First trip to Gator Land

I know, I know....how many vacations as a child did we take to Florida? and how long have Jim and I lived here? but we made our first visit to Gator Land when invited by some friends spur of the moment. (the discounted offer to Florida residents was what reeled us in).

We were afraid the weather wouldn't hold out for us, but it did and we got to see everything we wanted! The kids were so excited to see all the alligators as we walked in!

I always think of my brother when I see alligators. His childhood dream was to own an alligator farm when he grew up......

Our first stop was the jumparoo show where they feed the alligators and get them to jump into the air. Here's a picture of Jacob watching the alligators below the deck. I decided not to include the others from the show because they feed the gators fresh chickens and personally I think it's a little gross! The second is a piture of 3 of the kids at the photo op gator!

We then went to see the white alligators, birds, petting zoo and snakes. Oh, by the way, if you do decide to tour this place....DO NOT LEAN AGAINST THE RAILS!!!! Bird poop is everywhere and doesn't wash out of your shirt! Just sayin'. And thank you Erin for letting me wear your jacket for the rest of the day! I'll spare you that picture too. Here are Megan and Kate checking out the snakes.
The next show of the day was entitled "Upclose Encounters." Oh, yes, you know I'm already praying to not be chosen from the crowd to participate in the touching of ANYTHING in this park. Remember how you always avert your gaze from your teacher when you didn't know the answer so as not to be picked???? That was my strategy--well, that and wrangling a 2 year old....surely they wouldn't pick me! Well, Jim was not so lucky and was chosen along with 3 other audience members to hold this:
He was truly a good sport! Better him than me! (That's him with the white hat on)

We took a stroll through a conservation area and then stopped for lunch. (they will let you out to eat a picnic lunch in your car, but don't allow food into the park, although their prices aren't too terrible.) Our final show was to see the alligator wrestling. Here's a picture of Megan and Jim waiting for the show to start. There was a film crew there from "Freakiest Vacations" doing a taping for the Fine Living Network. The episode is set to air later in the spring! It was fun to watch the show and see our friend's little girl participate in the taping of the show. She was picked from the crowd and got to choose the alligator that he wrestled for the show. Because of her bravery, she also got to have her picture taken while sitting on the alligator's back! Way to go Kate!!!!
Because the little boys were ready for naps we chose to call it a day. We'll have to try the train, play area and kid's water park on our next trip! Definitely glad we went and that we waited until the kids were old enough to enjoy it!