Amy’s Garden

Butterfly Festival

Today we went to a butterfly festival at a local park. We began by touring the butterfly house. Keith got Lydia to smile for a few pictures. She is becoming quite photogenic. I love these shots, because her hair is just a little bit messy, just like it usually is.

Then, we have Luke.

Ha! Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Actually, he is making the sign for flower, which is to sniff. He always does it in dramatic form.

My hubby got some pretty good shots of some butterflies. Since we did not attend the butterfly identification class, I’m not sure what kinds they are. Anyone wish to chime in?

Update: Cindy W, the butterfly festival chair, left a comment with the names of the butterflies. I have updated them with captions. Thanks, Cindy!

Buckeye

Giant Swallowtail

Monarch

Zebra Swallowtail

Luna Moth

When we came out of the butterfly house, there were booths for vendors and kids’ activities. I asked Lydia if she would like to get her face painted, fully expecting her to say no. She has never wanted to have her face painted at carnival-type events in the past. However, she said yes. She carefully looked at the sample pictures on the poster and told me she wanted to get a flower. When it was her turn, the woman doing the face painting asked her what picture she wanted, what color, and if she wanted it on her face or hand. Lydia looked around at me once, but answered the questions herself. It may seem like a small thing, but she has come a long way, even in the last month or so, in being more self-confident.

She looked a little aprehensive while the artwork was being done, but she had a big smile for the mirror and the camera at the end.

There were some butterfly crafts to do, but the best part was the petting zoo. I wish we would have seen it sooner, because everyone was pretty hot and tired. There were a variety of caterpillars and cocoons for touching. (There was also caterpillar poop everwhere!)

A big thank you to the Friends of the Gardens for putting on a great event!