Monday, March 14, 2011

Butterfly Beauties!

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Last week was March/Spring break so it was time to head out for some adventure. Every year, for about 2 months, this butterfly exhibit comes to our Botanical Gardens. The last time I went was when Dahlia was 3 and in a stroller. (She doesn't remember but I've got the pictures to prove it.) I had forgotten how magical it is and I think I have to go back in a few weeks and bring Milana this time. She'll love it!

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Below you can see the roof holding structure of the Olympic Stadium through the entrance of the gardens. A pretty awesome sight.

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When you enter into the butterfly exhibit, it's almost overwhelming the sheer number and variety of butterflies - just flying free. They're so fast - I was dizzy trying to capture them (on my camera). And there seemed to be as many amazing cameras around too. I kept oogling everyone's equipment (and remembering how much I still want that macro lens.)

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Dahlia and her bff, Angel, are always assured of a good time together. And even though they were a bit afraid of all the flying butterflies - being together trumps everything.

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These two beauties had the good taste to sit still for such a long time. They may have been asleep. It was rare to catch one, not flitting about.

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This globe was at the exit. I gave it a spin and snapped it where it stopped. I can't help but think of the suffering in Japan right now as I look at it on this globe.

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And Dahlia monkeying around with my friend Helen's scarf.
I took over 300 images that morning so I may have to do another post next week. Too much beauty not to share more of it.

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This was kind of a nice way to ring out the last week of winter.
Bring on Spring!



20 comments:

Love Letters To China said...

Gorgeous Wanda! We have a place around here that has thousands of butterflies on permanent display. It's so much fun going with the kids. They fly around and land on your fingers. I absolutely adore taking pictures of them along with the beautiful flora. I too am longing for a macro lens. I think I'm going to take the plunge and buy myself one very soon. :-)

Faith Hope Love Photography said...

These are so beautiful!! I think you do absolutely wonderful without that macro...what lense were you using? I agree though, wouldn't it be fun! There girls are just beautiful too and I just love when girls are just that close to a friend. Love your new make-over, I've been gone for a while and missed the last posts so I am sure you will be getting a few comments from me.

Wanda said...

FHL - I brought my 18-200 3.5-5.6 with me 'cause I knew I would need to zoom. The 50 would have been sharper but I'd never have gotten anything in the frame.

Michelle R Photography said...

These are great, Wanda!! I always look forward to going to our Blooms & Butterflies exhibit every year. It opens this week and I can't wait to head downtown with camera in hand. Isn't it fun? You captured so many great ones!

Unknown said...

These pictures are gorgeous Wanda! I am putting this on the list of posts I am tweeting tonight. So stunning! LOVE it! : ) When you do your post for Communal Global put a link to this magic in it! : ) Or just use this as your post. I am linking you right now. I will just link to your home page!

Buckeroomama said...

These are SO beautiful, Wanda! Both the girls and the butterflies. :) Your new blog design is just perfect for all the many wonderful photos... I love it!

Gail said...

Wanda, The butterflies and little girls are beautiful!!! Love the colors. Makes me wish even more for Spring.

Really like miss M's boots btw!

xoxo Gail :)

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

Oh how I love butterflies! Your photos are amazing. The girls are so sweet!

Marla said...

Wonderful shots. :)

Marla @ www.blueskiesphotoblog.com

Jennifer Bowen said...

Your girls are beautiful! I love the blue butterfly photo. The contrast is amazing!

Rocio Esmeralda said...

Wow Wanda I was mesmerized by all you shots!!!
Beautiful...♥

Maddy said...

These butterflies are stunning!! So many beautiful and rich colors! Not to mention the lovely shots of your little princesses! Sounds like a beautiful was spent!

May said...

Thank you for welcoming me to CG. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Looks like you are an expert with your camera!! The captures of the butterflies are amazing...

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

these photos are stunning.

we have a butterfly conservatory outside of Toronto. I really should make a trip again.

lea
xo

Anita Johnson said...

These photos are beautiful! We have a permanent butterfly exhibit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's like a breath of spring in the winter! Your photos are very beautiful, even without a macro. (-:

hm said...

These are truly beautiful pictures of the "BEAUTES"...the shots of the butterflies are nice too!!!

You managed to get the blue one, you are amazing and way more patient than I am.

Had a great time really enjoyed it and next time we take the little ones.

luv u me

Lisa said...

Incredible moments you captured....actually I was thinking that you truly caught Spring and motion suspended. Magical for sure!

All the more ready for Spring now and today the weather would seem to agree. :) Yay!

AND the blog makeover is stunning ~ the photos of Milana below are so beautiful and her spirit and joyful countnenance fairly leap from the page!!! Sorry it took me so long to finally get to take a serious peek!!!

XOXO

Mahmee said...

The color! I love the color in those photos. I so love butterfly exhibits. We have one at our zoo each year that I usually manage to miss.
I love, love, love that red door photo with the girls. Amazing.
M.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Wanda, these are BEAUTIFUL!! I can't wait to see the next post..... the color and the clarity are magnificent! JUST GORGEOUS!

Dahlia and Angel look like quite the pair....they are SO CUTE!! BTW, I LOVE Dahlia's black boots.....

Have a great night:)

xoxo,

Lisa

DawnS said...

So beautiful - I love all of them! You have spring break pretty early! We are on spring break this week and getting ready to head to the beach. I am so excited to spend a few days taking pictures of my girls in the sun and sand! Enjoy the rest of your week!

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Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!) We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home. This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!
God. My (growing) family. Hangin' out with my girlies. My wonderful friends (you know who you are!). To laugh (out loud and a lot!). Music. Painting. Hugs. Long chats with my buds. My garden. To read (ha...when I can!). Sunshine. Spring, Spring and more Spring. Building things. Cooking. Decorating. Parties (ahem). The internet. Life. Movies. A.I. Dancing with the stars. So you think you can dance. Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off. Oh Gee...everything actually!!
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