Flutterbies

There's something so beautiful about the intricate, delicate, grace of butterflies. When I was a little girl, we used to call them "flutterbies". On Friday, my sisters and I packed up our ten kids, along with our cousin and headed to the Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory. I literally marveled the moment we walked in the door. I had never been there before so it amazed me that these tiny creatures would alight on our arms, necks, backs, and legs! Getting up close and personal to tropical insects that we aren't accustomed to seeing was a special experience.

The warm "rain forest" environment also had birds, including a parrot and turtles and fish. I believe that we can only benefit when we take time to study God's creation in a real and tangible way. A great time, if you don't count Oliver whining because he was too hot or his twin two year-old cousins pushing the automatic wheelchair button by the door and trying to escape... the joys of homeschooling :)

Eden's t-shirt was a big attraction for many butterflies. Poor Emily wanted to have one land on her so badly.

Meghan was a little surprised when the parrot started pulling at her hair!

Jacob wondered why his neck felt ticklish.

Beautiful camouflage.

Drying out their wings just after emerging from their chrysalises.

Just like caterpillars, we are new creatures in Him!

Love this bird's little squeak-toy sound.

Finally, she got to hold one!

Oliver, studying the wings of butterflies who have "passed away".

Fearlessly hanging out with humans.

My two sisters with their cameras. This is what we look like wherever we go!