Raising Monarchs

Our friends have been raising monarchs and we have been very lucky to be able to share in some of that process. I know of a lot of people who have done this before, but this is our first time in seeing it.

Here are the caterpillars eating the milkweed.

The caterpillar stage lasts about two weeks. During the Crysalis stage the caterpillar hangs upside down in the shape of a 'J', and then I read that it 'molts'...that is the craziest thing...the caterpillar shed it's outer black skin and is encased with a green shell (for lack of better word). Here are a few different stages...some are beginning to for the 'J', others are in the Crysalis and then there are the Monarchs that have transformed. It is an amazing process!! Taking no longer than three weeks for the full change.

It was also very exciting to be able to release the Monarchs...although Kaden did not like them getting to close to his face.

Kaden and his friend Sarai...with Monarchs on their head

Beautiful!

Party On!

We continue to celebrate Ethan's birthday around our house.

Ethan was excited about his Woody and Horse that he got from Computer Grama

Yesterday we had family over to celebrate

Ethan and his Toy Story cake. He could hardly wait to get Buzz off the top....

MMmmmm...icing!

It was a great day and we ended it all with a round of mini-golf

Gone With The Terrible Two's

Wow, it has been over a month since I blogged last.

Where does time go?

This is a very relevant question as today I ask myself, "How is it that my

little boy is 3?"

Happy Birthday to our sweet Ethan!!!!

This morning Ethan had some friends over to celebrate.

The icing was first to go

It was a wild time

We love you buddy!!

There is nothing better than.....

So far we are off to a fantastic 'unofficial" summer around here!

There is nothing better than: picking strawberries with Pops.....

and eating them!

There is nothing better than: running through the sprinkler in your underwear....

that is unless you are chasing your brother with the sprinkler!

There is nothing better than: having a snack by the pool.....

enjoying the beautiful weather.....

and hanging out with friends!

We Survived Spruce Mountain

This morning we got out and enjoyed the crisp morning air, as we hiked the two mile Spruce Mountain Trail, here at the camp. It was a wet trail uphill which led to a beautiful waterfall which the trail weaved through. Good thing the boys had their hiking rubbers on!

I loved this sign.....obviously a bear has been scratching at it! Good thing we brought maise.

A beautiful vista view at the top overlooking the camp! Well worth the hike.

Me and my boys! Love them.

We did it!

Bikin And Fishin

The boys have been keeping busy on these spring days riding bike. Ethan got this new bike and is able to go much faster than on his trike.

Kaden, being the motivated boy that he is, learned how to ride without his training wheels!!!! Yah, Buddy!!

Brian and Kaden have been busy fishing the creeks of Northeastern PA.

Kaden loves to touch and play with the fish. He is a good fishing buddy.

The catch for the day.

Easter Festivities

Here the gang is at the Annual Espenshade Extravaganza Egg Hunt

'which we celebrated last weekend

My fiercest competition....Melanie and the girls had pictures of me on the back of their egg hunting shirts.....they are so inspired by my egg hunting abilites. The front of the shirt says "We want to be just like Lisa!"

Hannah took home the prize for most eggs. (she learned from the best)

I tried to kick some out

of her basket but she held on tight!!

Kaden pulling his egg wagon...Brian is his body guard!!

See what happens...even the young ones try to steal the precious eggs!!!!

Some of the eggs were filled with symbols of Christ's life, death and resurrection. We put flowers on this cross to remind us that he is risen and alive!

It was a great Espenshade easter

Our latest egg hunt was held here at the camp with the staff.

Kaden got distracted by the flowers

Ethan got the prized frog egg

The boys with their new friends

We have been very blessed this Easter by family and friends.

But most importantly by the blood and resurrection of Jesus

that has brought each of us new life in Him.

Have a blessed Easter each of you!