The Phoenix area congregations enjoyed a perfect mix of beauty, nature, food and fun July 21. The summer event included an outing to the newly opened Butterfly Wonderland, which is America’s largest butterfly atrium. The event began with a 3D film about the stages and travels of monarch butterflies. We then moved to the Emergence Hall to view exotic species that were passing from chrysalis to drying butterflies.

We also entered an enclosed 10,000-sq.-ft. simulated rainforest environment. The atrium was alive with fluttering wings as butterflies such as the iridescent, beautiful blue morpho of South America wisped by. With camera lenses incessantly clicking, young and old roamed the atrium searching for the next amazing spectacle. If you looked closely enough you were able to discover smaller species like the delicate looking paper kite butterfly or see an atlas moth sitting among the branches and plants that surrounded the pathways.

Many individuals had to be alerted that they were wandering around with butterfly hitchhikers on them. The insects were unafraid to land on anything, including one’s face! The event concluded with a visit to the indoor displays of a live ant colony, a working honeybee hive, and a young stingray tank, whose occupants invited tummy rubs.

Even though a monsoon rain poured down while we were inside, the sky cleared just in time for everyone to head over to a member’s home for a potluck luncheon and swim party. Everyone had a good time and left with many stories to tell.