In my mom's 3rd grade class she does a unit on butterflies. In watching the wonder on her students faces as the butterflies emerge, she thought her Chicago grandkids would benefit from a little nature as well.

So three chrysalises made the journey from the QC to Chicago and my two budding scientists set in for an experiment. After many anxious days (and worry that the AC running in the house was making it too cold for them to hatch) one finally did - while we were out. We came home to it hanging on the top of the container. So Ron- glad he was home as I am slightly skittish around creepy crawlies to which butterflies qualify- let it out and Violet was just delighted. Jack, as you can see, at little less so. When the next one emerged we were around and actually got to watch as it made it's way out - cool. Jack grew more comfortable with them flying around, although he did not want one to land on him. Strange that he was so freaked out as we have been many times to the butterfly garden in the Nature Museum. Maybe it was that they were invading his turf. Anyway, the students in my mom's class were concerned that the butterflies would not know how to get to their winter spot in Mexico from Chicago, but all were assured they would be ok. I can't wait for science fairs!!