About one month ago, we noticed a Giant Swallowtail caterpillar had made a home in the lemon tree we have on our deck.
We continually checked in and watched our new family “pet” closely as he grew into a larger caterpillar, munching on the leaves of the lemon tree.
A couple weeks ago, we saw that he was on the move one evening… and eventually, he decided to settle in on the underside of our deck rail to begin the metamorphosis from caterpillar to globby goo to a beautiful Giant Swallowtail butterfly.
This morning, we happened to be in the backyard when it emerged and took flight (right towards Rachael’s face 
).
Fortunately, I was able to grab my camera and snap a few photos of his “final form” before he embarked on his journey beyond our yard.
Coincidentally, it is Rachael’s birthday today (Happy Birthday!)… so our flighty friend shares his rebirth-day with her.
