Lizards! Snakes! & Turtles (?)

Last night I took the girls to the Bean Museum reptile show. At first I didn't think that Alessandra would want to go because she's not really a reptile loving girl but she seemed to have a good time. Emily on the other hand, LOVES reptiles. She was a little bit unsure about the first "act"...turtles. Alessandra was really impressed by the turtles and I think at one point she asked if we could get one. (That discussion was saved for a later date) :)

When it came time for the alligators and crocodiles she was in heaven. She absolutely adores them. She seemed to be a little disappointed that they didn't have a "live" one, apparantly Utah law doesn't allow you to keep an alligator as a pet, how odd. ;) Alessandra asked a very good question, "How do aligators and crocodiles see under water?" It turns out that they have a membranous covering over their eyes to help protect from debris getting in there. The "guide" also said that if you are ever attacked by an aligator/crocodile your best chances might be to dive under the water and try to get away that way because they won't be able to see you as well. VERY INTERESTING!

So...the next reptile of discussion was lizards. The man in charge of the show had a monitor lizard. It was really neat to see one up close. Alessandra was excited about that. Both the girls were giggling so hard because the monitor, named Sheeshee, kept sticking his tongue out and climbing all over the guide. The guide was also making some funny actions showing what a monitor will do to defend itself and warn people to stay away.

I think the best part came when it was time to talk about snakes. Em was soo excited about the snakes. Her face lit up like somebody had just placed a dozen presents in front of her and told her they were all for her. Alessandra got to go up to the front and help hold up the giant snake skin...she was excited about that. The man had a 5 ft ball python...he was really fat, must have just ate. :P He also had a 6 ft Columbian boa constrictor. I think that the boa constrictor was a favorite. Emily got right down on the floor as close as she was allowed to get to the snake and was in awe over it. *Here's another interesting little tidbit - the "big" snakes are always females. What does that tell you about the male species? :)

After the show the girls got to go up and pet each reptile. Well, except for the alligator. We all had a really good time and I think its one of the times I've actually gotten Em to sit for more than 5 min.