Why did there have to be snakes??

So, for those who are unaware, I am deathly afraid of snakes. All they do is leave me in a heap of nerves, screaming like a little girl or a banshee. It really could be a combination of both.

Anywho, we went to babysit per normal, and Ryan decided he wanted to come play up the stairs to the backyard. Up we go, not thinking anything, I went over to that tall grass. You know the kind with the little grass seed thingies at the top? I always have the urge to pull up on the stem of the grass and push the little seeds off. Well today was no different. So while Ryan was walking up the few stairs left, I went over and pulled the seeds off the grass.

All of a sudden there was a rustling through the grass and I had to look and see what it was. Now, their yard is just chock full of squirrels, or "Chippies" as the kids call them. I figured that that's what it was, so imagine my surprise when there was a 3 foot snake staring at me!!

Somehow, I managed to refrain from freaking out, and trust me that was very difficult. I thought if I freaked out I would scare the kids and thus leaving me to fear the snake eating us alive and consoling the kids.

Now, this snake was fast, and in the back of my mind I did realize it was probably a garter snake and nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about?? This snakes was about to eat us alive!

Ryan was completely oblivious to the whole ordeal, and Ellie thought the snake was pretty cool. I told her she had to go get Ryan because I didn't like snakes and they scared me. She then admitted she didn't want to get near him either.

Eventually Ryan decided he wanted to go on the swing set, which was ok with me because it was miles away from the deadly snake. We played on the swings for a while and then Ryan was tired and it was lunch time.

We start going down the stairs, and I was thinking we were safe from the snake because it had been a while since we had been there. Then he slithered out (how evil is that) and stared at us.

I start paniking again, thinking omg we are going to have a snake attack! Ryan now sees the snake and being 2, he starts walking towards it. "No, Ryan, no!!" I shrieked. I was starting to get Ellie nervous too because even then she was going "No Ryan!!"

Then there was a staredown between Ryan and the snake, it felt like it lasted for a couple minutes. Old western movie music was almost playing somewhere. Tumbleweeds passed bye us as Ellie and I watched the two of them trying to figure out who would make the next move.

The snake had its eyes on Ryan, and it's little tongue was flittering away. Ryan then held out his hand, pointed at the snake and said "NO!" and ran toward us. The snake, being evil as it was, actually turned around and started to follow Ryan.

"Run, Ryan, run!!!" I screamed as Ellie and I were running. Ryan came down the stairs halfway before I picked him up because that crazy snake was coming down the stairs!! It was the scariest time I have ever had. Well, at least involving snakes.

Sean tells me that I overracted, but all I can say is, I think that snake had something bad planned. And now there is a little window into my fear of snakes :P