Norfolk Botanical Gardens

While we were in Yorktown visiting Preston's Grandparents, I knew that I wanted to visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.  It only took us forty-five minutes to get there, but the main reason I wanted to make this trip was because of their butterfly house. 

 

Back when Patrick and I were just dating, we made a big trip to Ohio and went to Put-In Bay.  Over there they had a beautiful butterfly house where the butterflies simply flew all around and were very used to humans.  They would sit on your finger, shoulder, head...anywhere!  I've always wanted to take Preston to one because I knew he would love it - Norfolk was the closest bet!

 

But this chick who loves taking photos knew this would also be the perfect spot for that.  So get ready for a serious amount of pictures!  It's what I do, yo.  :)

I absolutely love taking pictures of flowers. 

Many people actually go to the Botanical Gardens to simply get their exercise - the place is huge!  Why not exercise with such beautiful surroundings?!

Preston walked for a while, but just like our trail adventure in Yorktown, Preston couldn't make it the whole way.  He got around like this a lot.

But from Daddy's shoulders he was able to have even better views.

Then it was time for the Butterfly exhibit.  YES!  The whole reason we had really come - first we were able to see many caterpillars. 

Butterflies ready to hatch...

...and the many different types of butterflies.  They were just so beautiful.

One of the ladies working in the exhibit liked Preston so much that she brought out a very "tough to find" type of caterpillar.  They can only be found at the top of some of the tallest trees.  They were wild, but my son wasn't scared - this brave kid was just curious :)

If you ever get a chance to visit the Norfolk Botanical Gardens - make sure to bring your child's bathing suit.  They have an A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. park just for kids that includes a water park, animals, and just a great place for them to get out their energy. 

 

We forgot Preston's bathing suit...so we pulled the Marky-Mark :)

Where's Waldo undies - that's how we roll!