The pencils are sharpened, the backpacks are packed, and my kids head back to school tomorrow. I went back today, and while I was in first day meetings, our Monarch caterpillars decided it was time to get moving.
Yesterday, they had both climbed up to the top of the butterfly house.
When I left for school today, they were hanging upside down, shaped like the letter J. Some time during the homeroom teachers meeting, while my husband and kids watched (I’m so jealous!) the caterpillars shed their skin for the last time to reveal the chrysalides that had formed underneath.
In about two weeks, we should see another change… with wings!
Earlier this week, I compared the caterpillars’ metamorphosis to my revision process. Turns out they’re much faster than I am. I’ve made it through my first 40 pages of line edits, though!
Cool photos =)
How fun!
I’m participating in a Butterfly Release fundraiser on Saturday — we’re giving prizes/drawing — a Butterfly Treehouse
We’re releasing Monarchs =)
Have a wonderful first week at school!
“Earlier this week, I compared the caterpillars’ metamorphosis to my revision process. Turns out they’re much faster than I am.” Haha!! Neat photos!
So cool! There was a chrysalis attached to our screen door and whatever was inside emerged the week (maybe even the day, I can’t remember) I got the call that we had an offer…it was like a little sign for me. Now, I’m not sure what the spider explosion was a symbol of…
“Turns out they’re much fast than I am.”
LAUGHED at this! Nonetheless, congrats on the forty pages.
I just noticed Edith said the same thing. *blushes*
Good luck with the new school year. Hope you get a good batch of kids. Teachers have the tough job of helping students mature from caterpillars to butterflies. Tough — but you give them wings at the end of the year. 🙂
Re: Cool photos =)
Oh wow! Have a great time on Saturday. That sounds like so much fun!
Thanks, Edith!
Ha! Living on the lake, we have plenty of spider hatches around here, too. They’re interesting but not quite as pretty.
Thanks! I keep reminding myself that good things take time…
That’s okay- great minds think alike.
Oooh…I like that metaphor, too. Good luck with your little ones this morning. I’ll be thinking about them today.
Monarch chrysali (?) are one of the most beautiful things around! I’m just surprised Faberge never made one into a pendant–jade with gold beads. What a lovely place to spend adolescence.
Thanks for posting these pics. I remember the joy of watching them when I was little (in WI). I don’t see them in CO, and I miss them. Lucky you!
Beautiful!
I have a chrysalis just like yours…last year I found hundreds of the caterpillars-I don’t think I’m exagerating. I shared them with everyone and every school around. In fact, a teacher recently asked me about getting more for her this year-but, I’m having trouble finding them.How about you?
I have to experience this miracle every year!!!
Mona
So cool! Glad I got to meet the little guys! Can’t get over how much they eat!
Also…Wanted you to know that the Cobbles Elementary School Library now has the book SPITFIRE on its shelf! 🙂 Very exciting!