Hello Mudda

You should be able to gather from the lack of updates for the past little while that our life has been somewhat devoid of adventures. Well, with my mom visiting for the past week, we decided to make up for lost time.

First up, we went to a memorial day picnic. Nothing too exciting here, but Topher was sportting a wicked awesome hairdo.

No, we haven't become trendy parents (perish the thought!). This was our attempt to keep his little head from burning.

Megan was still worried, so we borrowed a hat because we couldn't find our own.

Topher was still worried so he made every effort to rip it off.

We then made a trip back to Gillette castle, because we understood that it would be open this time around.

I look like I need the bathroom in this photo. It's not true.

Topher seemed to enjoy himself, but got a little hosed when they wouldn't let him touch the wooden light switches.

We took the opportunity to go out to eat a few times, but learned that our daily lessons in strict manners have been largely for naught.

Toph spent most of our meals staring at people. It was both hilarious and embarrassing, or what I call "parenting."

Later in the week, we also took in a baseball game with some friends from our church.

Mom surprised us all by actually enjoying the game.

Topher took to staring at people again (Only to be answered with "He's so cute!" ad nauseum).

He took a moment to pose for a picture, but said that a smile would cost an order of Nachos.

Here is my action shot.

If you look close, you can see a white streak from the left and moving up. It was caught.

The game went great. The only bad part was that the fireworks afterwards (It was Firework Friday) apparently ushered in Armageddon.

Not pictured: Sporadic explosions and a changing sky color.

Our last trip for the week was down to the Mystic Seaport. For the uninitiated, Mystic refers to the name of the town, not the town's gypsy curse.

Some random lady made us take this photo. I like it, but the circumstances were a little bizarre.

When I helped remove the gypsy curse, the townspeople (sans the disgruntled ointment purveyors) decided to name a wharf after me.

Don't tell the Mystics, but I'm not 100% sure what a wharf is. But I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Megan was in history heaven, but Topher and I were a little disappointed to find that Mystic had exactly zero pirate history.

Fortunately, the gift shop apparently missed that memo.

We finished off with a quick trip to a favorite spot at the borough of Stonington.

Thanks for coming out, mom!

That's it for now. We're trying to make it a point to update more often, and something tells me that with the recent upswing in the number of spiders around (oh yeah, and Topher is cruising on furniture), we should have plenty to talk about.

Catching Up

Howdy all,

So, the other day Topher and I were going to make an ice cream run but he decided to start screaming as soon as we got in the car. I thought he'd nod off, but his will was strong. Finally I stopped at a CVS, rather than making it to the grocery store and we headed home. When we got home, we were surprised to find our neighbor's truck on fire. I panicked a little and honked my horn to get some attention. As I ran Topher inside, another neighbor called the fire department. I then collected all the fire extinguishers I could, but they seemed to make the problem worse, if anything.

The bright spot in the middle is the car on fire.

I moved our car and then we just sat back and watched the whole thing unfold.

Topher was attentive, though a little unimpressed.

He kept mumbling, "You think that's bad!? I was in a car wreck when I was 4 months old!"

Apparently they weren't able to figure out what caused it, but no one was hurt and the owner's stuff came out relatively unscathed.

The same can't be said of the truck.

In other news, Topher has finally agreed with me that Labyrinth is totally awesome. He took the somewhat unorthodox move of deciding that the door knocker was his favorite character.

I guess it's better than pretending to be David Bowie

We've loved living in New England, but our enthusiasm was dulled a little recently when we learned that New Englanders cut their hot dog buns bizarrely:

Bizarre

And you shouldn't ask details about this picture:

This was definitely not taken in Claire's

Westward Ho!

Almost two weeks ago Topher and I headed west to be with the main body of the saints (aka our family :). We arrived in Salt Lake City just as the Mormon pioneers had over 150 years ago: hungry and tired. Fortunately, the comparison stops there and no rescue party was sent for. Actually, my baby brother went into the MTC and Toph and I flew out to support him. It was fabulous spending so much time with family (my mom even bought Bajio for me!! Woo hoo!!) and having people to talk to during the day. Here are some photos of things we did and people we love in Utah for your viewing pleasure (there's a ton, so good luck :):

Toph with two of my sisters, Katy and Abby

My youngest sister, LIbby

Jenny and Katy lookin' mighty fine. I'm pretty sure I told them NOT to play with the camera :)

Toph and his cousin playing nicely together (until grandma took her bow off :)

With Great-Grandma Averett...

...and Grandma Huff all in one day!

No explanation needed :)

Grandpa Huff and the "twins". They're only two weeks apart :)

Amy, Amy, Amy :)

Hannah and Abby concocting something yummy.

Toph and Grandpa Curtis. Due to the time change, Toph was fussy and ready for bed by the time my dad came home work. He loves you though, Padre!!

My oldest brother Jared with the Tophster. They got along great, and it was nice to see them spend time together :).

Toph and Awesome Aunt Linnea (Awesome is better than great :)

I need to start sporting jewellery like my Aunt Alison: Toph couldn't get enough of it. Oh, and he loved you too, Alison :)

Hot Chicks!!

Thank you Uncle Brent!!

Me and my Zachy-poo :)

Mike and Kari :)

Toph with my grandpa...

...and my grandma.

Toph loves the ladies...even if they're related :)

The whole gang minus Jake, Scott, Brenda, Matt, and Bryan. Ok, so only some of the gang. We missed the rest of you!!

This is how my sister Becca looked when I told her I got a picture of a hot guy for her...well that story was a lie. The opposite is true in fact. HAHAHAHAHA!!

Uncle Jarom teaching Toph how to be cool :)

Cousin time with Anika!!

On the way to and at the MTC...where we had an interesting experience. MTC missionary + baked potato in the microwave = fire alarm going off and us sitting outside while they cleared the building. Gotta love new missionaries!!

Thanks you guys for letting us come and play with you for a week. We love you all!!!