The Journey of True Beauty - Part 1

Family traditions are wonderful experiences in my opinion. 

They teach you so many things and you always have something to look forward to.

That being said, I would like to introduce you to my families 1st annual butterfly raise and release event! This whole idea was created by a lovely woman named Renee. She lives in my town and started this event for us. She has done it with her family for many years now and has decided to share the fun and make it a community event. How cool right?!  You're probably wondering what all we are doing though, so let me explain to you the steps that have been taken.

I was told of this event from my close friend Jennifer (you have seen her a lot in the past posts) who asked me if I wanted to do this event with her in order for it to not be as awkward since we both didn't know anyone. I of course said yes and joined the Facebook group with all the information on it right away. We then had the choice to send Renee money via Paypal in order to get all the caterpillars sent at once so they were the same age or to order them ourselves off of Insect Lore. I just went with the group as I saw this the easiest option. With our caterpillars we also got a pop up butterfly garden and instructions on how to transfer and feed the butterflies. They were ordered on June 1st and they arrived in less than a week at Renee's house! 

In each kit (cup) you get 5 caterpillars. Insect Lore guarantees that at least 3 of the 5 will turn into beautiful Pained Lady Butterflies.

As you can tell it looks pretty yummy in that cup! In that little cup is the 5 caterpillars, all the food they need in order to get ready to cocoon, their little poos (I know ew), and there are also tons of little silk threads running everywhere! It's actually very cool to watch as they eat and crawl up the sides. 

On the underneath side of the lid there is a little piece of paper where the caterpillars attach their bums to and then cocoon themselves. Once they are all securely attached and cocooned you simply take the lid off, slide out the paper and either tape or pin the paper to the inside of your pop up butterfly house. In a matter of no time you will have butterflies! But we aren't that far yet! They just started to attach themselves to the top so we still get to watch them cocoon and be awesome! 

I cannot believe how amazing it is to watch bugs.. Plus Bentley thinks they are the coolest things ever! He's really good at just looking and pointing and not trying to grab, shake, or throw the cup! I'm so proud of him! We are actually thinking of getting other bugs as well including Ants and Praying Mantis'! Don't worry I will share those with you when the time comes! 

Be on the look out for part two! It may take a bit since I want to share the whole cocoon pinning, to when they are actually butterflies. Then we'll have a release post as well! :) 

Happy Monday!