A Trip to New England: Part Two. The Baxters

Of course the real reason to visit Massachusetts was not to go to Cape Cod or even Gillette Stadium ( The Patriots are going for their 4th Super Bowl this year) , but to show off Austin to family.

We had a cook out (sort of) with Jim's mom and step-dad and we also went to an animal exhibit in Ludlow of all places. Austin loved the monkeys and the tailless stray cat that couldn't get enough attention.

Here's a great picture of Austin, Dave and Cindy after church on Sunday. Needless to say, Austin was quite popular and they enjoyed their time with him.



Cindy is quite occupied with her busy career and Stake Primary calling. Dave keeps out of trouble by maintaining his internet business and restoring "Harry" a decommissioned Police interceptor. (remember Chips?)





Jim actually got to work on Harry for about 4 hours. It's not really work though when you enjoy it as much as he does.



Last but not least, we stole a picture of Buddy the Basset Hound, one of the friendliest dog we've ever met. Austin was a big fan.



Let's go Pats! Make it 4!

A Trip to New England: Part One. The Cape

The 3 of us took a trip to Massachusetts to see family, However, before visiting the new grandparents, we spent the day at Cape Cod.

If you look closely you'll see the seals. Common at this beach

Austin's 6 Months Old

Officially on the 31st of July. We didn't throw a party or anything, but he did make it to the Doctor for a check up.





Clean bill of health. The doctor said that Austin was the perfect "Gerber Baby"

~74th percentile in height. 27 inches I think
~37th percentile in weight. 16 lbs 12 oz.

He wasn't much of a fan of his shots.

Diploma

It finally came. Only took 6 months. Jim thus far is undecided if he's going to return to school.

Wild Times in the Back Yard

Earlier, we noticed a toad had the misfortune of falling down our recess window. So when the Ludlows came over on Sunday, LeAnna suggested that Kassie help Jim get the toad out. They were successful, and I'm sure the toad was grateful, at the time.

A few minutes later, Kesa wanted to see the toad, so the three went out to find the rescued reptile. Not far from where he was released, Kesa spotted the toad. It appeared to be stuck under the AC unit. As Jim tried to free the toad (for the 2nd time) he found the amount of resistance odd so he began pulling harder. It was then when he saw the cause of the resistance; a snake's head was latched to the other end of the toad!!

It would appear that this slimy serpent had been laying in wait under the AC unit and found himself quite the meal. Unfortunately for him, his meal was too big to fit under the AC.

Jim reacted as any middle-class, white, suburban male, who just so happened to have a stick in his hand when faced with a snake a few inches from his nose...... He shouted "Holy Crap! It's a snake!" ( Yes, he kept the language clean in front of the girls. We're proud of him for that) and promptly slammed the stick down on the snake's head, pinning it to the ground.

As you'd expect, the snake didn't like that much so it started reeling and jerking it's long and rather plump body around in an attempt to get free. What a sight. So much so that Jim then shouted, "get the camera". So the girls when in to get the camera and spread the word. Soon, along with the camera, the whole family came out to witness the unlikely event.

Here's the pictures:












Obviously, the first photo is the Money Shot.

Jim managed to get the toad free but soon the snake escaped back under the A/C unit. After acquiring better snake hunting implements, Mark suggested moving the AC. As soon as they did, that snake took off fast, heading down a hole in the ground near the house foundation.

This rather large guarder snake who had gotten fat from eating bugs and the occasional toad has not been seen since. I don't know about you, but if I were him, I'd have found another hiding spot too.