29 Painted Ladies

For Christmas my mom gave the kids butterfly growing kits so they could grow butterflies in the spring.  About a month ago, 30 Painted Lady larvae (10 for each kiddo) arrived in our mailbox. The kids were so anxious to put the larvae in their butterfly pavilions, but had to wait through the larval stage and then the pupal stage.  So the kids opened their extra large pavilions (yes, my mom spoils them way too much!), put them in their rooms, and waited anxiously.

After about 2 weeks, the chrysalids formed so it was time for them to be moved into the pavilions.  Once the butterflies emerged, the kids were responsible for feeding their butterflies until it was time to release them.  Each of them mixed water and sugar in a bowl.  Then they placed a paper towel inside to soak up the mixture.  The butterflies would land on the paper towel and suck the sugar-water.

All of the larvae survived except one of Emma's.  So we had 29 butterflies at one time! We decided to have the grand releasing last weekend.  Since the butterflies had been sharing living space with Domino and John Brady, I'm sure they were more than ready to be released!  

the chrysalids

removing the butterflies from the XL pavilions

Abby's smile was priceless as she watched one of her Painted Ladies fly away

pondering the flight of butterflies OR scheming about what he's going in the pavilion next!

one of Emma's wanted to hang around for a while

the kids were so worried about this one; he was missing a wing

Watching the larvae develop into beautiful Painted Ladies was amazing!!  I highly recommend it!!