And inside was a canister of food and five teeny tiny caterpillars (that I was sure were already dead). Over the next several weeks they ate their way to plump and climbed to the top of the jar and made chrysalides. We transferred the chrysalides to a butterfly home and then a few weeks later, out they popped. We released them in our driveway.
Clara, of course, loved this whole experience. But I must say, the adults were pretty enthralled too. It had been many many years since I'd watched the whole process up close like this and it's nothing short of miraculous. The reminder of life during the Easter season was especially powerful. We had such fun, I think we'll order more caterpillars again next year!
