Today's Adventure

Welcome Back Monarch Butterflies!

 We spent today in Santa Cruz at the Natural Bridges State Park. Back in February the girls entered a drawing contest, and Mollie was one of the winners in her age group!

Allie didn't want her picture taken, but here is her picture on display.

The pictures were to be what was the most memorable part of the park or beach. And in case you're wondering, no, there was no 30+ age category. Although next time the park is going to start an adult photo contest, and we like to think that Scott had a hand in that decision.

 We saw lots of butterflies flying around after lunch when the sun warmed things up.

Ate hand-cranked pumpkin ice cream.

 Made lots of crafts.

And both girls had butterflies (Monarchs, of course) painted on their arms.

Good, long day. I learned that Monarchs generally live around 6 weeks while they migrate from Mexico to winter here. Once they land here and go into "hibernation" mode, they live around 5-6 months! The girls are very anxious to grow milkweed for them because after the hibernation ends, they move to San Jose and milkweed is the only plant they eat. I think we might be growing some of this in the alley behind our house - especially if it will grow like a weed!