Fireflies

Last night, we let Charlotte stay up way past her bedtime so that she could catch some fireflies. I use to love catching lightening bugs when I was a kid - feeling them tickle your hand, the thrill of the hunt, the magic of staying outside until your eyes couldn't strain in the dark anymore... We also used to drop twigs & leaves into jars to give the little guys something to crawl on while we studied them inside.

So many fond memories of lightening bugs & we were hoping Charlotte would find them just as magical -- and we were not disappointed! Watching her tiptoe through the grass, calling out "look, Mommy!" as they lit up in the backyard. The little "ooooh" that crept out when I put one in her hand. "They look like stars, Daddy!" One of those moments I wish I could have on video to watch over & over as she grows. If only I could trap time in a bottle!! 

Of course, there was disappointment when the fireflies quit flashing & it was time to come in. We tried to find a YouTube video to answer some of her questions & satisfy more of her curiosity, but were unable. 

This morning she asked to go to the library to check if they have books about fireflies. She had to wait a while because the library didn't open until 1:00 & she didn't wake up from her nap until 3:00. But when the time came, she went right up to a librarian & asked, "Do you have any books about fireflies?" The librarian was so helpful & led us right to the section of kids' science books & immediately pulled out 3 books about fireflies. Charlotte marched them right over to an empty table & got busy "reading." 

The mother in me got all teary-eyed watching my baby girl creep around the yard trying to catch fireflies. The teacher in me is so proud of her for wanting to learn more about them. :-)