Madd Max Settles Into Life With Foster Kittens

There's this.

And this - Calvin, Hobbes and Susie.

And this.  There were also those two brushes with death due to dehydration from an illness that involved running Calvin to the vet because he couldn't move.  So the time has been both very cute and very stressful.

Madd Max Gets Another Round Of Foster Kittens

Which began with an hour of Maddie sobbing,

Meet Calvin, Hobbes and Susie.

Cute, but much more challenging then the last batches, due to an illness that had Jess and Sam rushing one kitten to the Shelter for emergency fluids.

Getting ready in the morning is more difficult then normal.

Madd Max Have A First Day Of School

Max's first in the actual Middle School, along with the first time for both, biking to and home from school without adult supervision.

Slappy Has A Last Campfire

Vibes.

Slappy Loves To Dance

Day 4.  Jess spent a lot of time pouring over the photos that would come out daily, trying to see what Madd was doing and if she was happy.

Today was ATV-ing.  She hated it, finding it terrifying.

That night was the highlight of her week - the dance.  Note, Maddie in the orange shirt and overalls, tearing it up.  She said she enjoyed it so much she felt like running, not walking, back to her cabin, and then continued dancing as she showered and got ready for bed.

Slappy Sends A Postcard

This postcard arrived the night before Maddie was getting picked up.  

"You don't know how much I miss you guys.  It's been a rough two days.  I'll tell you in detail later, when I see you in all you're glory.  But I've wanted to cry multiple times."

It was supposed to be mailed one day before, but the counselor had forgotten.  Thank god.  

The Scrapper Has A Last Solo Night

That wrapped up with an evening walk to the ice cream truck.  He felt neutral about his sister being gone.  It did mean he spent a lot of time with his friend, electronics.

Slappy Plays Paintball

Lining up to shoot their rival group's flag.

Toughy.

She enjoyed this activity, and said the masks looked like they were straight out of a video game.

Girl Power.

Slappy Finds Skateboarding

Her first time trying it.  She liked so much, she requested lessons when she got home.

The Girl Power group.

Archery - not a favorite.

BB guns - also boring, per Madd.

She did get to do trapeze after that, and thought it was super fun.

Slappy Has A First Full Day At Camp

She was in the speciality, Girl Power.  First up, a massive ropes course.

Followed by zip lining.

A casino night evening, where she had her first go at makeup.  Her words - We were trying to look like bad "female dogs."

Slappy Heads To Sleepaway Camp

Her cabin at Pali Adventures.  She was in the lower half.

The reverse.

Waiting for her rapid Covid test.

And then she just walked away.  To the gaga pit.  All by herself.

That evening at camp, there was the first campfire.  She was nervous.  Next to her is Vivian, who would later do Maddie's makeup and next to Vivian is Erin, who shared Maddie's anxiety.

Pre-campfire sundaes.

Back at home, dinner and a movie as a solo child.

The Scrapper Has A New Phone

Whose number was apparently recently with a different account, as shown by his avatar and the many texts he has been receiving about spa and nail appointments.

The Scrapper Is A Tween

Morning present opening.

Morning joy from a present from his very funny sister.

Birthday crepes.

Birthday In-N-Out lunch.

A tried and true favorite - some game play with friends.

Cupcakes dropped off by Mia.

And after some Sam pizza, a birthday ice cream pizza cake.  Welcome to 12, Maxo!!

Slappy Gets A New Wardrobe

Her first crop top.

 

Slappy Returns

Back and super happy, high off the Chicago life.

Slappy Takes The "L"

Madd had two things she really wanted to do in Chicago - try some Malort and ride the "L".  She got to do one.

Skyline.

Next, a visit to the Shedd Aquarium.

They watched a free show, where Madd enjoyed a penguin pooping on one of the trainers.

And rounding out the day, a stop at The Bean.

A dope time with a dope Uncle.

Slappy Hits Chicago

Beginning with an architectural boat tour with Uncle Wills and Aunt Ally.

The Chicago River.

Later, a stop by Wicker Park Fest.

It's like a giant farmers market - heaven.

Her first henna.