Disclaimer: I'll begin this entry with an advance apology/disclaimer, it may veer off the subject of a cute and cuddly nearly one-year-old and into subjects not usually gracing this page, but it was an interesting weekend. So, read on at your own risk. If you hate the entry, ignore it and check back because I'm sure I'll soon be back to normal.As you may have read from my previous post, we spent a long weekend at Amelia Island in north Florida. It is a beautiful place with a charming downtown area with shops and restaurants. We had the opportunity to spend our trip with Daniel, Rachel & Naomi Gowder, some friends of ours that currently live in Texas. We don't get to see them as often as we'd like, so it was a special treat to be together again. Naomi is 2 1/2 going on 15; she's so cute and sweet and a ball of energy. She had a good time playing with Jack and his toys. They were very cute as Tinkerbell and a monkey on Friday night as we enjoyed the halloween festivities.
Josh's mom watched the kids at the condo during the game on Saturday, which was the most unpleasant portion of the trip. It wasn't just because we lost; we're used to that. We lose all the time to the Gators in Jacksonville. What made it so bad is we didn't get trampled by an awesome team (like what happened against Alabama). We instead gave the game away.
Remember, I warned you about this entry. Anyway, I don't consider myself a big whiner. When we lose, I accept it and move on, but Saturday was just sorry. Up until the final minutes we beat the gators in total offense. I mean it's pretty easy to score when you get the ball on the 10-yard line everytime, which is where we kept giving it to them.
Missed field goals, interceptions, fumbles, you name it - it went against us. We couldn't catch a single break and surely not from the refs. Two bogus calls (a very favorable UF spot & a mysterious penalty) gave the Gators their first touchdown drive. Does anyone think it's completely bogus of the SEC to put the same head official on this game after what happened last year? Penn Wagers hates Georgia, that was evident when he tried to give last year's Auburn game away to the Tigers. Our kicker couldn't hit a simple field goal and the momentum just tumbled completely in favor of Florida.
Also, is it just me or are Florida fans disgusting? (No offense, Sarah)
Just a reminder about the disclaimer. I could count the number of collared shirts I spotted on UF fans. I'm not trying to be snooty or say you have to wear a collared shirt to a football game, but come on people...cut-off sleeves for the guys and trashy t-shirts for the ladies? It was not their best showing. I was actually standing next to one guy while waiting to get in who was proudly missing one of his front teeth. No joke. Anyway, so at least our fans have a better fashion sense.
Okay, last thing about the game, I promise...but no more whining about last year and how unsportsmanlike the dawgs are, Urban Cryer. Believe me, you showed everyone just how classy you are by hanging 49 points on us. I expected it; I wasn't at all surprised to see you run up the score. If you'd do it to pitiful Kentucky who you had no beef with, of course you'd do it to the team that embarrassed you and your team on a national stage last year. Thanks for being the bigger guy...you are the portrait of good sportsmanship.
I'm done. I feel better.
On the way back to the car, our group was discussing that our week was only going to get worse...Election day is Tuesday! I don't normally run around preaching about my political views, but this is my blog and I provided a disclaimer, remember. Anyway, I'll be one of the first to admit that George W. has not been one of our finest presidents. In fact, he's probably one of the worst. He doesn't seem to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I do believe our president deserves our respect. Just because John McCain is a republican and has been endorsed by Bush doesn't mean they will do things just alike. I think even republicans can admit that things need a drastic turnaround. Anyway, I don't think the drastic turnaround we need is to start spreading the wealth around like socialists. As our wonderful pastor pointed out recently, the government was created to protect us from outside threats. The constitution never said anything about taking money from some people and giving it to others. Let me quickly follow that with the statement that I believe money should be moving from some pockets to others, but it should be a choice. Just like I choose to give money and time to my church; the boy scouts; the free clinic; the soup kitchen, etc. I also have great fears about someone who supports partial-birth abortions. I just can't understand the support of such a horrific act.
Anyway, I'm off the soap box. You can be relieved. Later I'll post some cute pictures from our trip and tell you more about all the cute things that Jack is up to these days!
Jack can officially see where we're going...not just where we've been. This week signified the turning around of the car seat. I know he didn't grow any overnight, but he just looks so much older and more grown up sitting so upright...weird, I know! Must be one of those mom things. As you can see, he's still silly when turned around.
Wednesday night we asked the Shaws to join us at the Magical Night of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands. I'm a sucker for Christmas lights and a little eager to begin some silly holiday traditions with Jack, I guess. The lights were good...Britton (the Shaw's nearly 3 y/o) enjoyed them the most. At the end of your driving tour, there's a silly holiday carnival. Thankfully, Jack's not old enough yet to care about riding anything.
Brit took a trip on the carousel and the train, while the big boys tossed skee ball. Derek one a nice prize for all the kids. We finished our stay with a stop at the fire pits, where you can roast marshmallows. (Which they charge for by the way...as if you didn't pay enough to ride through.) Overall, it was fun and I would go back. If you do decide to go: 1. try to get as many people in your car/minivan as possible (I think 9 is the limit); 2. bring your own marshmallows and coat hangers and roast away (we even saw a family who brought their own graham crackers and hershey bars!); 3. pre-purchase your ticket online (you save $10 from the gate price) and use the coupon code 5253 when checking out to save an additional $5. 
It's the season of thanksgiving and the season for a very big celebration at our house. Jack turns ONE on Friday! Wild, right? It seems like I just started this blog and now he's a year old. Here's Jack with someone I'm very thankful for, his great grandfather. It was great spending time with family today for Thanksgiving and all the great food ain't bad either. Enormous thanks to Josh's sister and her fiance who delivered a massive spread for dinner (they felt bad b/c Josh was on call and couldn't join me and Jack in Athens). We thought they were bringing by a plate, but instead brought enough to feed an army! How thankful we are for such wonderful family!
Clap your hands, right? In the last two weeks Jack has really taken to clapping. I think I mentioned he learned it, but he does it all the time now. It really is cute. Here's a picture of him and his friend Naomi at the beach this weekend. He's too busy to hold her hand because he's clapping his hands!