Never underestimate a man in a free Ace Hardware t-shirt

On Friday, we decided to take a little family trip to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It's located not too far from our home so we thought it'd make the perfect day trip. Kate wanted to see some alligators and we knew that the Okefenokee swamp would be just the place. We packed ourselves a quick picnic lunch consisting of the obvious menu items: cheese puffs, cookies and grape kool-aid jammers, along with a couple turkey sandwiches and some fruit (just so I wouldn't look like a complete tool of a mom).



And because our bikes were in used condition when we got them several years ago and we therefore cannot vouch for their past, from looking at them I honestly think they were part of the set of Three's Company. And today's role of Chrissy will be played by Hollie...Jack Tripper by M to the Izz-A.

Just a few seconds after I voiced the fact that I really hoped Kate got to see some alligators, we rode up on this:

This is the pic that I took, not wanting to get any closer.

And this is the pic that Matt managed to get.

After lunch we went on a boat ride down the swamp.

Kate even got to steer the boat.

And only my husband would agree to demonstrate the shallowness of the water. Yes, I have married the original Okefenokee Joe.

I'm all for getting in touch with nature, only I like to get in touch without actually touching it.

Following in her daddy's footsteps, Kate volunteered to show the others a tadpole.

While some of us chose to be a little more hands-on than others, it was a great day. We can't wait to go back!