"Toto, I don't think we're in Southlands anymore!"
Crazy, Crazy storm here on Sunday! Seriously, one minute we were gardening on a beautiful day and the next we were rushing to see what damage had been done to our office.

For about a year now we have had our office opened in Southlands. It's energetic and a quick commute for Josh each day. Sunday however, it was hit by a tornado and it was devastating to see how quickly the place was turned upside down. Because we are business owners we were allowed through the police lines to see what damage had been done, if any, to our office. They had cleared everyone out immediately following the tornado because many of the buildings had gas leaks and severe roof damage. It was a very serious process and it was crazy to see how many looky loo's were trying to get in just to see the place. Each entrance and exit was being guarded and while giving our I.D.'s to the stoic policeman he asked the loaded question of "Do you have any kids in the car?" where I replied "yes, sir, seven!" We made him smile and he said "well that's too many for me to write down so just be sure you stay together" He guided us to the "command station" and I felt like I was a secret agent! It was great! I was acting like Emma does when she goes into the office. She once told Josh and I that she feels like the presidents daughter because everyone gives our kids so much attention when they walk through the office doors. When we are hanging out as a family she loves it when the security guards talk to Josh and our family, she feels famous even if just for a moment at Southlands....ha! Little does she know that we are one up on her when she starts to hang out with friends, she will not get away with anything since everyone knows us down there, she will eventually HATE what she now cherishes so much! Anyway, we meet at the command station where we are told to go ahead and enter our building to assess damage done. As we head over it is literally like a Disney simulated back stage tour! It was crazy looking at cars on there sides, HVAC units laying on the street, statues and benches all thrown about like Lincoln logs! To say it was unbelievable is an understatement and I can't imagine seeing a tornado that hit a whole neighborhood. Our kids were so quiet you could have heard a pin drop! One whole store was cleared out, leaving it looking like a wand wash bay. (see below)

I didn't take many pictures just because we were all in shock at the things we were seeing. We stopped and talked to one of the previous owners of the mall who said the tornado had jumped from building to building, and that was very clear. It was mesmerizing to see how one building looked virtually untouched and the next had windows, signs, awnings and doors just gone! With the rain yesterday, it brought more damage to many people because of the extensive roof damage. We feel very lucky in that our personal office was only affected minorly in comparison to what others have experienced. We were allowed to occupy the building again just a few minutes ago, so back to business as usual for us. Thank you to all who have shared their concern for us in the last couple of days, we appreciate it!