First we went to Folkston, Georgia, to the train viewing stand. I had to reminisce when Natalie and I took Ethan and Ella there.
It was an adventure we had looked forward to the whole time they lived in Gainesville, only to find that we could see as many trains go by if we just went to the caboose park in Green Cove and watched for them there. But it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun as watching all the people bringing their computers and timing all the trains, setting up their tri-pods, and taking pictures every 10 minutes when the trains roll by. I mean, how many pictures of trains can you take? I guess a bunch, because those people were settled down for a good long time to just relax until a new train came by to wave at and take pictures of. You know--Folkston is the train capital of Florida, America, maybe even the world!
It was an adventure we had looked forward to the whole time they lived in Gainesville, only to find that we could see as many trains go by if we just went to the caboose park in Green Cove and watched for them there. But it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun as watching all the people bringing their computers and timing all the trains, setting up their tri-pods, and taking pictures every 10 minutes when the trains roll by. I mean, how many pictures of trains can you take? I guess a bunch, because those people were settled down for a good long time to just relax until a new train came by to wave at and take pictures of. You know--Folkston is the train capital of Florida, America, maybe even the world! 
Then we went about eight miles into Okefenokee State Park. Did you know that Okefenokee means "trembling earth"? That's what the Native Americans called it when they saw the earth moving which was really sediment of decomposing plants and animals.
We went inside the little museum there and learned about the history of the area from an "old timer."
We also walked under a fake waterway to see what it looks like under water with gators and birds reaching down to get fish. It was really life-like.
Then we took an hour and a half boat trip down the river channel.
Because it was so hot, not many animals were out, but we did see a turtle who the river guide pointed out had probably been chomped on by a gator because of his jagged shell. 
Then we finally got to see a gator. We were so happy to finally see one!
After getting back in the car, we saw a bunch of people by a little lake, so we stopped and George started doing his gator call. I have actually seen a gator come near to us by George doing it. Well, it happened again. Not only did the little 4 or 5-foot gator come toward us, he started hissing at us. 
Seriously, I saw how the gator was coming nearer and nearer and hissing, so it was definitely time to go. I didn't want to ruin a great day! 
Moral of the story: No "Georgia Gator" is going to get the best of a "Florida Gator"!!!!
Seriously, I saw how the gator was coming nearer and nearer and hissing, so it was definitely time to go. I didn't want to ruin a great day! Moral of the story: No "Georgia Gator" is going to get the best of a "Florida Gator"!!!!
Then George, Amy, and I took Garrett and Isaac to their favorite train park as requested by Garrett. We had such a great time. Even though it was 100 degrees, that didn't stop the boys from loving the outdoor time a little after the sun starting going down.
The other thing that made the day so special was the fact that after about 32 years out of our 41 years of being married, I am finally getting a husband back to sit by me at church. With his church callings which required him to be at various wards or on the stand, I have basically sat alone with the kids or just myself for all these years. George was released Sunday as the 1st Counselor in the Jacksonville West Stake after 9 years. He was in the Gainesville Stake Presidency for over two years before that. We loved the nine years with President and Sister Austin and Connie Tilton, and President and Sister Tommy and Minty Jensen. They became just like family and are very special to us. We will miss the association very much, but we look forward to new callings and new assignments in the church. We have been so blessed through those callings. It is difficult to say that we have had to sacrifice at all.
Finally, it was a special day as I think about the wonderful father I have. He is now 86 years old--a Stake Patriarch for 14 years having given nearly 900 blessings. He still goes to the law office for five and sometimes six days a week. He has never retired. My mother passed away seven years ago, yet he continues the family traditions and always remembers everyone in the family. He is and has been such an inspiration in my life, and I love him dearly. I barely got to talk to him on Fathers' Day because even on that occasion, he was giving blessings.
Wyatt 
A group-shared ice cream and brownie sundae! Yum!
Little Lola couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. She is always the quietest one!
George was getting the car, when I snapped these pictures, because it was starting to rain. 
On Saturday, Craig and Cassie came over to hang out. We took everyone to the Sharp's residence in our ward to see their new pot belly pigs. The kids loved them! (But, no, we don't want to house break one and have it for a pet as some people do! They say you can train them just like a dog!)
