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

Home!

A Weekend at Home

Instead of exploring this weekend, we decided to stay home as Joel had his first exam on Monday. There's a lot of pressure to pass all the exams because you can only fail once, fail twice and they SEND YOU HOME. So, no pressure or anything!

It was a busy week for Madison. She had her 4 month vaccine's, ate rice cereal for the first time and is teething! She, of course, did not like her shots at the Doctor's office but it's all for the best?? Sometimes hard to think that when they are screaming at the top of their lungs and looking at you like, "why are you letting this person do this to me!" On a better note, she is a natural born "eater". She apparently is ready for rice cereal and did quite a good job at keeping it down.

Madison not feeling well after her shots.

The Big Eater!

Geared up for our walk

Fort Frederica National Monument

This little piece of history is about 8 miles from our condo on Saint Simons Island. It is an old fort/outpost that the National Park Service maintains which we toured on our two day weekend (yes that's right TWO whole days!!).