Bryton's Victory Lap!

Bryton had the opportunity to compete in the State Engineering contest. He and his team represented his school at the state level. They had to design a car using K'Nex that had to roll down an incline while protecting its passenger (an egg). Bryton's team beat out 85 other teams and their designs. We ended up with a 3 way-tie. His car even survived the 90 degree 'freefall' run. In the end, they had to base the placings on the mass of the car -- the lightest was 0.10 grams lighter than the other two. Bryton ended up pacing third in the state of Mississippi. We are very proud of him. His team was on the front page of our local paper this morning (I stole this picture from their website).

Bryton's Baptism

I found these pics and video and was embarrassed that we have not posted them previously. Bryton was baptised on Dec. 23rd -- Joseph Smith's birthday.

It's A Twister!

I've watched the Wizard of Oz countless times. And each of those times, I've seen the tornado go tearing through the Gale's farm and thought nothing of it. Well, now we live in a tornado zone and I think more of those things now.

Last night at 2:30 a.m. our kids awoke to the sound of the tornado sirens. Being the spiritual kids they are, they said a prayer (two in fact!) and got to their safe space (the bathtub). Eric found them in the tub ready for whatever may occur. Soon thereafter, they woke Mom up (didn't hear a thing) and we gathered together in the hallway (with doors closed). We listened to our radio (thanks Mom H.) and waited for news.

About 45 minutes later we were given the all clear. During the 45 minutes, we told stories and chatted. I wondered if any of you had any unique things your families did during blackouts, tornadoes, earthquakes, or any other natural disasters. Please share your thoughts as we are most likely to have more tornadoes to come.

Just want to also say how thankful I am to be safe and with my family. I am truly blessed.