Riley loved going outside every day to check on the caterpillars. She would count them to see if any new ones had appeared, then she would hold and play with the caterpillars. She would also track them as they ventured off to find a good place to start their metamorphosis. Riley made sure the caterpillars would secure themselves well and turn into the “J”. She even got to watch one shed its skin to reveal the bright green chrysalis. After a several days the green would turn translucent to show the black and orange of the butterfly itself. Once they came out and dried their wings she got to “hold” them and and interact with them before setting them free to keep the lifecycle flowing. She got to raise 17 Monarch butterflies!