An Avalanche AND A Lost Child!!

We had an eventful day last Saturday and I realized I never posted about our happenings, so here it goes. Marc Norman called Shawn to go back country skiing right behind his house up at Mt. Aire. Shawn decided to go because he likes to back country ski because he gets the best of both worlds, a great workout hiking up and a great ski down. The kids and I were at home and I really wanted to have a fun day for them because my mom was watching them that night because we were having a couples baby shower at our home for Troy and Sherri. I quickly made some of the preparations I needed to for the party and then I decided to take the kids to the aquarium. Cruz really wanted to have a friend come and so I budged and let him invite our next door neighbor, Emma. I really didn't think too much about it. When we got to the aquarium the parking lot was full. I had a long talk in the car with the kids on how they needed to stay close to the stroller because it was busy. I still wasn't that phased. Long story short, I got a little frazzled because Emma and Cruz were fighting like cats and dogs. Usually they get along pretty well together, but for some reason, they were going through a rough patch. We went into a larger darker room that was extremely crowded because they were feeding the stingray soon. Of course both Emma and Cruz took off in different directions. They were gone!! So much for my speech. I found Emma first but Cruz was nowhere to be found. I was starting to get panicked. I couldn't manuver that well through the crowds but I went around the museum once and I STILL couldn't find him. I was terrified now. I ran up to someone that worked there and told her, "I can't find my son!" In about 30 seconds they sent the guest relations person and she radio'd out Cruz's description. At this point Cruz was probably gone 10 minutes. A worker found him in the gift shop at the end of the aquarium eyeing a large gummy worm. I have never been so glad to see my little guy! I was shaking and sweating at this point. Cruz didn't seem phased at all.....he had no idea he was lost....all he wanted was that worm. Once I gave him the longest hug I quickly said, "let's go!" Both Emma and Cruz wanted to stay longer and they couldn't figure out why I was in such a rush to get out of there. I was spent, TOTALLY. The 2 of them continued to bicker the whole ride home but then when we turned down into our neighborhood they were asking to play. I was like, "are you kidding me?" I said a very big NO. I had it. It was about 2:00 p.m. and I thought Shawn would be home soon. I got a call from Shawn around 2:30 and he told me that Marc got hurt and he was going to have to take him to the hospital. I was worried but hopeful that Marc was going to be ok. Shawn walked into the house around 6. Luckily I was ready for the party that was happening in an hour. When Shawn walked through the door though he told me that he didn't tell me the entire truth. Marc was actually caught in an AVALANCHE. Marc and Shawn were skinning up along a ridge line. Luckily Shawn was a little way back from Marc. Somehow Marc triggered the snow and an avalanche started. Marc luckily was able to stay on top of it. He ended getting crashed into a tree. Shawn called out to Marc once the avalanche stopped and luckily Marc answered. Marc was in tough shape though. His ribs killed and so did one of his knees. The guys had to get back up to the top of the ridge and then Marc slid down on his butt. It was a long process that was excruciatinly painful for Marc. Shawn tried to help him the best he could but they had alot of gear between them. Shawn was able to get Marc back to his house finally where Marc's wife, Cat was. She ended up taking him to the hospital. Marc broke several ribs, had a collapsed lung, and broke his bone right below his knee cap. I am sad Marc got some injuries but I am so glad he is alive. I am also soooooooo grateful Shawn was far enough behind Marc that he didn't get in the avalanche too. We ended up having a very nice party at our house after a very stressful day BUT all turned out...... everyone was o.k. :)