Tornadoes hit Northern Alabama on Wednesday. Fortunately it did not hit our family except that a tree fell on the house. But it was Sunday before cell and land phones started working consistently, and Monday before we got power again.

Once the storms passed, the lack of power pretty much meant that nothing was working for most of North Alabama. Without power there was no internet and no TV and so the kids spent time outside on bikes and playing.

Without power we spend most days cooking outdoors with friends and neighbors to use as much of the food we had in freezers. We ate very well and probably drank too much. But we also went to bed early and got up with the birds. And we saw stars! Lots of stars as there wasn't any light pollution.

Photos are random sampling of things that happened while the power was out ...

Both Sydney and Jake had their summer "alien" haircuts this week.

Francey brought back bunting to celebrate Will & Kate's marriage.

Outdoor room with Poeng and Lask from IKEA. And pretty flowers in the garden.

Francey's birthday with presents in bed and cake afterward.

I took Fleur to get her ear done.  Cute.

Francey went to the UK to surprise her family by turning up to Lizzy and John's 25th wedding anniversary.

Tristan's BJHS team went to Birmingham for their tournament.  Won a lot, but not enough for the tournament.  Last game they played went to overtime at 1:1 and then they lost 5:4 on penalty shootout.