Lightning Strikes

While Mike was in Canada (of course!), our house got struck by lightning.  Thankfully, there was no major damage as it was isolated to the light fixture in Eliza's room, the garage door opener, and some part on our brand new a/c.  We heard the very loud pop and several lights went out.  I thought it was loud, but didn't think we got hit.  I went out to the garage and flipped a couple breakers thinking that was it.  After about 10 minutes, I walked down the hall to put Eliza down for a nap and then smelled smoke.  Being home alone with two babies, I called the fire department.  They told me to stand outside (in the rain) and wait for them to come.  I instantly began prepping Olivia for what was about to happen: big red fire truck, loud siren, lots of big men in fire suits coming to help.  It made a huge impression on Olivia and she is still telling the story today.  She has also now developed a healthy fear of thunder.  The firemen did not think we should stay at the house and shut the entire power off to the house until an electrician came to inspect all of the wiring.  Here I was with a baby in desperate need of a nap and packing in the dark to go stay at Nonna and Papa's. Of course I had gone to the grocery store that day and the fridge was full of food (and three nice bottles of champagne!).

 

 It blew the light switch off the wall

Eliza's fried light fixture

 The firemen think it hit the tree first and then traveled through its roots to the house.  If you look closely, you can see the line of stripped bark.

Only after we got home two days later did I notice the burn marks on Eliza's lovie that was in her crib.  It really made me realize how lucky we were that she wasn't asleep in that crib when it happened and that it wasn't worse than it was.  The money it cost to repair the few items seemed like nothing, knowing we were all safe.