Madd Max: The Slappy and The Scrapper Page

Madd Max Have A Park Morning

2012-02-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Feeding the ducks.

Climbing cause Lilly did it.

Sway fun.

Picnic lunch.

And some bouncing.

Slappy Watches The Superbowl

2012-02-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

But first helped Mom make Mississippi Mud Cake, something Jess has been thinking about for 2 years. With a legacy like this, how could she not.

Then Jess and Maddie headed over to AK's Annual Super Bowl Party to hang with Auntie Jamie. Max and Sam stayed home because someone had to clean up the projectile vomiting.

Madd Max Returns to Kidspace

2012-02-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

Where Max can now climb to the very top. He did need some help down from Dad, as he could not figure out how to exit and kept going in circles.

Possibly Maddie's favorite exhibit.

Also fun.

This too.

Another thing that has changed - for the first time the family left the stroller at home.

Slappy Has Ideas

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Strong ones. This is the result of Jess attempting to write Maddie's name on her valentines for the class.

Madd Max Play School

2012-02-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here they are singing and playing the finger song, "I'm looking for my baby bumblebee."

Slappy Makes Mom Wonder

2012-02-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

At school by the front gate there is a board that the parents can check to see what the kids did throughout the day. This morning Maddie had spent 45 min going thru our magazines pulling out the ad cards.

Madd Max Sleeps With Friends

2012-02-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

For Max - Woody's hat which holds Buzz Lightyear.

For Maddie - her princesses, bagged of course.

Slappy Dances With Dad

2012-02-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

To the 40s station on Sirius. They danced until dinner.

Madd Max Piles On

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

Steve, that is. Lilly headed in next.

Madd Max Have A Gift Bag

2012-01-30T15:40:00.000-08:00

The bag.

The contents. Notice the mix of Stevia packets, a book by Deepak Chopra, and yoga gloves.

Madd Max Return To The Huntington

2012-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

Map.

Fountain.

Curb.

Microscope.

Love.

Nap.

While Sam was with the kiddos at the Huntington, Jess got ready for the SAG Awards.

Hollywood.

Madd Max Go To Maggie And Annie's Birthday Party

2012-01-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

Jess was very impressed by their decorations, and for the first time, really enjoyed herself at one of Madd Max's preschool parties.There was, of course, a fairy who did magic, face painted and made balloon animals.

And this guy, who Maddie walked up to while watching the fairy, and began patting his leg. Jess has to agree that the style of clothes, cut of his hair and big camera did make him look something like Dad.Maddie got some sparkly swirls.
Max got a Batman symbol on his hand. This is what was left of it after nap.

The Scrapper Is Quite The Ladies Man

2012-01-26T08:38:00.000-08:00

Smooch.

Madd Max Have A First Playdate

2012-01-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

To clarify - the first time a playdate was without other parents, and purely for play (not babysitting). ELF came over for dressup, a movie and dinner.

Madd Max Celebrates Katie

2012-01-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

She's the new 2-year-old next to Max with mom, Megan.

Parachutes, kicking, yay!

Jumping.

And even a zip line.

Madd Madd Goes To "A Faery Hunt"

2012-01-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

With the Leonhardts and Findleys. With Snow White and Cinderella being so successful, Jess attempted to get a little more theater in the kiddos blood.

Max was excited in fairy wings, tutu and wand.

As were Ellie and Lilly. Maddie, not so much.

Even Jess got in on the action. The adults found the performance plot-lacking - the kids didn't seem to care.

Slappy Likes Animals

2012-01-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

At school they have a bunch. Today the bunny got some outside time.

Here's what their play yard looks like - bunny corral by all the kiddos.

Madd Max Gets A New Cousin

2012-01-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Sonia Grace Kender was born to proud parents Uncle Ant and Aunt Tara and cousin, Aiden at 3:17am. She weighed in at 8lb 15oz and 22" long, and Maddie and Max are very excited to meet her.

As a side note, at 3:30 in the morning, Dozey (who was babysitting Aiden during labor) was awakened by a hollering grandson, who clearly had sensed a shift in the force.

Madd Max Has Another Project

2012-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

Which Maddie worked on under the supervision of A Masked Avenger.

The Scrapper Is 2 1/2

2012-01-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

And is very proud to wear his "hockey" ie Dad's LA Kings hat.

At his doctor's appointment, his stats were as follows:

Weight: 33lb. 8oz (80th percentile)
Height: 36 3/8" (50th percentile)

The doctor asked if he was jumping yet - a skill Max just learned 2 weeks ago, and he was so proud, he jumped throughout the appointment. The doctor also gave him big props for his clear diction.

