We made it home..

We are officially safe at home! We wanted to let you all know. Here is what has happened the last week.

Last Tuesday- We're thinking Hmmm... there's a hurricane coming our way. We should keep an eye on that. Tuesday night we start gathering important documents and sentimental stuff just in case.

Last Wed- WHOA! Now it is a momma cat 5 hurricane and it's coming straight after our HOUSE. We decide to get out quick and head to grandma and grandpa's house in central TX. Our electricity goes out with a slight breeze! Kaitlyn is so excited about a surprise trip to Pop and Nonny's house but she's on edge all day. I think she's picking up on our stress. Thanks for taking in the evacuees grandma and grandpa.

Last Thursday-We watch the weather and news ALL DAY AND PRAY!!! Then we walk around grandma's and remind ourselves that our house is just stuff and it's not what's important. Then we check our insurance policy. :0) I explain to Russ that it will be VERY DIFFICULT to do our adoption home study if WE DON'T HAVE A HOME!!! We watch more weather and news and feel SO SORRY for our friends stuck in horrible traffic. Some for 24 hours!! There is no gas on evacuation routes and no food in the stores and restaurants.

Last Friday- We hang out with our friends who have evacuated to my parent's house. Thanks mom and dad!! It was their little girl's 3rd birthday and we weren't going to let some little cat 5 ruin that!!! Sam and Wendi and the girls also join the crew. They are staying at Sam's parent's house.So we head to Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. (Which is so great by the way) and have pizza and cake at the house. The girls are in little girl heaven. Cake, animals and ring-around-the-rosies!

Hurricane Rita is downgraded to cat 4 and then 3. Then she heads away from us. By the end of the evening we are feeling like we may have a house when we get back to town but the gas to get there may cost $20.00 a gallon. We're still praying.

Saturday- We dodged the bullet. Amazing!!! Our electricity at our house didn't even go out. That is nothing short of a miracle! We feel so bad for those who have no electricity and damage to their homes and businesses. Mostly we're just so relieved that everyone is OK. We start to pack up to go but then we hear the mayor ask people to stay put and come home in stages. No work or school on Monday. So instead we visit with the family and go hang out with Sam and Wendi. Good times!

Sunday- Sounds like things are SLOWLY getting back to liveable in Houston. Convoys of food and gas are being delivered. Kaitlyn hangs out with Polka Dot and Grandpa. Russ and I go to see Flight Plan. I like it. I think it just stresses Russ out! When go to pick Kaitlyn up she tells us, "Bye Bye Mommy. Night Night. I stay Olka Dot House. I play here mommy!" So we let her spend the night. What happened to my baby??? She's all grown up and independent!

Today- We pick up Kaitlyn (who still doesn't want to leave) and head back to Richmond. There is a lot more traffic than usual on our route but it's not horrible. We get back really easily.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Our hearts and hands will continue to do what we can for those who have lost so much during Hurricane Katrina and Rita.