A few days before we were to leave, Idaho had a major snow storm that closed the roads. So we were checking the roads, praying and wondering if we were going to be able to go. Wednesday night, all the roads looked clear and we packed up the car for an early departure Thursday morning. We were all feeling good about it with no bad feelings. We got on the road about 15 min later than planned (2:15 am). The kids were all very excited and stayed awake for a few hours before going back to bed. For the most part the roads were clear and we were traveling at normal speeds with hardly anyone else out.
When we hit Billings, MT, (halfway) we took a potty break and then headed off again. We could instantly feel the winds blowing the car and I thought that my door was open it was blowing so bad. I had also just finished texting my sister letting her know we were half way and would see them soon... Famous last words...
This is where it could've been worse. The wind was blowing the snow across the roads making it complete white-out conditions. Soooo.....
- Instead of hitting a snow drift and going off the road, Josh hit the snow drift and we crashed into the center divide, keeping us on the road
-we could have been hurt in the accident but thankfully we were all okay
-the car could have been totaled and undrivable but it kept going and we were able to make it safely off of the highway and next to a restaurant (that was open) and only had damage to the bumper
-The car could have made it safely into the parking lot (which would have been bad later on) but instead we got stuck in a snow drift while turning into the parking lot
-we could have had no one around and been stuck in the car but 2 angels (men who were also stuck there) came and helped us carry our kids from the car to the restaurant in the 60 mile per hour winds that had the blinding snow being blown in your face making it nearly impossible to walk in
-it could have been longer than a 7 hour wait to get our car unstuck
-the wrecker guys could have left our car at that parking lot but instead they drove the van to the hotel for us once it was unstuck
-We could have been taken to the Civic Center where there was a make shift shelter for all the stranded travelers but we were one of the lucky ones to get a hotel room
-we could have had nothing to eat for Thanksgiving dinner but thanks to all the snacks that were packed we had a yummy dinner of goldfish, Marshmallow Matey's and oranges
The winds kept up through the afternoon and into the night and the sheriffs dept (who drove us to the hotel) told us that driving was not advisable in this condition and if you were to get stuck on the side of the highway, you are out of luck cause no one would be there to help you or find you in those conditions. I was a little worried that we were going to be stuck there for a few days because it didn't look like it was going to let up any time soon. Josh told me I had to have a little faith. The next morning when we woke up, the snow had stopped blowing and the winds had died down a little so we decided to take off and see what the roads were like. We had to drive by the restaurant that we were stuck in the day before and everyone that had driven into the parking lot was completely snowed in from all the blowing snow and a couple big rigs had jack knifed and blocked both of the entrances to the restaurant/hotel. So anyone that may not have had the snow covering around the car was stuck because of the big rigs. (That is where we were blessed to have our car be stuck before the parking lot and also that that hotel was booked so we had to go to the other hotel in town).
The roads were clear and the snow had all blown away so we had no trouble getting home and were also able to hit a few stores on the way home...
Once home we found out that one of our bags was left at the hotel...
-thankfully it was only one bag
-even though it was the overnight bag, we have been able to substitute or replace some of the items until they are returned. Hopefully it isn't too expensive to ship!!
-If we hadn't of gotten stuck on the way, we would have gotten stuck on the way home because Idaho got pelted with a storm today.
Heavenly Father had a hand in our trip the whole way!!! We can see that we were extremely blessed and even though it didn't turn out how we had planned for it to turn out, everything worked out in the end. Today we celebrated Isaac's birthday and also had our Thanksgiving dinner. We are home and safe and very grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who continually watches out for my family!!!
We are a little bummed that my parents won't be able to come out and help us pack and move. But these crazy winter roads are scary! So it's better this way. (Don't worry mom- we will get it all done :)!)
Thank you for your prayers!!! and we hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
My big 6 year old!!! What the heck?!?
Our Turkey dinner
I had Josh attempt to take pictures for christmas cards today and this one turned out totally cute... we are just missing someone who didn't want to cooperate cause he didn't want to sit by ANY girls.
3 comments:
What an incredible story. That is CRAZY! I'm so glad you all are safe and back home. What an insane trip!
That's so sad that you didn't get to see your family for Thanksgiving though - at least you're alive! Right? =o) Gosh.
I think we're over the whole "going to see the family" for holidays. We try to see them other times of the year instead, that way we can just hang out at home together and not worry about packing, driving, unpacking, driving some more .. you get the point. =o)
Gotta love old man winter for ruining the best of our travel plans. :( I feel so bad for you guys, glad you are all safe and sound. Good Luck with your move...so exciting.
We are so happy you are ok! We missed seeing you guys, but know that it all happened for a reason. Love you so much! Wish we could be there to help you move;( Can't wait to see pics of the new house!
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