Madd Max Sees Beauty and The Beast

2012-01-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

With the Findleys. Both kids were enthralled enough to sit quietly through the entire movie, and Maddie whined for more at the end.

Madd Max Head To The Chinese Cultural Arts Celebration

2012-01-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

At the Huntington, where there were lanterns "just like Tangled."

Along with dancing dragons.

Madd Max Celebrate Mom's 36th

2012-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

With a Poquito Mas lunch.

Followed by a children's theater production of "Snow White."

Where the kids were often invited on stage.

All 5 went up at some point (Maddie twice).

Jess' birthday pie - Note: the two slices missing were necessary. After the theater the kids needed nap and Jess needed pie.

Madd Max Were In Bed

2012-01-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

So Sam worked intently on Jess' complicated birthday pie.

Madd Max Watches Things Change

2012-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

On the wall of their bedroom.

Sigh.

Madd Max Starts And Ends

2012-01-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

The start of the Birthday Party Circuit.

At Everett's 3rd birthday.Who had the biggest pizza ever.

Then it was over to the Leonhardts for some Steelers and popcorn.

The little girls got in on the action with some yelling of, "Go, yellow pants!!!"

And then an end to the holiday season with a last gift exchange.

Madd Max Gets In Some Last Time

2012-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

With the Croshaws before they head off to the Baltimore for a few months.

Max and Jane held hands during lunch to both of their delight.

An evening stop to see the Burbank Rose Parade float. Max loved the animation and did not want to leave. Maddie was scared of the noise and wanted to leave.

The Scrapper Is Getting So Big

2012-01-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

The park is almost not a death trap anymore. In fact, if he just realized, he can't quite do everything his sister does, Jess could relax.

Meanwhile, Maddie spent her time digging with Aurelia.

Madd Max Clean Up

2012-01-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

With perhaps a little motivation from the tree presents, the kiddos helped Jess take all the ornaments off the tree and put them away.

A last round of train.

And then a visit from the Findleys on this 80 degree evening.

Perfect for a little croquet.

Madd Max Gets Some Stuffers

2012-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

From Santa Kender. The kids were thrilled to see Xmas was continuing.

Max and his "big, big, giant," ie a chocolate lollipop Santa.

Madd Max Celebrates New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

The morning began with gifts from Mimi and Dozey which amazingly mimicked the day before.

Maddie's first Barbie house.Then it was over to Kathleen and Eric's for an East Coast Celebration.At one point, Ellie lost her shoe, and Max decided to help her put it on.In true princess fashion, he was rewarded with a kiss.There was a pinata.And so many balloons - 50 to be exact.Some relaxing to a little hockey before the big countdown.

An introduction to Rock 'Em Sock 'Ems.

And orange blossom martinis made by Sam from the mandarins picked off our tree.

Slappy Goes To The Theater

2011-12-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

To see a musical, family friendly version of Cinderella, which had audience participation and raunchy jokes from the 2 step sisters, Simon and Cowell - actually big men in drag.

Both Jess and Maddie enjoyed it. Maddie spent the show on Jess' lap due to the fact that she did not have the weight to keep the seat from closing on her, and asked for more when it ended.

Madd Max Goes To The Ball Drop

2011-12-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

At the Awesome Playground.

Where the kiddos focused on some of their favorite things.

And were joined by Shanna, baby Jane and Edith.

Who danced hand in hand with Max.

Ok, it was actually a balloon drop at 12 noon, followed by sparkling cider.

Madd Max Get A Visit From Old Friends

2011-12-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Mel B and Adam were in town for breakfast. They enjoyed the kids via phone photos. Jess enjoyed them in person.

Madd Max Get Their Nails Did

2011-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

For the first time.

So they could look "just like Karol."

Toes too.

Madd Max Continue The Party

2011-12-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

After being told that all the presents had been opened and there were no more, the kids arrived home to find presents had arrived from Great Aunt Renee and Uncle Chris. Maddie was so excited that she shrieked and rolled around on the floor.

Max got a plane that he could screw and unscrew himself. Dad was equally riveted.

Madd Max Have A Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Maddie woke up at 6am and was thrilled to see that Santa had filled her stocking.

She managed to wait until 7:30 before she woke her bro up.

Whose favorite part of the stockings was the candy.

One of Sam's gifts, which the fam used to bike to the traditional Thai lunch.Lunch.

