Congratulations Joel and goodbye Georgia

Our 4 month adventure in Georgia came to an end on May 8, 2008 as Joel graduated from his training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick. His hard work and determination is so admirable as he was able to balance a family with a newborn and aggressive training for his career. It paid off as he received the Director's Award for his exemplary work as a federal law enforcement officer as well as many hugs and kisses from his wife and daughter! The latter being the most important of course! Well done and good job Joel!!

Class 805

Joel's Graduation

Grandpa and Grandma Hyzer Are Here!

Dave and Marcia visited us in Georgia for about a week and a half. We sure were excited to have visitors! The weather when they arrived was unfortunately rainy and gray but in a few days time we had our typical sunny, warm weather. We spent our time taking some walks down to the Pier, walks along the beaches, shopping, eating the worlds best crab cakes, and consoling Madison :) !



A Walk Along the East Beach


Grandma and Madison


Mallery Park

"Mmmm this thing tastes good!"

Okefenokee Swamp

We had an interesting weekend visiting the Okefenokee Swamp in Waycross, Georgia where we saw crocodiles, alligators, river otters and turtles. This place is crazy as the alligators kind of just roam free over the area as they please.

So let me give you a mental picture of how this place appeared to 3 Midwesterners (We are speaking on Madison's behalf as she would surely agree if..you know...she could talk). Two giant alligators are "beached" on land and apparently sleeping (that's what the worker said), however you can walk right up and pet the darn things if you wanted to and no one would say peep. Curious little kiddies are inching there way closer and closer to these giant prehistoric looking creatures occasionally throwing sticks to see if they can rouse the beast while mom and dad are...somewhere... Bubba behind you is talking with his other bubba buddies discussing how on his last swamp boat tour he "got some waves" (uhhh there's alligators out there). So as far as the boat tour, we're thinkin' we'd feel safer in innertubes with cardboard over the holes. As for the giant alligators...We're glad we were there when they were still "sleeping" So, if you ever hear of someone getting eaten at this place...don't say we didn't warn you!!

This was be far our most "southern" experience yet. But we have to say that we're glad we did it!! :)

Okefenokee Swamp


One of the "Sleeping" Alligators

Madison also got a new toy this weekend. An exersaucer! She's still not really sure what to do in it but she'll figure it out soon enough!

Happy Easter!

Madison had her first Easter and mom hid her an Easter basket (Thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hyzer). Unfortunately Madison can not eat all the candy in her basket so mom and dad have to help her!! :)


Madison's Easter Basket




The Easter Egg Family!


It was a pretty low key weekend, but very enjoyable. The weather was again beautiful so we all took a walk down to the pier and then to supper.


Dad and Madison Hanging Out



Her Favorite Show is Days of Our Lives!
(Just kidding grandma's and grandpa's)

Georgia Sea Turtle Center

This weekend, Joel, Madison and I visited the Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Each spring the Loggerhead turtles make their way up Jekyll Island's beaches to nest. The Sea Turtle Center helps protect their nesting grounds and also rehabilitates injured or sick turtles. It was a beautiful day today, a "cool" 60 degrees and sunny.

Loggerhead Turtle

Sea Turtle rehabilitation room

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