It really turned out to be an amazing day!I woke up around 4:00 this morning to a rip-roaring thunderstorm!
It was raining like crazy and I was worried that we would have our field trip to DC rained out.
When I woke up again at 6:30 though, the worst of the weather had passed and we got ourselves out the door and down the road.
We met two other families at a park and ride so that we could caravan.
The drive was LONG but easy. Traffic wasn't too bad at all and Carrie was so nice! She is very easy to follow!
When we got to the Gardens, we met another couple of families. The Webers and the Baldwins were already there. It was nice to see everyone.
The butterfly exhibit was just incredible!
We were guided by a very nice lady who was very knowledgeable. She is actually the lady in the back with the sunglasses.
The tour started with some information about what butterflies need as they go from eggs, to caterpillars, to a Chrysalis to a full fledged butterfly! It was great.
But we didn't need much encouraging to be impressed by the butterflies themselves.
There were species from Asia, Costa Rica and the US.
They were everywhere in the large greenhouse that had been built for them.
The flowers are so gorgeous!
The boys were very enthusiastic and they were so well behaved!
I think Brendan took it the most seriously and was rewarded by his quiet demeanor. He got the most Butterflies to perch on him!
John had one too!
The different ways that these insects camouflage themselves is so interesting.
Some have "eyes" on their wings to make them look like owls.
Some have wings that look just like leaves, until they spread them. This one is a brilliant blue on the backs of his wings. It's just really hard to catch them open!
Some look like the bark of a tree!
Some are just pretty and don't care who sees them!
The kids were all very gentle and quiet.
After we went through the butterfly house, we went out into the gardens.
They are so beautiful and there are acres and acres to explore.
We walked for awhile but then everyone started to get hungry,
so we headed for a park where we had a picnic and the kids were able to play on a huge playset!The drive home was actually very easy for an afternoon on the beltway. I am beat though.
I'll be glad to stay home tomorrow, except for a dental appt. in the afternoon.
Have to get ready for the Pergola Family and Laura and Lucy! Woohoo!!
