Flooding forced us to evacuate

[3DzMommy]

Well yesterday we knew that the rivers around us in Kelso, Washington (State) were really high and that we were on flood warning but it hasn't ever been bad enough to leave our homes. We live in low lands between to two different rivers Cowlitz and Coweeman.

Around 5pm yesterday my home phone rang and it was the county saying that we were to leave our homes and go to higher ground. WOOOO I was shocked. I called my husband at work and told him he needed to come home and get us. By the time we were ready to leave fire department was knocking on doors, and announcements were being done on loudspeakers and sirens were blaring.

Lance's boss didn't want him to leave because they were busy (he works in Longview not in danger of flooding) but he understood. Lance got home and we grabbed photos, clothes for a few days and important papers. We left everything else, locked doors, unplugged everything.

We were lucky that my grandparents live up on the hill so we went there. My kids were all excited to have a sleep over at great grandma and grandpa's. We didn't know how log we would be staying but my grandparents were wonderful and said we could stay as long as needed. They are in their 80's so I was nervous about my little ones getting out of control. My grandpa has Alzheimer's so is like a little child most of the time he loved having the kids but poor grandma tried so hard to keep up with everyone and be the perfect hostess. She didn't need to we wanted to help as much as possible but she likes to take charge when she can. I hope I'm as active and caring when I'm her age. I love them both very much.

We were let back home this afternoon but warned that we may have to leave again. So I have made sure that anything important is up high and kept food clothing and photos packed ready to go just in case.

Washington state is known for its rain but its shocking how much we have gotten lately. We didn't even have to evacuate when Mt. St. Helen's blew in 1980. We were on flood warning back then too but this was my first time actually having to face this. 

Joke: Why don't Washingtonians tan?  We don't tan - we rust. Ha Ha