Butterfly Hunter

Benjamin has been so into bugs lately, mostly butterflies.  His favorite activity is hunting for butterflies in the backyard.  He loves it so much that his grandfather, Papa, has gotten him a special net just for butterflies!  I also got him a "butterfly garden" where he can keep the butterflies for a few hours to observe them.  He has collected several varieties and now knows them by name.  He often says, "mommy, I'm going to go catch some Queens".  Papa has enjoyed this activity with Benjamin so much that he has allowed him to use his fancy camera to take pictures of the butterflies.  He happens to be pretty good at taking pictures too!


I think of Benjamin as a budding naturalist, who will one day know the names of all the birds and butterflies, just like my father.    My father taught me about nature, and this is one of the most special things that I will remember about growing up with him.  I've always loved and appreciated the variety in nature, and to this day I enjoy identifying different animals.  It is so special that Benjamin is getting to share this same experience with his Papa.  Its heartwarming to think that Benjamin may even share this with his children someday.