Written By: Vivi and Brigette Lay
This year we(Brigie and Vivi) got to go to the annual 2023 Tree Conference in Jekyll with JeeJee and Grandpa. We spent two nights at the Westin, and had lots of fun, and learned lots of new things! 🐢(Brigie wanted to add the turtle).
Driving to Jekyll!
When we got there we had lunch at the Beach House, and enjoyed the ocean view. Then we got regestered for all of the Tree Conference events. We went to hotel and unpacked and settled in. Of course, the first thing we wanted to do was go to the beach. But it was a bit dirty, so we went to the pool instead.
From 5 to 6:30, we went to a kid’s night at the Tree Conference place. We got to touch multiple animals, and have a snack. Then we went and hit the swag booths, piling our bags high! There was SO MUCH FREE STUFF!! We pretty much went crazy.😝
Here’s us going crazy over the free swag!
Here we are looking at the pollen swag booth. Brigie and I both agreed that it was our favorite.
And here we are looking through our “Swag Bags” with Grandpa. Look at our John Deer hats!
For dinner that night, we got dressed up and ate dinner at the Reserve. And we topped off the night by watching Captain America back in our room.
The next morning, we ate breakfast at the Westin Cafe. Then we went to the beach again, but quickly left because of all of the dead sea life on the shore. The animals included a sting ray, three horseshoe crabs, and many sand-dollars.
After that we went to the pool and fed the birds Doritos. Then we went to the Annual 2023 Tree Farmer of the Year lunch, and got to meet the Tree Farmer herself! It was really cool, and we enjoyed it a lot!
Next, we tried to go to the water park, but soon realized it was in vain. There were SO MANY PEOPLE. So instead we went shopping at the village near our hotel. We decided to spur of the moment buy two hermit crabs!!! We named them Rufus(Brigie’s), and Cayenne(Vivi’s).
Hermit crabs!
That night they had another kids meeting, and we attended. They served us dinner, and we got to watch finding Nemo. It was so fun! Then they had Dueling Pianos, and played things like “1,000 Miles",” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It was amazing!
The next morning we woke up early and packed. JeeJee and Grandpa said that they had a surprise for us. We got Dunkin’ Doughnuts for breakfast, which was great, but that wasn’t even the surprise!
They took us to the Okefenokee swamp! We went on a boat tour of the swamp, and saw lots of gators. Then we had a train ride and wildlife talk, where we got to pet two turtles, a red rat snake, and a baby alligator! It was so fun, and the perfect way to wrap up the amazing trip.
Here Brigie and I are waiting to get on the boat tour!
Here we are posing in front of the female alligator. Can you spot her in the back?
If you couldn’t see her in the previous picture, here she is up close and personal.
And finally, here’s us posing with Mr. Bear before we head on home.
As you can see, this trip was so fun and special! Brigie and I learned so much, and enjoyed getting two-on-two time with JeeJee and Grandpa. And yes, Rufus and Cayenne are alive and well! I can’t wait to spend even more time out in nature and with our amazing Grandparents!