The Butterfly Edition

Roughly a month ago I took the kids to the science center and Marcus spotted a butterfly kit and desperately wanted it. As much as I wanted to make the purchase on the spot I knew I could get a better deal online (heyyyyy, Amazon Prime!) (and use my Ebates). As soon as we got home I immediately purchased a kit as well as a National Geographic Kids book. Within 48 hours our book and kit arrived at our door!

The Kit

This is the kit and book we use for our little at home science project. The kit was so easy to follow instructions and keep our caterpillars/butterflies alive and well. The book was the perfect way to educate Marcus better than I ever could on the whole transformation process.

The Metamorphosis Process

Every single morning when Marcus woke he would rush to the caterpillar cup and check to see the growth of the little bugs. He and I were both equally astonished at how much the caterpillars grew each day.

Exactly as described in The Very Hungry Caterpillar, our little caterpillars went from tiny to very fat rather quickly, and chrysalises were formed. 

The Butterflies

After about 10 days in their chrysalises our tiny caterpillars emerged as butterflies.

Sadly, we were never home when the butterflies emerged from their chrysalises. That didn't make us any less excited when we'd spot a new butterfly flitting around in the mesh habitat.

The Release

For a few days we watched in awe as the butterflies flew around and ate from fruit we had in the mesh habitat, but we knew releasing them would be the grandest experience of all.

With the first butterfly I showed Marcus how to gently encourage the butterfly to get on my finger so I could remove it from the cage. As soon as the butterfly took off Marcus wanted to try as well.

He was so gentle retrieving each butterfly, and the look of excitement and joy on his face was something I hope to never forget. 

After four butterflies Marcus noticed that the last butterfly to go was excitedly flying around the cage. He looked to me, so innocently, and said, "Mommy, that one is just so excited. We should just let him fly away on his own." Marcus was so sweet and genuine and my heart became a puddle of mush. And, that is exactly what we did. We just let the last butterfly take flight all on his own.

Butterflies hold a very special place in my heart. My grandmother was incredibly fond of them, and every time I see a butterfly I know it's her way of whispering that she is with me. So, as Marcus and I released our five beauties I knew my grandma was there enjoying the moment too.

I honestly cannot say who enjoyed the process more. It was such a magnificent experience to watch the caterpillars transform before our eyes, and the release of the butterflies left goosebumps.

After the release Marcus asked if we could do it again. Of course we can! However, I'm saving the next kit for a Christmas gift. ;)