Well, after a few weeks of waiting, they're all free. We visited the Butterfly Habitat on Monday in Las Vegas and the kids ran into the classroom first thing to see if they hatched. There were still 5 little chrysalises hanging there so they all went on their merry way.
Sure enough, after checking back a few times within the hour, I went in and one had hatched. She was drying and shaking her delicate wings. It was so exciting! Kurt said it was like watching a baby being born. There was such a neat feeling. We waited and waited, but the other 4 didn't budge. We talked about names- Miriam had suggested we name each one after the wives of the first presidents, because they were Painted Lady Butterflies.
That day was my sister-in-law's Kari's birthday, so we named the first one Kari.
The next day was so much fun! The kids were happy when they got up and the 4 chrysalises were still intact. They ate breakfast with them, eyeing them all the while.
We took them out in the sun (the pamphlet said they like to hatch in the morning sun so they know their wings can dry. It WAS like waiting for a baby to be born! The kids didn't want to change out of their pjs in fear they'd miss one. Miriam and I told them we'd call them down if they did.
Needless to say, we didn't get a lot done that morning!
Next came Brudder- (because today is Reed's birthday!) he was a little smaller than the rest and has smaller wings. We think it's because his chrysalis had fallen to the bottom of the hanger and so it didn't get to hang from the top lid and have gravity to help it's wings elongate (sorry the video isn't the best).
Kale was next. She was named affectionately for Auntie Kale because today is her birthday too!
The next two came so quickly- it's really only a few seconds. Most of the kids got to see at least one hatch. We were mesmerized at how quickly they flew. We loved watching them forge around with their proboscis until they found the oranges and watermelon we left for them.
This morning, since it was nice and warm- we let them go. At first the kids were quite sad that we wouldn't get to keep them. As we talked about how we would feel if we were them and we wanted to go home, Vance said, "Mom. I'll be happy when they fly away because then they get to go back to their families". Love that boy.
Before they flew away they were still a little apprehensive. That was fine with us- that meant more time with them. They were beautiful they way they shined in the sunlight. There was a brush of orange and gold that shimmered like they had been painted with glitter. I now see where they get their name, "Painted Lady".
Before they left, a few landed on the kids to say goodbye.
The kids tried to follow to see where each one would go but soon realized how difficult that task was. As they chased the last one and she flew away Kurt said, "Goodbye friends! Go find your families!".
Goodbye until next spring, our delicate, beautiful friends!
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