This is one of the highlights of our summer. We ventured to the city where we visited the Butterfly farm! It was enchanting!!! The butterflies were large, colorful and so playful! I could have stayed all day!
When we first arrived we were delighted with the miniature windmills they had on display. They are intriguing because a few years ago Chad's father gave us a windmill that he made. It is badly in need of refinishing and I loved how these ones were finished with a material like shingles. It looks so sharp!!!
Once we got inside we were delighted with all the different things to see. There were a huge variety of birds. The kids spent a little time talking to the parrot and his friend (I can't remember what kind of bird it is... maybe a parakeet?)
And then we went into the butterfly garden. It was very warm and humid in there and it immediately fogged up the lens on my camera... hence the first few pictures I took were quite hazy. The foliage inside was lush and green and delightful butterflies danced all over! There were large koi in the pond who were staunchly observed by three large turtles. At the waters edge society finches played and sang.
There were lots of different birds in the trees and running around on the ground. Every so often little white quail would dart across the path as they scurried to and fro.
The colors and varieties of birds were absolutely delightful. I loved to listen to them sing their happy song as they played in the trees.
In a way, being in the butterfly gardens, was like being on a treasure hunt. They told us as we went in that they had only 7 of the large Atlas moths. These moths only live a short time and as big as they are, you would be shocked at how difficult it was to find them! I think we finally did find at least 6 of them though. We also saw 3 large green catepillars which will one day change into these large moths! Melodee is afraid of catepillars, so these were strictly avoided by her! ☺
There was a huge variety of moths and butterflies to see. When moths land, they open their wings. When butterflies land, they usually close their wings. My favorite butterflies were the blue ones. They were by far the most playful and would dance through the foliage and over our heads, landing momentarily, only to flutter off on another playful escapade.
Sometimes the butterflies would delight us with a personal visit. Before going into the garden, we were cautioned against trying to catch or pick up any of the butterflies. But every once in a while they would choose to land for a moment on a shoulder, hat, hand or head. We LOVED these up-close personal visits.
What a beautiful place to enjoy and explore together as a family. I could have spent hours there. Before we left we all checked the mirror to ensure that we were not carrying any winged hitch-hikers out of the gardens.
Our next stop was another garden, just off their greenhouse. As we wandered outdoors, the gardener in me couldn't resist the opportunity to snap a few shots of my children in such a beautiful setting.
They talked me into being in a couple of pictures myself. It was a truly lovely day... but it didn't end there!!!
This place also included a petting zoo. They had a small goat, bantam rooster, ducks and geese that you could not only feed, but also wander near and pet. It was fun to watch the kids enjoy this experience as well. The little goat liked to tease, and if you weren't watching him closely, he would come along and bunt you with his head. This always made everyone smile, and then they would encourage him to do it again. It really was a fun place to visit.
And that was our visit to the butterfly farm. It was so enjoyable there! What a delightful place! It was peaceful and serene and as I enjoyed everything I was seeing, I couldn't help but reflect in these wonderful and beautiful creations that the Lord has filled the earth with. I wonder, which ones did He create with the intent to delight me? There are so many things on this wonderful earth, that make my heart sing, and I LOVE knowing that God created them for me! He created them knowing that my heart would thrill when I saw them. He did this for each person that ever lived! It is an awesome and inspiring thought to ponder how many things He placed on this earth knowing that they would bring me joy. He is so generous and filled with grace toward each of His children. These beautiful things that I find such joy in testify to me of His grace and goodness.
But that was not the end of our day... for we had more adventures ahead... which you can read about in part two of this post!
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