Our camera is back from the shop. Hooray!
So. Yesterday, we took the kids up to Encinitas to visit the Insect and Garden Festival held at the Quail Botanical Gardens. For a family of wildlife lovers - including the creepy-crawlies - it was a fabulous day! Check it out:
Actually, before I get to the pictures I need to preface this by saying 1) I realized putting this together that I kind of dominate most of the photos - sorry (unless you can't get enough of me, in which case it's your lucky day) and 2) I realize that a number of my readers may find these images somewhat disturbing, so view at your own risk. Entomophobes: you have been warned.
OK. Now check it out:
The kids each got to plant their own little desert shrub to take home. Cute.
They also enjoyed a variety of bug-themed crafts:
And of course, lots and lots of little critters:
Yes, that is a roach crawling on my hand - a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach to be exact. Living in an aquarium tank, on a strict diet of fruits and veggies, I have no problem with them. Running across my kitchen floors: ew, ew, EW!!
Don't you love how Jared's expression is exactly alike in these two photos? For a split second I thought I'd uploaded the same photo twice.
Spiders and scorpions are Jared's favorites. Emily likes lollipops.
The walking stick:
And giant millipede. I heard someone describe it as a hairbrush walking on your arm. Very accurate observation. Also, check out the Barn Owl and Red Tailed Hawk perched in the background.
Don't let her fool you. She was having the time of her life.
OK. I really love snakes. I'm a strange girl. I know. Didn't I warn you about this though? This is a Brazilian Rainbow Python, by the way. So cool.
And what would a festival be without food? In this case: meal worms, seasoned, or plain. I went with the Polish, though I was the only one of us brave enough to try. I think Natalie would have joined me had I given her the chance.
Instead, she (and the others) opted for fresh peaches in the picnic area.
Fun, fun day!