The evening festivities took place at the Chadwick household.

With some dapper looking kids.

There was some holiday socializing.

And the food - Scott's cheesy grits. The fam brought blondies with pretzel caramel, Mimi's cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, green bean casserole and a cheesy bread.

Alex's cucumber jello mold, accompanied by a more appetizing chowder. Chicken, lamb and fried kale chips above Alex's head by the Chadwicks.

Latkes by Jess.

Liverball and deep dish apple pie by Holly.

Adult whipped cream for said pie by Sam.

Bread pudding and garlic mashed potatoes by Mina.

The Chadwicks had a grab basket of toys for the kiddos - the gymnastic ribbons provided a magical end to the evening.

Madd Max Has A Happy Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

With a visit from Karol, bringing gifts.

After much discussion about how Santa would be coming in through a window because we do not have a chimney, Maddie proved Mom wrong. Here she is pointing out our "little chimney," known to some as the exhaust hole.

A more successful second attempt.

And some of those cookies and milk standing by for Santa.

Madd Max See Aurelia

2011-12-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

After a 3 month long separation. Just like old times.

Madd Max Celebrate Dad's Birthday

2011-12-23T08:50:00.001-08:00

Helping him with his presents.Making The Page Birthday Cake.

Giving him a little quiet time with some jacketless biking to the park.

Where some kid had made "traps" all over the park - 1' x 1' x 1' holes covered in leaves, which was a clever idea, except for the I'll -break-your-legs-one at the bottom of the slide.Hello, awesome helicopter.Of course, Sam really wanted to go to the Santa train at Travel Town.

Where we met Edith and her fam.

Maddie wanted to see Santa, but didn't want to sit on his lap. Luckily they provided boxes for little kid viewing.And finally, a little song.

Madd Max Doesn't Come

2011-12-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

To a little pre-birthday celebration up in Santa Ynez.

Madd Max Doesn't Have Amy's Mom

2011-12-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

Amy's mom brought in a gift bag with 4 different homemade cookies and a wrapped ornament for all 35 kids in Maddie's class. Jess tried to make cookies for Santa.

Madd Max Shows The Lights

2011-12-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

To Mimi on a walk around the block. If you look closely, you can see Max being held back, as he wanted to walk right up to the displays. After being told to stay on the sidewalk, he walked the line by placing his foot half on the grass and half on the sidewalk.

Madd Max Has A Lot Of Lemons

2011-12-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

And these are just from the roof.

Which Sam knocked off, doing this.

Madd Max Go To A Train Store

2011-12-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

With a Thomas layout.

Later, Maddie made our tree topper.

Madd Max Sees Marionettes And Tree Trims

2011-12-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

At the Bob Baker Christmas show.

The marionettes came out and sat on the audience. Max dug it. Maddie hid when they got close, except for the one she called "the princess." They both enjoyed the show and the ice cream they served afterwards.Then it was time for some tree trimming,Which involved a lot of, "No, Mommy - I do it!"And some serious thought. While the bottom of the tree definitely got the most love - the middle got some, and the top got the breakables.Then each kiddo got a gift from Mimi to cap things off.

Madd Max Has A Christmas Pageant

2011-12-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

Max - first row, third from the left. Maddie - second row, third from the right.The wide shot. They sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and one more. The parents got so excited they had to be told to sit down.

Madd Max Decorates The Cookies

2011-12-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Kathleen had the kiddos and the Findleys over for some impressive cookie making/decorating. These are Hershey kiss-peanut butter.

Marshmallow snowmen.

Sugar cookies.

She even created sample snowmen.

Maddie's is dead on.

Slappy Finishes Her Gingerbread House

2011-12-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Cheering after almost every candy addition.

Looks just like the box.

Madd Max Celebrate Steve's Return

2011-12-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

By baking a french apple pie.

Starting the gingerbread house (not Steve related, but still cool).

Heading to a family gathering.

Filled with warmth and love.

But most importantly warmth, as Steve returned to us from the way-below-freezing Iceland.

Madd Max Gets A Tree

2011-12-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

At the local YMCA lot.Everyone wanted in on the watering.

And the train.

A gift opening followed.

Which were matching holiday jammies from Mimi and DoeZee.

Madd Max Meets The Caroling Truck

2011-12-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

In downtown Burbank.

Awesome giant tree.

Kiddie jail in caroling truck.

Madd Max Wreak Havoc

2011-12-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

In their havoc making attire - one Cinderella shoe each.

The typical aftermath of a Princess Posse gathering.

