The Keys: Hail Storm

We had a massive series of thunderstorms go through Wellington filled with rain, wind, huge hail, and tornado threats! It was a crazy set of storms. Kenney was able to come home early from work because it wasn't safe for patients to be out and all nonessential employees were sent home from the hospital. We called a neighbor, Bobbi, and asked if we could join her in the cellar at her house because we knew there were tornado watches and warnings headed our way. We packed a couple bags (Bentley grabbed her purse) and we headed to her house. She had a large cellar that was super clean and had chairs ready for us.

After getting into the cellar, a few minutes later we heard a lot of hail coming down on the metal cellar door. It sounded pretty loud. Bentley was a little scared and nervous at first, but the boys were super excited for this new adventure. Kenney was also equally excited because he loves thunderstorms. I'm pretty sure he would have rather been out looking at the clouds but thought he should set an example for the boys to stay safe in the cellar.

However, once the hail started Kenney couldn't help but peek outside. Before I knew it, he was sending the boys out to grab the pieces of hail so we could look at it. We were impressed with the half dollar and larger pieces, little did we know those ended up being some of the smaller pieces that fell! Once the storm blew over, we found huge hail stones!! We left our van parked in the garage at our house and drove Kenney's car to her house 2 blocks away. Unfortunately, there was some damage but luckily no busted glass.

After exploring for a bit outside, we went back inside Bobbi's house because another storm was going to hit Wellington. Bobbie then got the kids cookies, Sprite, and other snacks to keep them busy and fed. My snacks were not good enough of course. She then showed them some toys she had a in back room. They were loving it and asking if we could go back in the cellar!! Thankfully, the next storm was just a lot of heavy rain with thunder and lightning. After most of that let up we headed home. Somehow we didn't have any broken windows or extreme damage to our house. However, we will need a new roof.

We were blessed to have a great neighbor and stay out of the path or any tornadoes. There were some not too far away and some funneling of clouds just out of town, but nothing super close to us. The kids were never scared and loved our time in the cellar. It was so reassuring knowing that our family was together and safe. Yes there was a big chance there were tornadoes close, and we could lose our house and everything else, but we were all calm and happy. It was nice knowing as long as we were together nothing else mattered. Our house and things could all be replaced.

Checking out the cellar, Mackenzie's smile.

She was loving all the excitement.


Trying to get settled but not able to sit still.

Getting settled in the cellar

The hail starting to fall and Dad can't stand to stay in the dark! Bentley was a little unsure and nervous at first, but she was way too curious to just sit there.

Showing off the big hail stone they collected.

Of course Damon has to stick it in his big mouth!!


The were all such different shapes! Some were so jagged on the outside while others were so smooth.

Here's Kenney showing off one of the bigger ones they found, but honestly it was pretty small to what we would find when we got out of the cellar.

Starting their collection

You can see the layers from where the updrafts would pull the stones up multiple times.

Kyler doesn't have tiny hands!

Kenney and the boys were amazed at how the hail would sometimes explode when it hit the ground.

Kenney holding the hail.

Damon showing us one of the hail stones that split when he threw it.

We have both seen storms where the hail covered the ground looking like snow, but this time there wasn't very much hail it was just HUGE!!! I have never seen hail that big myself and hope to never see it again!