Our Gator Girl at GATORAMA

This afternoon GiGi and I took Marlee and Easton to Gatorama in Palmdale to hatch baby alligators!  We were all excited to do this as it was our going to be our first time.  We arrived early and were able to hatch our baby alligators earlier than our expected appointment time.  Marlee and Easton listened to the man give directions and watched as him hatch an alligator and then it was our time.  Luckily, there were not many people there so a very nice lady that worked at Gatorama was able to help the kids out so GiGi and I could take pictures.  Easton went first as Marlee watched and he loved it.  The kids had to wear gloves which were way too big on them but they did their best to maneuver their fingers in those gloves anyways.  Marlee was excited to get pink gloves!  As Easton's alligator hatched, he decided to name him "Cutie" and did not want to put him down.  He was so excited.  Marlee loved watching her alligator hatch but was unsure about holding it at first.  She finally decided it was neat to hold it and enjoyed holding "Baby" once she was completely out of her shell. Neat fact...when alligators are hatched they have no teeth :) Once the alligators were all hatched they carried them over to a tub of water where they released them.  It was cute to watch them be able to swim right away.  We watched them swim for a while and then the kids received their certificate.  This is an amazing experience and one we hope to do again next year.  

After hatching the alligators, we walked along the boardwalk and saw lots of HUGE alligators swimming in the ponds and then lots of smaller (about 2 feet long) alligators and crocodiles in their pens.  They had other animals there as well that the kids enjoyed looking at...panthers, peacocks, a skunk, monkey, parrots, and tortoises.  At the end was the HUGE alligator named GOLIATH!  

After seeing all the animals, we were able to watch them feed the gators in the pond and then we were all able to hold one of the smaller alligators named Larry.  :)  Marlee was so brave and held him herself!

Before we left, GiGi let Easton and Marlee pick out a treat from the gift shop and Marlee picked out a pack of chocolate alligators!  :)  We definitely had a fun afternoon and know that "Baby" and "Cutie" are enjoying their lives swimming around. 

 Trying to figure out the gloves :)