The Everglades

Monday: breakfast and then dropped Alex and Lincoln off at school.

I was sad they couldn't go to the Everglades with us, but school is school.

Tricia treated us to an airboat ride, which was amazing!  I was thinking of The Rescuers where the mice are chased by Madame Medusa is the airboats.

Our guide was perfect.  Loud voice, wry sense of humor, knowledgable, somewhat crazy driver.

We saw tons of baby alligators

The airboat ride came with an animal show.  Scorpion, ew.

But the alligators were intriguing to see up close.

REALLY close!

 Really, REALLY close!  Ha ha.  Alligator sandwich.

This is in Everglades National Park proper.  You know I had to use my National Parks Pass.  The park is boring compared to all the outfits around it who do airboat rides and animal shows.

But we did see a grasshopper.

Next stop:  Miccosukee Indian Reservation.  They have a fun museum and outdoor area where vendors set up native crafts, etc.

Isn't Tricia cute?  She is always up for an adventure!

Doesn't this kinda scare you on a primal level?

This Miccosukee guy wrestled alligators while telling us about them.  He put his hand in the mouth.  He tried to put his head in the mouth, and said, "If this doesn't work, the show is over."  I thought he was joking, like the show would be over because he would no longer have a head.  I wanted to yell, "That's OK!  We don't need to see that!"  Fortunately, the alligator wasn't in the mood to open his mouth that wide.

I was asking myself why I didn't hold the baby alligator at the first place we went, so I made sure I did this time.  This little guy didn't have a band around his mouth, but it didn't seem scary.  His belly was soft.  He was heavy and relaxed.  He was almost cuddly!  Look at those cute hind legs flopping down.  Awwww!  I guess alligators are actually quite docile, probably due to their tiny brains.  The guy said that everything they do is motivated by the need to eat.  They have no other motives or emotions.  Their brains are too small!

Tricia even dared touch him, and she is totally scared of reptiles.  Way to be brave, Tricia!

We were back from the Everglades in time to pick up the boys from school.  Tricia helped Alex with his long division and the boys cooled off in the pool.

Tricia was on dog duty, thank heavens.  Betty Lou is a full-time job!  The old dog, Bosco, is way more mellow.  They're both silly and adorable...

Just like Ptolemy.

Since Tricia's car accident, when her heel was crushed, she has had this handicapped parking pass.  I am IN LOVE with it!  Not only can you park in handicapped spots, but you can park anywhere for free for 4 hours.  Any meter!  You have no idea how much easier this makes life.  I want one!

There's a Chipotle-style restaurant the boys love called Lime.  We dined al fresco and enjoyed the outdoor mall area.  Ah, life in Miami is good!  At least when you're on vacation!