Joyful Science

Our caterpillars have emerged from their cocoons as moths! It happened on Monday. As we were preparing to leave the house, Ashley happened to glance into the jar and there was Biscuit, the larger of the two, perched on a branch. We're not sure how long he'd been there, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't in there the day before when I looked.






We all ooohed and aahed and then took the jar outside to release him. As we started to remove the cheesecloth we spotted Cookie, also now a moth, trying to get out. As soon as the cloth was off, Cookie flew out and was gone in the blink of an eye. Biscuit, however, sat firmly planted on his twig, even after we took it out of the jar. After a minute or two he tried to fly but couldn't seem to stay in the air, so we placed him carefully back in the same tree where we originally found him, and he started munching fresh leaves. Hopefully after that he was able to fly. We told Aspen that would be the case anyway.



Overall this project was a great success and she is now totally into doing science projects. Later that evening she was so eager that Shawn sat down with her and made a mini volcano out of a baby food jar and foil. Baking soda in the bottom of the jar and some red tinted vinegar brought it fizzing to life, to Aspen's delight. Later a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets and more vinegar gave it a little more ooomph, and a great time was had by all.



And I'm grateful. For caterpillars in jars and moths in flight. For baking soda and vinegar and the wonder of a child's delight. For the awakening of curiosity and the fueling a little person's desire to do and learn. And for the beautiful, incredible blessing of being their mom.