Dragonflies & Butterflies

This morning we incorporated another of Miss Mason's techniques into our school day. Not exactly a nature walk, but time spent outdoors, nonetheless.

We watched the birds flying in and out of our backyard... got out the binoculars to see them close-up in the trees. We especially like watching the hummingbirds come to our feeder!

This was an earlier shot (and not very clear).

Then we noticed all the dragonflies flitting around, as well.

As you will see in the pictures, he couldn't resist the urge to slip inside the house to find the butterfly net and try to catch one...

trying...

still trying...

"maybe if I sneak up on it I can catch it..." (one was perched atop

the horseshoe post)

Aww man! They are just too fast!

He actually did catch one by swiping the net at it when it passed by. He was as stunned that he caught one as the dragonfly was to be caught! The dragonfly recovered before he did, however and flew right out of the net. It was so funny and it happened so fast, I didn't even have time to catch it in picture!

Of course the butterflies were everywhere, as usual...

He spent about 20 minutes running all over the yard and around the house trying to catch the dragonflies. I asked why didn't he try to catch a butterfly. His reply... (said with an 'are you kidding, Mom?' look on his face) ..."too easy." Funny boy!

Not only did we enjoy God's creation through some time spent outdoors with a nice, cool breeze this morning, he also got a little exercise as well. (That's a story for another day.)