Callaway Gardens

One positive effect of the serious drought in Georgia is more comfortable air than this extreme Arkansas humidity. Fortunately, our new neighborhood has a pool (with zero entry!), and swimming is a great way to enjoy the hot weather. We've been swimming twice a week over the three weeks that we've lived here.

Before we left Atlanta, we took a nice weekend trip to Callaway Gardens. It was ridiculously hot outside, but what else should I expect from a Southern summer? Our first adventure was a hike on a trail that was supposed to be in bloom this time of year, but I suppose the drought and the heat prevented much color from adorning our path. The "attractions" we later discovered turned out to be much more interesting than the hiking trails.


Daddy and Annabelle hiking by the lake


This rock served as a great bench


Not a particularly "garden"-worthy trail...


but there were plenty of interesting things to find.


Gabi in a large tree


Gabi and Daddy in a tree by the lake

After our hike, we were all exhausted and needed a rest in the hotel room. Then we went swimming to cool off. There was a beach area for swimming that we could have gone to, but instead we just walked to the hotel pool.


Annabelle loves the water


Kicking and Splashing


Laughing together at bedtime in the large, comfy, white beds (that I didn't have to make)


Worn out


I had to take a picture before I rescued Bella's poor leg

On Sunday, we went to the Butterfly Garden, where we learned all sorts of things about butterflies. Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? Good thing we don't taste with our feet, or the previous day's hike would have been much less enjoyable! I also was surprised to learn that caterpillars liquefy inside the chrysalis during metamorphosis.


Daddy, Gabi, and Annabelle peeking through little doors


Annabelle and Mommy outside the Butterfly Center


Bella and Daddy watching for butterflies


Our happy baby clapping her hands


The butterflies in the conservatory are from tropical areas such as the Philippines


Annabelle trying to touch a butterfly


An art display of real preserved butterflies


More butterfly art


Bella Butterfly

I was so excited to find all these fun things to do at Callaway Gardens after our disappointing hike, but we couldn't see everything. We stopped by some old pioneer log cabins and an enormous vegetable garden on the way out.


The girls in a cabin from one of Georgia's first settlers