Wildfires

"Firestorm 2007", as it has been dubbed by our local news station, began on Sunday, October 21st. We were unaware of the fires until the local news interrupted the Vikings game for an update. This wasn't a cause for concern immediately, as an October weekend with Santa Ana winds is not an unusual time to hear about wildfires popping up. I was definitely more distraught by the Vikings' poor second quarter performance resulting in a loss, also a common occurrence on an October weekend. To pick up my spirits, Noah and the boys took me out for pizza. When we went down into the garage, both Noah and I smelled something burning, but couldn't find a source. It wasn't until ashes began raining down on us in the parking lot that we realized that the smell of smoke was everywhere and must be from the fires. That night we watched on TV as unprecedented events began to unfold.

By morning, many friends had left their homes voluntarily. Unfortunately, Grandma Pat and Grandpa Keith had to leave their Rancho Bernardo home under mandatory evacuation orders. Aunt Jen was in a hospital near the fires and had to be evacuated that morning as well. Before I go on, Aunt Jen is now fine, and Grandma Pat and Grandpa Keith are returning to an unscathed home today.

I spent Monday morning packing our things in case of evacuation. The news reports were dire. Some even suggested that the fires could only be stopped by the ocean itself. Anxiety was high and the scope of the devastation was becoming clear. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, and entire neighborhoods were being destroyed.

I feared having to leave our home, but in the meantime, I worked to make life as normal as possible for the boys. That is, as normal as it can be without leaving the house. On most days we leave the house twice, going outside to play, taking walks, attending playgroup, Gymboree, etc. I wasn't sure how they would handle being kept inside indefinitely. I'm so happy to report that the boys had a blast! They have been SO good! We didn't leave the house for three days, and they played beautifully.

So what does one do when trapped indoors for days? Here are some of our greatest hits:




We cleaned. A lot. The boys have brooms and kid-size swiffers, so we all had fun getting the house in order. Lucas was in charge of sweeping the couch.




We took several breaks from cleaning to practice our air guitar, or broom guitar as the case may be.




We watched Sesame Street with the dog.




We watched Sesame Street with our friends.

Actually, we were very fortunate to spend a lot of our time with our friends Sarah and Eliza and their mommy Elayne. They came over each day, offering the kids more playmates and offering Elayne and I some company when things were rather scary. Instead of watching the constant news coverage, we listened to Sarah explain the science of space travel to Lucas.







Lucas and Ethan liked to interrupt, much to the dismay of Professor Sarah.




Lucy was a big hit with the girls, and Eliza planted some kisses on her nose.

Eliza was thrilled, Lucy was unfazed.



We also hosted playgroup on Wednesday, by which time everyone was a little stir-crazy. Or just plain crazy.



We broke out the fine china and crystal sippy cups and ate in the dining room with our friends.



And since Ga-Ga's office almost burned down, we were lucky enough to spend some quality time dancing and playing music with her.



So, the point is, we are fine in every way. However, many are not, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. This is an historic week in San Diego, one we will not soon forget. As historic as it is, it really serves to remind me not to take for granted any of the moments of playing broom guitar or watching a little girl kiss a dog on the nose. We hope that those who are struggling with rebuilding their lives can once again experience those kinds of moments very, very soon.