the earthquake dress

Things were pretty shaky here today in Southern California. An area not far from us had a earthquake with a 5.4 magnitude. Of course we felt it a little too well. Unfortunately, instead of being home, I had all of the kids and my mom and niece with me. We were going to go shopping at the Brea Mall which put us much closer to the epicenter. We made it to one store before the earthquake hit. And a hit is exactly what it felt like. We were in the infants section of Macys and I was going to buy a dress for Audrey. I had previously gotten the same dress in a smaller size and because she is growing like a weed, I wanted to get the next size up. So we are in the middle of the transaction and the most awful noise starts in, then the sprinkler covers start to rain from the ceiling. Then the worst jolt I have ever felt. A department store is pretty big. It felt like someone picked up the store and threw it back down onto the ground. It happened so fast too. Harrison and Maddie were with me and I just pulled them into the counter. Audrey was in her stroller. My mom had Charlie with her, I didn't see them but I knew they were in the same department. I yelled out to her to make sure Charlie was with her. She had pulled Charlie into her legs and made a barrier with her body. The clerk disappeared and resurfaced after it was over. We quickly made sure everyone was ok, there was a mother there with a baby that was five weeks old! She was fine and left quickly. We picked up the sprinkler covers and wiped down the counter. And, I bought the dress. I know it sounds crazy but when the clerk asked me if I wanted to continue, I said yes. Put it this way, I'm in no hurry to go back into Macys any time soon. As soon as we were done there we left, I think it took less then five minutes. And wouldn't you know it, people were still crowded around the Apple store waiting for an iPhone. If that's not dedication then I don't know what is. We didn't feel the aftershocks, our feet were moving pretty fast. :0
Too much excitement for one day, I tell you!