Madd Max Continue Prep

2011-12-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hanging the stockings on the bookcase with care.

Dancing with an extra stocking to Auntie Kerry's Christmas mix.

Madd Max Begins To Celebrate The Holidays

2011-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

With the Elf on the Shelf.

Madd Max Returns To Their Element

2011-12-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

And the princess posse.

Madd Max Has A Last Rhodey Morning

2011-12-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Cuddling.Puzzling.

Playing in the backyard.

And warm cocoa drinking.

Madd Max Have A Playdate

2011-12-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

Taisie brought the kids over to Smooth Andre's house in the morning.

For some backyard fun.

Goodbye, my sweet.

In the evening, Oscar's (our cat) birthday was celebrated, since birthdays = awesome.

Madd Max Goes To The Audobon Society

2011-12-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

For an owl themed story time.

Which was more awesome because of two approving grandparents.

There was a craft. Maddie's was much more deconstructed as she did not approve of the structure of the project and chose to work on it at home.

Home, where there is a train set.

That evening, Sam and Jess got out of the house for dinner with Kerri and Derek, and an overnight in a hotel - a gift from Mimi and DoeZee; the sitting - a gift from Taisie and Toby.

Madd Max Goes To Edaville

2011-11-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

But first a visit from Margot.

And more projects.Then it was onto Edaville, an indoor/outdoor amusement park that gets super themed for Christmas.

Cold rides and twinkle lights.

Train sets.

And the big train, aka The Polar Express.

Which also had Santa. Maddie was so excited she couldn't look at him when he got close. (Sounds like fear, really was excitement).

Madd Max Remains In Rhodey

2011-11-29T04:37:00.000-08:00

Maddie takes her cooking very seriously.

Teamwork at the Kids' Museum while Sam took Taisie and Toby up to see his sets in Boston.

Madd Max Does Projects

2011-11-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

With Taisie while Jess headed out.

And spent the day with Auntie Kerri.

Also stopping in to see her new home and the Michael boys.Back at the ranch and after waiting all day, Max got to watch this awesome spinning candle. He sat memorized, occasionally quietly singing "Happy Birthday" to it.

Madd Max Has The Ullucci/Michaels Over

2011-11-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

For an excellent Taisie dinner.

Maddie, once again, the outsider to a bunch of boys, and not at all happy about it, was mollified by a project from Taisie.

Kid dinner is served.

On plates custom made by Sam.

Masks brought the sexes together.

Along with a little lovin'.

Madd Max Wade At The Beach

2011-11-27T11:30:00.000-08:00

Madd Max Have A Relaxed Morning

2011-11-27T04:12:00.000-08:00

A little cooking.

A little puzzling.

A little dog walking.

Madd Max Head To Rhodey

2011-11-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

Taisie drove down to pick the family, and Max was immediately smitten. He grabbed both of her hands and brought her in to show off all of Mimi's toys. He sat on her lap. He held hands with her in the back seat during the drive.

He also took her out to show off DoeZee's train set.

Up in The Ocean State, Max and Toby played a little bead necklace jump rope.

And got to see their room, complete with crocodile and ladybug sleeping bags and custom photo albums.

Madd Max Crams A Lot In

2011-11-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

The day began with something Max had been waiting for for 2 weeks - DoeZee's train set.

Maddie also got in on it.

Then a visit to Uncle Robot Head.

Whee!

Then to Tante's to discuss the importance of "Swiper, no Swiping!"

A taco lunch made by Eddie.

Oh, my Lucia, I will see you again.

Back home for some animal play with Tio Greg.

Cooking with Uncle Wills.

Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Uncle Wills?

And a last Mimi dinner.

Madd Max Has A Kincaid/Kender Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

But first a little game of catch with Ally.

Followed by a game of touch football, which had Max sobbing, "I want to play football with my Daddy!"

A little bouncing distraction by DoeZee.

Reunited with the football and it feels so good.

Thanksgiving proper.Our hosts, Aunt Tara and Uncle Ant.

Some of the family ate here.

The rest over here.

Uncle Wills gives daps.

Tio Greg gives hugs.

A perfect ending to a great afternoon - a little Cattan.

Madd Max Heads To The Parade

2011-11-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

But not before a hearty breakfast by Mimi.

Benefits of a tall family.

Benefits of an awesome Auntie.

Benefits of a ladder.

Madd Max Preps For Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Homemade cranberry sauce under Mimi's supervision.

Stuffing prep.

Some YouTube viewing of past Thanksgiving Day parades.

