What the heck are these things? I have not been able to figure out what creatures these are. Any ideas out there?

In a word? YUCK.

Looking at https://www.whatsthatbug.com/2011/07/11/wheel-bug-nymph-14/ It seems to be a wheel bug nymph, part of the assassin bug family. Careful if you see one as the site says they can give a nasty nip!