Madd Max Sees Their Cuzs

By proxy.  Jess was greeted by an Aiden at the window.

And later with Aunt Tara, a Sonia after nap. 

That's a lot of attention for just waking up.

At Aiden's request - Jess, Auntie Kerry and the fam headed to McDonalds for lunch - the draw being less about the food and more about the play structure.

Back at home, Tio Greg enjoyed his last 48 hours in the states.

And Jess enjoyed some time with the good doctor.

Madd Max Heads To Jersey

By proxy, for dinner with the Leon.

Madd Max Sends Mom Off

 On a whirlwind trip - first stop, Cleveland, to see Jeannie (with baby Margo on the inside) and Noelle.

 And of course, Grandma - with a dinner with Uncle Rick and Aunt Carole.

Madd Max Make A Leaf Pile

Even on the West Coast, there are hints of fall in the 80 degree weather.

Madd Max Play In A Death Trap No Longer

 It has happened - the kids now can roam the playground freely without Jess fearing for their life.

The taste of freedom.

Madd Max Have A Home Away From Home Thanksgiving

 Maddie helped Jess make Mimi's homemade cranberry sauce.

 Max helped Sam make his roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

 Jess begged for a photo even though Max proclaimed he was "too grumpy."

 He did finally relent.

 The kids' table - the center of the table.

 Which Steve and Marissa made sure accommodated the entire urban family.

 Happy Thanksgiving!

 PS This does not even do justice to the impressive amounts of food that were brought by all.

Madd Max Celebrate Thanksgiving

At their preschool, where Sam and Jess both got to participate.

Slappy Adds Pupils

To her people - this is a drawing of her and her teachers all holding hands.

Madd Max Head To The Tree Lighting

But it was over capacity, and they were not allowing people into the square.  So instead the kiddos and Auntie Jamie headed into the mall for some ice cream.  The mall running that followed was perhaps more enjoyable for the kids than the tree lighting would have been.

Madd Max Are Psyched

 The excitement under the table is palpable.

Because today they got to bring home Bella, a much more social bunny who did not appear to be having a panic attack at being brought into our house.

Madd Max Self Entertain

Now, playdates involve a lot more self maintenance, while the adults get to chat in the kitchen.

Look! They even all sit down for lunch!  Albeit briefly.

Madd Max Get The Camera

A series of 3 from Max.

Adn the last one courtesy of Maddie.

Madd Max Attend The Hootenanny

A carnival that incidentally, Jess had used this season in a set for Dexter (for those of you watching, the closed Christmas theme park).

There were flying ships.

A mini roller coaster of cars, which Fiona was thrilled she got to ride with the big kids.

The bigger kids.

Maddie was super excited to get on this one with Lilly.

Sam and Jess were surprised she totally dug it.

The day ended with the ferris wheel, which scared Jess more than expected and delighted the kids, particularly because they could point out all the rides they still wanted to try.

Madd Max Show Dozey The Best Movie Ever

Hotel Transylvania, which has Maddie discussing every day how she wants to become a bat for real.

Madd Max Show Dozey Steeler Sunday

 Where snickerdoodles were made.

 And even Dozey cheered the Steelers over the Giants.

 Upon arrival at home, Dozey also made his well-loved sausage spaghetti sauce for dinner.  Another win.

Madd Max Go To The Train Show

 

Something Dozey would take Jess and her bros to as kids.

 Madd remained interested for about 5 minutes and spent the next 45 running the perimeter of the 5000 sq ft set-up.

 Max could not get enough.

Madd Max Celebrate One

 Isobel turning one!

 Everyone came out to brunch.

Even little Myles.

The birthday girl!

Madd Max Get A Visitor

 Dozey!

 Who encouraged such behavior as placing a pea in your belly button.  No, really.