Summer Vacation ~ Day 2 ~ On how Ryan got grounded for life

Today started out very quietly.  Emma asked (yes ~ asked) for some schoolwork to do.  She enjoys being home, but she loves to be at school.

Writing and illustrating in her journal

Since the skies looked like this (cold, wet and rainy!)...

...we increased our kid numbers to five and headed for the local library....

...to see The Reptil Guy.
He's from our area, but he's been all over the world and on national TV.
He started working with animals as a kid and is now a whopping 22 years old.  The audience was packed as tight as could be and some had to be turned away.  He's energetic and the kids love him.

He brought in quite a few animals.

Watching in amazement as the snapping turtle raced? across the table.

Describing the difference between an alligator and a crocodile.
I've never been able to remember, but I think it was finally explained in a way that I can remember.
An alligator's nose is shaped like a "U"  (both vowels) and
a crocodile's nose is more like a "V" (both consonants). 

Then he brought out the snake.  Have I mentioned how much I detest snakes?  There was a little incident from childhood that created a very vivid fear and dislike for them.  I'm ok as long as someone trained is holding it.....and it's very far away.
~~~
So after the snake was put away, Corbin reached the part of the show that he likes to call the "Parent Appreciation" portion.  Sounds nice, right?  Let's all thank our parents for bringing us, right?  Then he asked for a volunteer .... one that was volunteered by their child(ren).  If you've been to many shows,  you know the best way to avoid getting picked is to make eye contact, smile, not draw attention to yourself.  Well, my dear son picked then to "teach me to like snakes more so I can have one in my room."  Luckily, despite Ryan's very vocal "pick her" and his pointing (and his friend's help on both accounts), Corbin picked the mom who was hiding the child sitting in her lap.  Whew!  But, wait....she declined and simply refused to get up.  I continued to smile, not hide behind the two year old in my lap, and hiss at Ryan under my breath that he'd better sit down and stop talking NOW!  Then Corbin said....to me...."Oh, how did I miss you?!"  Shoot!  My plan didn't work.  Up I got, and walked up to the stinkin' front of the room where there, luckily, no snakes.  Corbin introduced me and asked me a few questions like "Which animal did you like the best today?" to which I replied "I really didn't like any of them."  He then explained that there is an unhealthy fear among a lot of people for a certain animal and that he likes to help people with that.  He explained that this animal was, of course, snakes.  He went to the side room where the animals were kept, all the while talking on his mike about how helpful this would be for me.  He came out with a snake that looked like a slightly overweight worm.  Still a snake ....but, whew!  I'd really dodged a bullet.  I held the disgusting little thing, with his helper standing to my left just in case I decided to drop it (or throw it).  Meanwhile, he heads back to the side room to "get his camera as he likes to post pictures on his Facebook page of those he'd helped overcome their fear."  I couldn't see him as the helper was oh so conveniently blocking my view.  All of a sudden, half of the audience gasped (the adults) and the other half said, "Oh, cool!" (the kids).  I looked over and he was coming towards me with this....

....at which point I decided that it was a perfect time to go very quickly over to the wall and stand behind the 4' tall library employee (better than hiding behind a kid!).  He didn't force me to hold the very disgusting thing, but I did touch it's tail!  Points for me!   :)

It really was a fun experience, if a bit embarrassing since I knew quite a few in the audience. 
No one really likes others to see their fears!
It was a good day:
The kids had a great time
and I survived holding a 5" long snake!