I should know by now. Any time you say that you think things have gotten calm is precisely when they take a turn for the opposite.

My aunt called yesterday afternoon and said their house was flooding and water from the river was shooting out of their plumbing.

Before my parents left to go pick them up, there were three humans, two cats and one dog here.

Now?

Nine humans (including one baby!), four dogs and two cats.

Tony, Teddy (who is named after me but hates me. Thanks little guy.)

Olive

And, of course, my sweet friend Bailey here.

The family descended upon us with bags upon bags.

And food that would have otherwise gone bad.

Thanks for the fruit, family.

When you come from an Italian family and you need to put a dinner for nine together at the drop of a hat, you unfreeze spaghetti sauce and make spaghetti. (I mean, apparently. All I did was smile, pour wine and help set the table. But I guess it’s the Italian version of “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”)

Thank god for vegetables.

And cupcakes.

I don’t usually get all bent out of shape about a few unhealthy meals, but I cannot wait to run.

I said I wanted a hurricane party, but I guess I never specified with whom. A family hurricane party is interesting, too. I’m sorry it’s because my family suffered damage, but I’m glad that everyone’s okay.