Snakes, alligators and iguanas... oh my!

I don't know how I get myself suckered into things like this. I hate spiders and bugs and slithery animals. I don't like animals that could eat my children or even look like they want to. I always keep an eye on the animals at the zoo. And the petting zoo, for that matter.

So how did I end up at Olivia's school with a man who calls himself The Reptile Man? Because I'm a pushover. Ask anyone, especially Celeste (who lovingly brought to my attention this character flaw of mine), about it. As soon as my kids cry or whine or even ask me for something, I will usually give in. I hate for them to be sad or upset or even mad at me. I really need to put my foot down sometimes! Anyway, Olivia came home with a flyer about this guy who was coming to her school last Wednesday evening to showcase some reptiles and (shudder) have the opportunity to touch and hold some of them. So despite my aversion to all things creepy and slithery, I became a pushover and said yes.

The kids had a lot of fun. We sat and listened to The Reptile Man (seriously, I don't even know his actual name) while he showed his some deadly snakes. He insisted that their venom had been removed but I was still wary of my kids touching them later in the evening. He also showed us some other things, like an iguana the size of Madelynn, a small alligator and a turtle. He even came out with a boa constrictor. I swear I read a book when I was a child about being squeezed by one. Or was it a song? Anyway, I wouldn't let my kids didn't go near that one!

Madelynn took to walking around the back of the gym while the man talked.

I know it's blurry, but it shows how BIG this thing is. SO BIG. And heavy.

He wants to eat me. He's watching me with his beady red eyes!

This guy made me the most nervous. He just sat there like he was surveying his prey. It was like he was too calm. It was very unnerving!

I like that Uncle Bryan brought them up to the back away from his head. And in the front was a super long line that we ignored.

If you can see, she is clawing the poor thing. I am surprised that the snake didn't flinch or anything. He must be used to kids and their long nails!

This poor, poor turtle. He just sat on the floor with his legs and arms and head pulled into his shell while kids drummed on him and poked his little toes. He probably has a really special happy place he goes to on nights like this.

Adam looks much too happy to be holding that thing. Is that it's tongue sticking out!? I can't tell...

Olivia had no fear. I thought that the snake felt like boots (sorry! but it's the truth!) but with moving muscles underneath. It wasn't gross, just weird enough that I was okay touching it once and then I was done.

Proof that I held it! It was heavy, not slimy, but weird and I had to have picture proof that I held a snake so I never have to do it again!