Sunday, May 31st, what a glorious day.

This morning's worship service was the official installation of our new pastor John. Chuck was at church early to help in set up and after the service we had a picnic on the lawn. It was so wonderful to have Catie home and to reconnect with folks she hasn't seen for about 6 months. My brother in law, Tom and his wife Dana and their two kids were at a family wedding in Madison over the weekend, so they stopped at the church on their way home and then spent the afternoon with us at home before heading to Pawnee.
Chuck had a board meeting tonight, so Catie, Steve and I took advantage of the beautiful weather and went over to the forest preserve that is so close to home.
I biked and Catie and Steve went for a birding walk. Steve has never been this far west, so he saw a few birds that were new to him and he was so excited that I think he may head there again if Catie and I do a shopping day this week.
There was a very strange phenomenon that I have never experienced before. About 1/2 way through my ride, I was covered with these little flies. They didn't bite but seemed to be everywhere. When I stopped at the observation deck, I had a man take a picture of me:
I think you may have to click on the picture to actually see how many were on me.
I sat at this area for a while waiting for Catie and Steve and then I watched the flies. They were shedding an outer layer, spreading new wings and then flying off. It was absolutely amazing, and annoying, but just fascinating.
When Catie and Steve finished their walk, they tried to get as many of the dead flies and shells off as they could:
I thought they looked a bit like primates:
So they indulged me with a photo op....
We then finished the day with a good cry and watched "Marley and me"....Steve didn't cry....I should add that, instead he did the guy thing and made cracks during the sad part so he wouldn't break down...I know that tactic...I live with one just like him...on to you guys.