Swallowtail Transformation...

The swallowtail caterpillars that I mentioned here just a few days ago are in the process of transforming into butterflies. The first butterfly emerged out of its chrysalis earlier today - and it was a real beauty! We are thankful to be able to watch this whole lifecycle from egg to butterfly.

Multiple chrysalises in the butterfly tent.

Our first butterfly - photographed just this morning.

The empty chrysalis.

Swallowtail butterflies are stunning!

Father's Day 2025...

We had a lovely day on Father's Day - Sunday, 15th June. The day started with a lovely breakfast and some cards and gifts received from my precious children. We also went to the morning church service, which was followed by an afternoon hike at Oakwoods Metropark. Getting outdoors is so important to our family. :)

Another Father's Day; another delicious breakfast. :)

Family selfie at breakfast.

Special display at church, in honour of all fathers.

Hiking along a rough track at Oakwoods Metropark.

The Huron River below the trail.

Eliza takes the lead through the forest.

A rare photo of me with Anya.

Our three children make life as a dad so much fun!

Viking Cruise Ships on the Detroit River...

The Friday before Father's Day (13th June) we drove into Detroit and visited the riverfront - fast becoming one of our favourite places to visit and walk along as a family. There were several ships on the river, including two large Viking Cruise ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, that had just docked in Detroit.

Family photo on the Detroit riverfront.

View towards the Ambassador Bridge with three large vessels pictured. Viking Polaris has just docked at right.

Algoma Innovator, a self discharging bulk carrier, in serious need of some fresh paint. 

No such worries for Viking Polaris, moored in downtown Detroit.

The ship had just docked and there were lots of preparations underway as the ship cleared customs.

We drove to another park from where we saw Viking Octantis, docked in a more industrial part of Detroit.

The view looking back towards the Ambassador Bridge.

Pilot boat docked south of the bridge.

Vessels owned by the VanEnkevort Tug & Barge line sail past.

The tug Clyde S. VanEnkevort pushes the barge Erie Trader.

The view looking southwest towards the new Gordie Howie International Bridge.

The tugboat Tenacious sails under the Ambassador Bridge.

Fun with Dusty...

This dog is the best. Dusty loves to chase the ball for hours at a time. It's her absolute favourite thing to do! We will often be pottering outside when suddenly a ball will appear at our feet. :)

Dusty approaching in full flight. :)

State Park Quilt...

Candace has been hard at work with her sewing machine. Her latest project is a quilt of all the Indiana State Parks. We visited them all from 2016-17 when Riaan was a baby, so this will be a nice memory. It will look amazing when it is finished!

Each state park block is framed with a book design.

Swallowtail Caterpillars...

We have thriving dill plants in our garden box - and they have attracted a welcome guest! These swallowtail caterpillars are enjoying the plentiful dill. Unfortunately, a number of them were taken by various predators, such as a praying mantus, but we have a few that we are housing in our butterfly pavilion. We're excited to see the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly!

Tiny swallowtail caterpillar.

Larger caterpillars in the safety of the butterfly pavilion.

Garden Flowers...

We're so thankful for the beautiful flowers in our garden. :)

Candace's solitary peony flower.

Beautiful iris.

Pretty marigold.

Red roses.