Snakes!!

**WARNING - If you really don't like snakes, you best stop scrolling. Nothing graphic, I promise.

Last weekend, the kids and I visited Wickiup Hill Nature Center for a hands-on learning session about snakes. The gentleman that owns the snakes was extremely knowledgeable about the various species of snakes that occupy our state. We all walked away learning something new.

The kids had the opportunity to handle many different types of snakes. All were safe and completely used to being carried around. The setting for this session was so tranquil. The snakes were relaxed and mellow. The children were all polite and patient. It was quite an experience.

Jacob dove right in. He was not shy about holding any of the snakes...including the 10 foot python that was the centerpiece of the room.

Jenna never acted scared (thankfully there were no mascots/"costumes") but she was slightly more reserved in wanting to hold a snake. She eventually came around and then she was one of the first with her hand out when they brought out a new creature.

I know many of you do not like snakes. But I think it is important to expose my kids to new situations and learning experiences so they can grow and understand more of the world around them. For that reason, I am so thankful that we discovered Wickiup Hill and that they care enough to organize these types of programs.

Waiting for his turn to hold "Mukluk"

Bull snake

Jenna is still working up the courage

No fear

Jacob liked when they wrapped around him

I don't remember what kind of snake this was, but it was cold and kept curling up into a ball when it was being held

Jenna's time with Mukluk

 

All wrapped up

Baby milk snake - Just Jenna's size

Second Day of School

Jenna wasn't going to let us walk to school this morning without her. And she was very clear that I was not allowed to walk next to her. She was walking with her brother.

Fun Days and Family Reunion

Every year we enjoy the festivities of Springville Fun Days and we are blessed with the tradition of a family reunion the same weekend. It is great having the time together as a small family unit and as a whole.

Waiting for the parade to start

The bucket guarantees more candy...and it doesn't blow away

Three generations

He puts the "fun" in Fun Days

Sizing up the next obstacle

Jenna didn't realize that this side of the family doesn't do a fish fry...Don't tell her

First Day of School

My little boy is officially a Kindergartner. He has considered it so since his last day of preschool. Now that the summer months flew by, he had his first day of school today. It went very well. There were no tears and only smiles when I picked him up. Of course, his favorite part of the day was recess with lunch a close second.

There are still negotiations about his future mode of transportation. I say he needs to get comfortable walking his route while Jacob insists that he should ride his bike. We are taking it day-by-day!

A good luck hug

Jenna is ready for school too. She insisted on a backpack this morning.

 

Pre-Preschool

Someone is Ticklish...

Summer Days

The summer has gone by so fast. The weather has been fantastic and the kids are at ages where we can have a lot of fun.

Jacob has gained a lot of confidence in Grandpa's pool.

 

With Jenna's birthday, she received her first piece of mail...with money in it...she calls it "money mail"

 Out for a cruise on a gorgeous night

 Nighty-Night