The Metamorphosis

Okay, I know that I am VERY delinquent in blogging about our family...and before the week is through, there will be a very long blog about the latest and greatest at our house. But, right now, this is the most important news at our house (according to Kendyll and Carlie): WE HAVE BUTTERFLIES!!

About three weeks ago, we got a box in the mail from Grandad and Grankay, with two cups and some little crawly black worms. Luckily, there were also instructions and an explanation for what this surprise would turn into. Grandad and Grankay had included a beautiful message about the transformation that caterpillars experience as they become butterflies. They talked about how this is just like us, as we are created new through Jesus. It was their Easter treat for the girls. It was the most special way to explain to these girls what a "new creation" really is!

And, it has been a fascinating few weeks for them since that day. Besides Abby Kate, this has become their new obsession. After they say good morning to the baby (and cover her with kisses), they go immediately to their "caterpillar jars" to see the latest changes that have happened since the day before. And, every day, there is something new to see!

They came as larvae, changed into caterpillars, grew big and fat, and then crawled to the top of the cup to hang upside down in their cocoon (known as a chrysalis). Kendyll has now learned every scientific word for what happens in a butterfly's life span. It is SO cool to watch her learn by watching this process happen right on our kitchen counter!

Caterpillars enter their cocoons!

The only catch (and the reason I waited to blog until I had actual results to share) was that we had to transplant the cocooned caterpillars to their new habitat called "The Butterfly Pavilion". This is a large net house for the butterflies to hatch out of their chrysalis form and fly around in. I was so nervous that I was going to ruin this whole process during the transplant. There were pretty specific directions on how to do this....and Mark and I are not known for our ability to keep things alive around here. :) But, lucky for us, this is a natural process that happens outdoors all the time. So, it worked--despite our clumsiness.

The transplant was successful---the caterpillars hang in their new habitat!

Two days ago, Kendyll came screaming into my room, saying "Mommy, Mommy, you won't believe this!!" She grabbed me by the hand and pulled me to the kitchen to show me her surprise. There were two butterflies!! Mark and I were both just as excited as she was! After waiting for weeks, it was like our babies had been born! (Okay, maybe not THAT exciting.) She immediately wanted to call Grandad to tell him the news...which we did do at the end of the work day. :) Then, she wanted to take pictures of them and give them a name. The first one was a girl and she named it Beautiful. The second was a boy and his name is Stripey. By that evening, we had three more butterflies (which remain unnamed) and as of today, we have EIGHT! (There should be ten, but one didn't make it during his exit from the chrysalis and one is still "cooking" in the cocoon.)

Our first butterfly---known as "Beautiful"

The next thing we did was start feeding our butterflies. The pamphlet that came with these larvae told you exactly what they love. Sugar water sprinkled on flowers at the bottom of their habitat, along with freshly sliced oranges. So, we bought pink and purple flowers (of course!), as well as some big, juicy oranges for them. And, we have spent the last two days watching them drink and eat from their feast.

This has been the coolest experience for our whole family, and we can't wait to watch as we release our butterflies into the backyard at some point soon. I'm hoping to keep them until Easter Sunday, and release them then. As long as they are still looking happy, we will do that.


So, I wanted to blog about our "metamorphosis", first of all, to say THANK YOU to Grandad and Grankay for the coolest present ever. Secondly, I wanted to remember it someday when I've forgotten. And, third, I wanted to share with all of you parents out there, the website and information for you to get your own!! The company is Insect Lore and their website is www.insectlore.com. I'm telling you---it's so amazing to watch and to learn from! And, I'm proud of Kendyll for now knowing the complete life cycle of a butterfly, from larvae to "Painted Lady Butterfly".


Thanks, Dad & Kay, for a wonderful Easter present---it has made our month!