Animal Planet

We had a very exciting day... and we never left the house! First of all, we have been seeing the resident alligator more frequently lately, so I called the alligator hotline. Some alligator trappers showed up to remove him this morning! For educational purposes (of course) the kids and I watched them work from the safety of the lanai. It was like watching Animal Planet :) They were so quick about catching him, too- I bet they do this a lot!

Then, after the alligator trappers left, Gabe discovered a three-foot black snake in our garage!
Good thing I don't get too anxious about those things- I made quick use of our shovel. I think I really impressed Gabe by acting so quickly because he retold the story to each one of his siblings :) Needless to say, we have stricter rules now about keeping the garage closed when we are not playing outside!

Gabe's Lizard

During school this afternoon, I happened to look outside. Gabe is usually playing outside while the other kiddos and I are doing our studies. Today was no different... except for the critter hanging onto Gabe's nose! This is what I saw... I just had to share :)

Florida Critters

We have noticed many

"critters" that visit us regularly here in Florida... there's the giant hawks that constantly fly over the canals, looking for a meal. We've seen raccoons behind the house (and in the garbage can). The schools of fish that feed in our canal jump and splash for our enjoyment... We recently got a picture of the small gator that lives and feeds behind the house-he turns out to be a little guy, and only comes out in the evenings. Here he is in the picture

above. :)

AND, this morning, we had a new visitor! The screen on our lanai has recently come loose on one of the screen doors, and a squirrel found its way in! After a little skirmish with our dog, the little guy decided to hang onto the stucco for dear life. I just hope he finds his way out by the end of the day...