What a Storm!

This last week has been quite the adventure. On Wednesday we heard they was a storm that might be making its way through Altus. I don't think we really had any idea what to expect.  Either way, I thought it might be a good idea to grab a little extra milk, bread, eggs, etc and put gas in the car. 

Thursday morning we were woken up to a phone call from the base pediatrician's  office alerting us that Madilyn's appointment had been cancelled due to "extreme weather conditions". Of course, we decided to get up (this was only 7am and Madi was still sound asleep at this point) and see for ourselves. I guess they knew what we didn't, because at 7am it just looked cold. 

We spent the morning inside, playing with Madilyn.  It seems that whenever there is a cold or dreary day, I'm suddenly inspired to bake. So, chocolate chip cookies it was! 

By 10am, the ice was coming down pretty hard. This photo is of our neighbors tree.

and across the street:

I'm so grateful Matthew moved our car out of the driveway before the worst of it hit. Just a few hours later, this was what we found in our driveway:

It would have crushed our car!

Around 4pm Thursday base housing lost power. We were hopeful that power might return, but tried to remain realistic as well. By Friday morning, we still had no power and it was getting pretty cold in our home. The base opened the gym as a shelter in place. They had generators running so people would have a nice warm place to hang out (and charge their cell phones!). The chow hall was also opened up to  serve warm meals.

We stayed in the gym most of Friday, but Madilyn was having a very hard time settling down with so many kids running all over the place squealing and running, etc. We decided to try and get some rest at home again, but it sure was COLD!!!!!! We all piled into one bed, with several layers of clothing and hats. We also opened up the down comforter and another sleeping bag on top of that. We were able to get a *little* rest and stay fairly warm this way. However, by the time we woke on Saturday morning, the house was in the 40s!!!! BRRRRR

Saturday afternoon, we left Altus and made the trip up to Oklahoma City. Here are a few pictures as we were leaving the base.

Don and Sandy joined us here on Saturday night and we were able to spend some great time with them. It was also wonderful to be in a place with a warm room and power (and internet!) again. Don and Sandy left this morning and have graciously taken Madilyn back to AZ with them for the week. She thrives on routine, and we know she'll be very well cared for! I'm certain she'll be out at the park enjoying the 70+ degree days there while we try and clean up the mess this storm has left behind.

Our original plan was to make our way back to Altus today, but we have since been informed it doesn't look like Altus will have power any sooner than Wednesday. We have extended our stay here another two nights at this point.

We are very thankful to be able to get away to a warmer place for a few days and continue to pray for those families who remain without power. Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers as well.