Time to Graduate!!!

 We were SO TIRED when we woke up the next day. After three days of non stop amusement park action we could barely move. I'm sure it was almost equivalent to running a marathon. A really really FUN marathon. 

Now it was time to check out of the hotel and head over to Bill and Martha's. They live in Orlando not far from the temple so we thought we would make a quick stop by the temple on the way to visit them. 

The Orlando temple is BEAUTIFUL!

The entrance to the temple. 

It was SO bright outside. Like, blinding bright. Arizona and Florida have a few things in common for the month of August.

Our only regret is that we didn't make the time to do a session. When we go back, that is definitely number one on our list.

SO GRAND!

We loved the way the palm trees framed the building.

I was a little surprised there wasn't more colorful flowers. This was about as grand as the flowers got on the temple grounds.

This house was across the street from the temple and I joked to Ari that we needed to buy it.

Bill and Martha's. Perfect quaint little home.

Bill's pretty sick so it was very nice to get a chance to visit with them. Nice to know that Martha is so interested in my "glee club" :)

Finally! We have arrived in Gainesville. First stop was the UF bookstore to get a few souvenirs and my graduation robes. 

 2312, 2313

This was in the front entry way of the bookstore building. 

Outside of the bookstore. It was POURING when we got there. Torrential downpours like I have never seen!

Decided on a good solid hoodie and hat. We got the kids a stuffed gator and us a UF Santa ornament. Ari also got a T Shirt.

Rainy campus

Thick vegetation everywhere. Very wet and green. Love it!

Time to check into the Sweet Water Inn Bed and Breakfast- compliments of Steve and Michelle Parrish. Such nice people to put us up in this cozy place.

There were a few city blocks downtown that were taken over by the bed and breakfast.

Entryway to the breakfast eatery.

We loved all the vines and covered walkways.

They had a beautiful courtyard decorated for receptions and parties. I think there was a big thing going on with alumni for UF because of the graduation.

Taking a swing on the swing bench.

Here is our humble abode. It was called the Mae Cottage. Perfect for Lottie Mae.

Inside the cottage. It reminded me of the Roland's house in Iowa. Very old fashioned and cozy.

You know I'm all about jacuzzi tubs.

This was one of my top ten most delicious meals of all time.

We yelped a good place to eat in Gainesville and were lead to this fine, elegant dining establishment.

The appetizer was SPECTACULAR!
Warm goat cheese served with bagettes, sundried tomatoes, red peppers, garlic, olives, and olive oild. Combine them all together and it's incredible.

I ordered a delicious steak on garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, truffle oil sauce, and a puffed pastry on top. Delish!

Ari's was amazing as well. Black bean enchiladas, with salmon on top and avocado, and delicious chipotle sauce. SO GOOD!

We had to walk through crazy rain, with our ponchos to get there, but we were so glad we did it.

After diner we thought about going and seeing a movie but opted to go to the wonderful store of Target and get Ari a dress to where to the commencement. 

The next morning we had a delicious breakfast and Ari looked ravishing in her new digs.

Driving into campus was pretty insane. Cars everywhere. We ended up having to switch drivers and I got out and walked a few blocks otherwise I would have been late.

The first thing I saw when I walked into the stadium was this pool. It was amazing! I wanted to jump in SO BAD!

Lame selfie in front of the pool. This is where I would live if I went to school here.

A panoramic shot.

Huge diving platforms.

What's with all these morning face, lame selfies. Yikes.

Once again. Geeze, I have never taken so many lame selfies in my life. I really needed a spouse with me or something:)

Not gonna lie, these clashing oranges were pretty ghastly, but it was so great to be there! So glad we came here to do this.

Yet again, another selfie.

Look we're on the jumbotron!

I started taking pictures of these AMAZING words in the program.

I thought this sign was cool. Dad would have loved it.

Ari took these pics from up above before the ceremony started.

Here we are walking in. . .

All the graduates welcoming teachers and staff

My cool new robes. I'm glad to have these to wear to my graduations every spring now.

Ari LOVED the trees.

Love this one in front of the pool. This is the first one with her new "Master's hubby"

Couldn't get enough of taking these "grad" pics!

She LOVES the trees:)

The football stadium. I guess the main graduations usually happen there so I'm glad ours was a little smaller and low key.

On our way out of town we stopped at a pizza buffet. The pizzas were different. Baked potato, loaded potato, barbecue pork, etc.

As we were driving out of town I realized how much I looked like dad on road trips (soda, shades, college hat) it was a weird moment, but nice at the same time.

When we arrived in Jacksonville we went to see what kind of shape Uncle Dudley's house was in. Mom had been worried about it.

Didn't look too bad, but. . .

The door was wide open so we were able to walk through. We think it would be a nice flip for someone. Flip or Flop from HGTV should come do it!

This banana spider was hanging out. Had to watch where we were going.

Time to go to the beach with the Parrishes. It was beautiful! The water was like bathwater. We had a very remote location that was not overcrowded. They were a lot of fun and spent the afternoon and evening with us.


On the bridge in Jacksonville.

Getting close to the beaches.

I decided to climb up this bluff and look over the shore. Ari was so worried I was breaking some kind of law or something. Ha ha.

Next we took a ferry over to an island and had some amazing sea food. It was so good.

On the ferry to go eat some GOOD sea food!

Pics from the ferry.

Fresh catch of the day!

Even Guy Fierri had his stamp of approval on this place.

I wasn't about to try this sauce. My colon does a pretty good job on it's own.

Yum! Crab cakes, hush puppies, shrimp scampi, cod, ALL SO GOOD!

This was a bench from Dudley's that the Parrishes have in their backyard. They sure loved him! They teared up whenever they spoke about him.

Steve took us on a night ATV ride in the land preserve behind their house. It was a lot of fun! We saw this little baby owl. So cute!

He took Ari around this doughnut hole (bowl) part and she loved it! Michelle was cracking up.

We stayed that night at the Parrishes and had to leave for the airport around 4. Michelle was so cute. She was up ready to wish us goodbye. We were like zombies for the next 24 hours, but we wouldn't change a single thing about this trip! It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for us. So glad we got to do this together. Love you Ari! I wouldn't want to see these amazing sights with anyone else!