Milky W. Butterfly

I almost panicked when we went to check on Milky this afternoon and his chrysalis was broken and empty. I thought for sure he was gone and we’d missed his big reveal.

Fortunately, he hadn’t flown far - 

he was on the sidewalk, a few feet from his old digs, still working on getting his wings dry and functioning. Another minute and we’d definitely have missed him.

Jac and Donovan followed Milky as he fluttered across the yard to a shady spot near some flowers,

Mini paparazzi 

with Jac taking pictures and videos the whole time. 

The kids were thrilled. (Me too!) So glad we got to see Milky’s transition. Live well and fly free, Milky!

Milky W. Caterpillar

 Hooray! Milky W. (Weed) Caterpillar didn’t hatch while we were on vacation. 

So we’re now on pupa/chrysalis watch, waiting for the color change that’s supposed to happen next. Also? Jaclyn is very dramatic. 🙄😂

“What!!!!!!!! my mind has exploded!!!!!!!!!!!”

Timing

Milky moved into the next stage of his development, just in time for us to leave for a week. 

Can you spot Milky?

It was tricky finding him this morning. He’s attached himself to a leaf that’s just behind a spiky succulent. Did he pick that spot by chance? Or is nature telling him to find a safe place? 

The littles are very excited. Sure hope Milky hangs on (pun intended…) until we get back. 

Jac and Donovan will be crushed if we come home and he’s already flown away. (Me too.)

Caterpillar

We have our first ever Monarch caterpillar on our first ever milkweed plant. So exciting!

We spotted him almost 2 weeks ago, when he was just a tiny thing.

I hadn’t seen him (her?) the last two days and was afraid something had happened, but he’s back,  bigger than ever. 

The littles can’t wait for the chrysalis stage to start. (Me neither!)