And a dinner and the theater date with Uncle Leon.

Madd Max Fits In The Back

2011-11-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

Holding hands 3 ways.

The giant merry-go-round at the mall.

The odd merry-go-round at the mall.

The Happy Meal at the mall.

The Tickling Tio at the home.

Madd Max Begin Turkey Week

2011-11-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

With a dog walk, which Jess soon learned was one dog short with a 3kid:2dog ratio. Jess also learned that a 2 year-old + squirrel = head-to-pavement.

Jersey pizza.

Story time with Aunt Tara, new cousin as a pillow.

This trip to Shoprite is awesome!

Uncle Wills is hilarious with his jumping on the other side of these aisles!

A little dessert help.

Focused baker.

Squish.Egg nog lattes.

And a little playtime on the rug.

Madd Max Has An Important Arrival

2011-11-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

But first, a little sword fighting.

Auntie Kerry returned with more awesome stickers.

And baked up some dessert with Maddie.

Uncle Wills returned for some dual back riding.

Aiden returned for some dual "Tunnel."

Some adult convo over the upcoming 18 person Thanksgiving.

And the very important arrival of Dad!

It was also DoeZee/Dedo's birthday. Maddie chose the princess decor. Mimi created the "63."

Madd Max Learns Some New Tricks

2011-11-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Like the game "Spot It" with Mateo and Tante.

Along with some old ones, like the toddler creed - when sitting on a step, do not divide space equally, but rather sit as close to Lucia as possible.

Out at the playground, the 2-year-olds insisted on doing exactly what their older siblings had done, making fun once again, a death trap.

Good times with Eddie and swings.

They were soon introduced to a Tri-State area tradition when Mateo got a street vender hot dog, which made Lucia want one, which made Max want one, which made Maddie want one.

Mateo introducing Maddie to "Angry Birds."

And finally a little brownie baking.

Madd Max Finds The Attic

2011-11-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

At Aiden's, which is newly finished.

Jess also learned about the crayon box (Aunt Tara's awesome idea for drawing on/in).

Madd Max Spend The Day With Cuz

2011-11-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Watching trucks pick up leaves.

Auntie Kerry came over to play backup, and immediately won over the kiddos when she pulled out sticker book after sticker book.

Cheese! Snack.

A new type of bath - Max's first one that he was not the minority (only boy) in. It was a life-changing moment for him.

And a little display of why kids love Tio Greg.

Madd Max Head To The NJ Children's Museum

2011-11-16T05:21:00.000-08:00

Where there are trains.

Games.

And automobiles.

Back at home, there are dogs who play "Tunnel," which means they run underneath kids' legs for the reward of a cashew.

Madd Max Park It

2011-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

NJ Style.

Leaves, swings and 60 degrees.

Madd Max Gets Company

2011-11-15T05:21:00.000-08:00

When Aiden, Aunt Tara and Uncle Wills arrived for dinner.A boy for Max to play with and a castle from Uncle Wills' childhood.

Max and Aiden became quick friends, even holding hands down the stairs. In an interesting turn of events, Maddie became a third wheel for the first time and was not happy about it.

The boys even found enjoyment in the little things, like intently rubbing Uncle Wills' feet with the dogs' tennis balls.

Madd Max Heads To Jersey

2011-11-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

But first kisses from Grandma.

Once deboarded in Newark, the kids realized pigeons were inside the baggage claim. Hello, chase pigeons awesome!

Icing on the cake - some Tio Greg fun.

Madd Max Hangs With The Great Uncs And Aunt

2011-11-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

What could cause such joy?

The same thing that did last year - see here. The previous day, Maddie had been scared of the clock, convinced that behind the door was a monster. Great Uncle Rick cleared that up.

And then got to host cuckoo clock fun for the next hour.Great Uncle Ed and cousins, Mary and Mitchell, came over and brought 2 bears for the kids. Those bears then got carried through the airport the next day, being made to say hi to passersby.

A little chill time with Grandma, Great Aunt Carole and Shrek.

Madd Max Makes It To Grandma's

2011-11-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

It was past midnight when the fam got in, so the first Grandma sighting was at breakfast.

Along with a present from DoeZee, the very same sweet cereal that Jess was allowed to eat on vacation.

Grandma is an avid bird watcher, putting out raisins for the birds daily. Her great grandkids thought the process was awesome.

A little tangling of the DoeZee.

A visit from cousins, Jeannie, Noelle and Rollie (not pictured).

Probably due to the blood relation, Noelle shared a love for Ring-Around-The-Rosie.

