Butterflies, Butterflies Everywhere!

During our visit to Seattle, we visited the Pacific Science Center, although it is geared around children, Amelia was probably still a little young to appreciate everything. One of my personal favourite parts of the center, was the Butterfly enclosure. Although I have been to butterfly gardens before, none of them were quite as spectacular. Butterflies were everywhere, in the shrubs, flowers, even on the ground (unfortunately there was one casualty), they would land on hoods, collars and even hands, we had to be careful not to touch their wings.

Amelia had a lot of fun and was quite curious about these beautiful little insects. Now, had I paid more attention to the educational side of this exhibit, I would be able to tell you the name of the butterfly below, sorry, I was too busy looking and capturing memories and just can't remember. But I can tell you the brown butterfly below is actually a beautiful blue butterfly too...you'll see!

I just snapped away at everything I saw.

Now this butterfly decided that Grandma Rawe's hood was the perfect landing spot and it stayed there for a long time...

Now look at that same butterfly below when it spread it's wings, isn't that just the most gorgeous thing you have ever seen?

Grandpa Rawe was also attractive to a lovely yellow and black butterfly...

Must have been his cologne.

I love the photo below, Amelia is just stood, taking everything in. I have to say, I love seeing the world through her eyes, it reminds me of how amazing the tiniest things are.

After spending time with Grandpa, the yellow and black butterfly decided to check out my engagement ring. It was the first time I have had a butterfly actually on my skin, it felt kind of strange, a little creepy even, after all it is still a bug!

I didn't mind too much though, it was a lot of fun.

I couldn't help but think of my mum when I was with all of the butterflies, you see, whenever we see a butterfly, we say that the other one is thinking of us, well mum, you must have been thinking about me a whole lot on this day! I love you so much!

A Rainy Day At The Zoo

We have just enjoyed spending almost two weeks with Matthew's parents. Since Matthew and I didn't have to work Friday or Monday, we all headed to Seattle for a couple of days.

We had a fun-packed weekend, starting on Friday when our mini-vacation began at the Woodland Parks Zoo. It poured down with rain (it is Seattle after all), but that didn't stop us from having fun. We saw many kinds of animals and reptiles. I didn't take a ton of photo's because it was so wet, but here are a few.

Have you ever seen a "popcorn tree" before? Well here is a photo of one. When she saw this shrub with the white buds Amelia called out "popcorn mommy!", it really does look like the tasty treat don't you think?

I'm afraid I don't remember what Matthew and Amelia were looking at in the photo below, birds I think - I just thought it was a neat picture.

"Is that Mumble?"

We loved the penguins. Amelia is quite fond of the movie "Happy Feet" and spent some time watching them swim in front of her, behind the glass. They were really interactive.


Although we were pretty soggy by the end of our zoo experience, there was a lot to see and we made some great memories!

Only As a Mother...

I always say, nothing could prepare me for motherhood, no matter how many classes I attended, or how many books I read, the only way I have learned how to be a mother is by being one.

There are many times when I am overwhelmed with the task at hand, however, it is in the quiet, still moments, when I truly understand things that I can only appreciate as a mother.

Of course there are so many moments, but today, I am particularly grateful for the following wonderful blessings.

It's the eyes which twinkle brighter than any star, and smile that is so wide and laughs out loud that melt my heart as a mother. It's the tiny feet I love to tickle, and hear pitter patter down the hall. The soft little hands I love to hold and kiss, hands that love to colour or help me when I bake. Only these could I appreciate as a mother.

It's the bottom lip tucked in tight that makes me smile as I watch my girl concentrate. Or, the whimper that makes my heart want to take away any illness or sadness, but lets me know that I am needed, loved and depended upon.

It's hearing the most wonderful sound as she looks at me and says "I love you momma".

Lastly it's the peaceful feeling I get, when a little arm gently caresses my shoulder, and the soft sucking sound of a binky, as I lay down quietly at bedtime, by a beautiful girl I am lucky enough to call my daughter.

Only these things have I learned, since I became a mother.