The Monarch Experiment

So the weeks have passed by since we collected milkweed and hatched our tiny monarch eggs. We have watched, fascinated yet again, as teeny tiny caterpillars (named Biggy, Medium-y and Tiny by my uber-creative sons) emerged and munched and munched and munched their way through zillions of milkweed leaves, growing right before our eyes. We mourned as Biggy shriveled up and died for no apparent reason. And then one day, the gorgeous chrysalises were discovered at the top of their habitat, stunning green decorated with sparkly gold dots. (Our God is so creative!) How impatient these Boys of mine were as we bided our time waiting for the butterflies to spread their wings.

Finally, one evening, we noticed that Medium-y's chrysalis was turning blackish, a tell-tale sign that the time was near. We monitored its progress all night, hoping to be able to watch the miracle happen. But alas, by bedtime, no action.

As soon as we woke up the next morning, we rushed to check on Medium-y, sure to find a beautiful butterfly. But we had not missed it! By now, the chrysalis was dark black and the time was sure to be any second. Gramps came over to play bright and early, so we enjoyed a picnic breakfast outside while we waited for Medium-y

We watched her emerge right before our eyes! I am always amazed at how fast it happens. It is such a miracle every time! Gramps was especially excited as he had never witnessed such a thing.

We gave her wings a little bit to dry and plump up before we handled her.

The Boys shied away from touching her, but they were fascinated all the same.

After awhile, we picked out our most beautiful flower to put her on. She remained there for a few hours, and then she was gone.

Tiny made the transformation a few days later. We had thought she was a different type of butterfly since her caterpillar looked slightly different from the others. Sure enough! She was not a monarch at all! So lovely! (I think she was a painted lady.)

This was as close as the Boys would come to touching her. (O was playing doctor at the time, thus the mask.)

Thank You, Lord, for once again allowing us to witness this miracle happen before our very eyes!