On a whim I decided to take Grace to the Butterfly Conservatory here in Key West. Keep in mind, you take your life in your own hands when you drive downtown Key West right now due to the increase in people and traffic from Fantasy Fest, not to mention the three cruise ships that were in town too. I took that risk anyways. I managed to find a free parking space two blocks away and made the trek in the 96 degree heat holding Grace and the camera backpack.
Once in the wonderfully air conditioned building Grace was enamored with all the sparkly, shiny things in the gift shop. We paid the cashier and she reminded me to not let Grace touch any of the butterflies, birds or flowers. I would try my best. We went through the double doors in to the first part of the tour and proceeded through two more double doors, making sure the first ones shut before entering the second ones. I didn't want any butterflies to escape.
We entered the garden butterfly oasis and I immediately put Grace on the butterfly chair and started snapping photos. I knew once she realized what was flying around she'd either want to chase them or be scared of them. She let me get in a few before she started pointing and saying "dat?" (whats that?) I started telling her they were pretty butterflies. I'd point to the different ones feeding on the sweet fruits left for them and repeated pretty butterflies. Well Grace got the pretty part right, she neglects to call them butterflies. So for the rest of the exhibit she would point and go "pre-e". That is her word for pretty. That also included the birds in the exhibit.
After about two hours in the exhibit and many failed attempts by Grace to get in to the mini waterfall, it was time to leave. I noticed the signs of sleepy baby eye rubs, and I was exhausted from chasing her. Besides, the little white birds she was chasing got tired and flew up in the trees. I put the camera away, gathered up my resisting child and headed for the van. She was asleep before I even crossed the street.
(Pointing and asking "dat?)
(The bird that Grace chased)
