Braving the storm.....

We went home this weekend (to Gulf Shores) and we rode out Hurricane Gustav with my parents. A month or so back Eric's brother asked if we wanted to vacation with them in Orange Beach. Of course we said YES! It was a great opportunity to spend time with them and to see my family as well. We got up on Saturday to be greeted by Helen. She was so excited to wim in the wimmin poo.... so we got ready and headed down to the beach. Kristy and I made sand castles and took advantage of the great opportunity for a photo shoot. Helen was a great subject! For lunch we ate at our favorite place and then for dinner we headed to my parents house for a shrimp boil.... my step dad is the king of shrimp boils! We had a great time with our family. Sunday we worshiped in Gulf Shores (where Eric and I attended before moving to prattville) and we had a shortened service so that members could make plans for the storm. Some families still needed to board up windows and prepare their yards..... We on the other hand went to Lulu's to eat lunch and watched as the coast guards and other also prepared for the storm. They had mandatory evacuations for Gulf Shores (only the families taht lived on the island) but since we were staying in Orange Beach we were fine. Eric brother and his family decided to pack up and leave that afternoon.... fearing that with the storm surge they could be trapped for a few days. We on the other hand took our time and made it to my parents house that afternoon. We grilled hamburgers and visited and had a great time. Eric and I woke up about 3:30 am Monday morning from the storm. We watched the news to find that we had tornando warnings (or watches... it was really early so I don't really remmeber which one it was). Then we went back to bed and sleep in a little bit. We got up and decided to be bumbs (with the rest of my family) and lay around and watch movies until about 4:00. Then we packed up and headed home. We were in a lot of rain as we left and to keep from getting really worried I took the oportunity to get some more rest :) ! Eric and I finished up our vacay with dinner and a movie tonight. On the way home my hubby said, "well we can add another hurricane to our check list.... we rode another one out." Yes, Yes we did and I'm glad we are all safe! I have had some bad experiences with hurricanes since I grew up on the beach, and while my heart goes out to those that have been affected by the storm I'm glad I am still alive and well with the rest of my family and that I can say..... "We made it through another storm"! As we rush through our busy week remember to pray for those who have been affected by this storm. I know how it feels to have your home damaged and to have to pick up some of the pieces and go on with your life. I know how it feels to be affected by a storm that is so powerful....and I know how after the storm to thank God for everything he has given us.... for we never know when we will have it taken away!

Pictures will come soon! I hope you have a great Labor day!