Butterflies!

So, our butterflies all managed to release from their cocoons at different times, but always when we were sleeping or away. I was kind of sad we didn't actually witness that part of the process, but we did get to see one soon after her "birth" because she was flapping her wings constantly to "unruffle" them and dry them out. The girls and I loved watching and feeding the pretty butterflies! I let the girls make the butterfly food (just mixing sugar with water!). They loved it!

The girls using the dropper to feed their new pets!

Our butterfly garden!

They were very active, especially after we fed them!

After having the butterflies for almost a week after their "birth", we decided it was time to let them fly FREE! Claire was very worried about them because she still called them baby butterflies, but she ended up being okay with it. She did shed a few tears once they all flew off (she is definitely my daughter!). It was a gorgeous and sunny day out so it seemed like the perfect time to release them!

There is a butterfly by Ben's foot that Anna is looking at! Her face cracks me up!

What a beautiful Painted Lady Butterfly! They all flew off pretty quickly after their release, but this one stuck around and let us admire her a little longer! Thank you, butterflies, for teaching all of us that God can turn an ugly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. I think it's a wonderful analogy for the metamorphosis that can take place in the lives of sinners (which is ALL of us). Jesus, by His own blood, can turn the ugliest, foulest of sinners into a new creation, made in the image of Christ. Is there anything more beautiful? We are all able to be a beautiful butterfly through Christ!!!

2 Cor 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!