Reptiles -n- Slides

As part of our trip to the Black Hills, we decided to spend some time at "Reptile Gardens." 

The lizards stopped to pose and got quite the audience

Our redheads thought it would be fun to touch the snakes

After realizing the redheads had not been swallowed whole, the brunettes decided they could try touching the snake, too.

Jordan showing Ava how to properly pet a tortoise

Ava demonstrating she could at least eat grass like a tortoise

The redheads show how it's done again.  This kind gentleman wrestled a crocodile (the big ones behind him), then passed around a little guy for petting.

After much persuasion and fear of being ostracized, Kailyn finally decided to pet the crocodile.

Ava demonstrating her leg strength and balance.

Then we visited the Dinosaur Park, where this friendly triceratops allowed the kids to climb aboard for a quick picture.  He had been doing it all day.

Next we went swimming back at our motel.  Ava LOVED the water.

Kailyn coming down the pipe.

Caden was next, but not a huge fan, so only a couple of pictures

Chase loved coming down by himself, too.

Jordan showing how it's done

Swimming, part 2

Here are some videos of the kids swimming.

Daring Chase. He's one we have to watch. But with those 2 floaties on, he does all right. Notice the daring full "360" in his last demonstration of his new-found talent.

Kailyn, showing off some new tricks

Jordan, doing a couple tricks

Caden, doing his best to not drown. Since this video was recorded (1.5 weeks ago, only 2 more times of swimming since we recorded the video), Caden has learned to swim without floaties, and, like his sisters, can now swim the width of the pool without assistance. We still have to keep an eye on him (he'll just start swimming to you without letting you know. I've started off swimming without him, not knowing he was on his way to me, leaving him trying to stay up in the middle of the deep end).

What we love (most?) about our new place . . .

. . . besides the master bath and the garbage disposal (both upgrades): SWIMMING!! Our kids have gone from deathly afraid of water to little fishes in less than a month. Here are some fun pics (videos on the next post):

Kailyn, demonstrating a "canonball"

Kailyn requesting Ken throw her in the air

Kailyn jumping off of Ken's hands

Jordan demonstrating the straight-leg/no-splash jump (look closely, she is in the air).

Jordan jumping off of Ken's hands

Caden . . . scared? cold? being goofy? all of the above. Our most nervous swimmer, by far. . .

. . . but night-and-day different from a month ago. Our most improved, without a doubt. Demonstrating a "canonball."

Chase, lovin' the dual-floaties . . .

. . . and thrilled, as always, to be tossed at his daddy's whim.

Chase, flyin' high.