There is something quite magical when you see a Monarch Butterfly up close. We had a chance to visit the Ellwood Butterfly Preserve in Santa Barbara last year and saw thousands of Monarch Butterflies sleeping and flying around the preserve .  It was such a memorable trip and my daughter was able to hold one in her hand while the tour guide was describing how you can tell whether the one she was holding was a male or female. This is the time of year that you will see the first generation Monarch Butterfly start stage one of an amazing and long journey.  With spring just around the corner this could make sure a fun and…