This morning Boo Boo hopped out of bed very quickly to see if any more butterflies had emerged. Who could blame her after such an eventful day yesterday. We were greeted by another (our third) beautiful Monarch butterfly whose little wings were still damp and fresh. Boo Boo thought she might like some watermelon and orange slices for breakfast ... so, she received a fresh fruit buffet. However, she was not quite hungry yet ;-)
We also noticed that our Black Swallowtail chrysalis was quite dark and detailed wings shown through. I was keeping a close eye on this little one (so I thought) but our amazing Black Swallowtail snuck up on us. These little creatures have not been quite as predictable as our Monarchs. We've missed the pupating, which has occurred in the middle of the night and now the first emerging butterfly. Hmmmm ... I may need to send a memo to the two remaining ones that we would prefer them to be on the same schedule as the Monarchs ;-)
Daddy came home just in time today to witness the release of our third Monarch. This lady was ready to fly. The moment I took her out ... off she went. I could see the disappointment in Boo Boo's eyes. She really did enjoy the slower process of separation yesterday. So, we took a peak at the newly emerged Black Swallowtail to see if she might be ready to venture into the garden. Her wings looked fairly dry and she readily hopped onto my finger and then Boo Boo's. She had not tried out her wings in the cage at all and was more than happy to crawl all over Boo Boo and I. She rested with us for a while, enjoying Boo Boo's flowered pants and dress. Boo Boo giggled as she crawled up her arm and called it "grandma tickle". (Yes, Grandma Leda ... she has named the infamous way you tickle her with your fingernails ;-) and now requests it all the time ... however, I think the butterfly was a bit too ticklish).
Needless to say, the whole family is really enjoying our adventures in butterfly rearing and we are looking forward to the first Zebra Longwing eggs and Painted Ladies to come. The garden is growing and we are really enjoying the process. After our trip to Georgia, Boo Boo and I will have to focus on expanding the ENTIRE yard to a butterfly garden ;-) Who needs Butterfly World ;-)
Joining crochet yoyos
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