Lessons, Lessons, Everywhere.

Elizabeth and I were at the Butterfly Exhibit today.

Like many homeschooling parents, I perhaps exploited the situation a bit and tried to up its Educational Value. I paid $16 for the experience, why not get some bang for my buck - right?

We spent a few minutes in complete awe just appreciating how beautiful the Conservatory was, and how amazing it was to see God's handiwork fluttering all around us. Then the questions began. Good grief, the questions this kid had; I reminded her it was a humid environment, and she had better pause for breath before she passed out!

We whipped out our handy, dandy brochure that the volunteers shared with us upon our arrival. Using it, we were able to identify several butterflies, and one gigantic moth. The flora were labelled well enough that I could answer Elizabeth's questions about what each was named, and where they had originated.

To me, we were just doing what we do. She asks, I answer.

Oh but then we came across this most obnoxious family. The mother was so loudspoken, the kids were all wild and not loving the whizzing by of the butterflies (I felt badly for the son, actually, who seemed genuinely afraid). She kept quizzing them about every. single. freaking. detail about what they saw ... and even what they WEREN'T seeing!! "What kind of butterfly is this, find it on your paper."

She paused long enough to catch her breath, but not long enough for an answer to be given!

"What was the butterfly before it was a butterfly?"
"What do you call the house it makes for itself?"
"What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly?"

It was like rapid-fire, one right after the other. Loudly, too, did I mention that part? Sheesh! I see what she was doing. Too many people, I think, don't engage their kids like that. She was doing the same thing I was ~ taking advantage of a teaching opportunity (if, perhaps, a bit more loudly.) But gosh, the only thing I took away from that whole episode was wondering how many times I have been that annoying adult. Fortunately Thomas wasn't with us, or he'd have been happy to tell me!

Elizabeth and I shared a look and a giggle, then moved along to another (quieter) part of the exhibit. When we had settled near a pond, she asked me to name the plant in front of her. It was all I could do to tell her, "Who cares. Let's just appreciate the view this time."

She laughed; we did. And I learned more than butterflies, moths, plants and trees today at the Exhibit!