew up the air mattress and settled in for the night. Dad and Josh on the air mattress, Mom and 2 girls on the daybed (just the top part, not the trundle!) - it was cozy to say the least! It was a LOOONG night and everyone is now in bed... which is where I'm headed too!

We did call the insurance agent this morning to have someone come check the roof. Better safe than sorry, especially when the roof is going on 12 or 13 years old. I'd rather baby it now, and have it hold up longer... or get anything taken care of before it would get worse.

Ahhhh, gotta love spring in Kansas!