Madd Max Travels For A Day

2011-11-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

It was Jess' first time traveling with both kids by herself, and the morning seemed to not bode well. After getting on the first flight, and feeling proud that Max sat across the aisle and made friends with a stranger (they read books together), the plane got stuck at the gate for 45 minutes. And then everyone got off. Then the fam stood in line for 45 min with Jess on the phone trying to get a flight. Then the fam left the gate area and rechecked in. And rewent through security. And waited for another 2 hours.

All of which turned out to be the worst part of the day. Max is now old enough to not open the DVD player and then complain about his movie ending. Both kids were actually well behaved enough that Jess read an article in Vanity Fair, and those aren't short.

Even during a layover, they kept themselves entertained.

Madd Max Hangs With Another Of The Newest Members

2011-11-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Of the All Girl Posse + Max, 3-month-old Mina.Whose big sis, Emma, helped Max build a castle.

And drew with Maddie, while mom, Val, cooked.

Dad, Tak, then continued on the castle.

Madd Max Meets Isobel By Proxy

2011-11-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Who is now happily at home.

Where she is attending to her adoring public.

Slappy Heads Back

2011-11-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

But not before getting just one more puzzle in.

Along with a little love.

After a post op with her doctor, we made a stop at McDonalds for lunch. In the playspace, Maddie gathered the kids to show them her doctor's presents. They were all incredibly polite, and thanked Maddie, as she left saying, "I have to go now, guys. Don't be sad. I'll see you at the picnic."

Slappy Enjoys The Simple Things

2011-11-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

I go left, you go right.

Reverse and laugh/scream. Repeat until at least one parent comes to check to see if the house/people within it are being destroyed.

Madd Max Brunch Northern CA Style

2011-11-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

In jackets, where coffee warms your hands.With a light drizzle outside, UNO was pulled out.Maya pulled up.Dexter pulled off.

Leisure time, techno style.

Madd Max Meet Baby Dexter

2011-11-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Who started things off right with some 6 week old smiling.

Maddie immediately jumped in on that action.

While Max decided that Maya was someone worth his devotion.

Artistic works X3.

Todd, in classic ball mode.Jess also managed to get over to Oakland, which now is home to Brian and Alison.

Madd Max Starts Every Morning This Way

2011-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Pour out Halloween bucket and survey spoils.

Madd Max Watch West Coast Girl Domination Continue

2011-11-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

With the addition of Isobel Margaret Williams to very proud parents, John and Erin.

Weighing in 7lb 11oz and 20.5 in long, she is the newest, very welcome member to the All Girl Posse + Max.

Madd Max Is Back Together Again

2011-11-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

After a month long hiatus - Lilly and Elizabeth returned for some cookie decorating.

Madd Max Have Halloween - Take 3

2011-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

Back at home, Maddie and Max took turns handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters, of which there were 343.

Each kid was told to "Take 2" and both kids wanted it to go all night.

Madd Max Have Halloween - Take 2

2011-10-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

After finishing the block, the crew headed over to their Preschool for Trunk Or Treat, where various people lines up their cars, trunks open and decorated, and hand out candy to the kiddos.

One such trunk.

Their teachers were all wearing shirts with lines they are known by.

The event was capped off with some dancing to "The Monster Mash."

Madd Max Have Halloween - Take 1

2011-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Suited up, ready to go!

For awhile, Max thought he had to carry this tail and his bucket. Luckily, with enough candy, he forgot.Maddie almost made it till dark, and headed over to the neighbor'sAnd then ran with her bro from house to house.They were soon joined by the Croshaws.

Making a band of Dragon, Ballerina and Princess.

Madd Max Preps For Halloween

2011-10-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

By organizing the bags of candy. Please note, Max in the background carrying a bag about half his size.

The birthing pumpkin was deemed PG-13 on a PG block, so it was modified.

The PG version, complete with now-shriveled carrot fingers.

Slappy Loves Her Costume

2011-10-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

From the second that Maddie's costume arrived, she has been thrilled, putting it on every morning and afternoon.

She also loves to plop down as it fluffs up all around her.

It also came with a great, but rarely worn, hat.

Madd Max Looks Over The Edge

2011-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

This photo is for Jess, who loves it.

Madd Max Heads To The Annual PCP

2011-10-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Carving Party. Note all the orange.The debut of their Halloween costumes. The host, Jess, and Alex, the creator of the gimbaling pumpkin.There was intense focus.

By many parties.

Even in the kids' section.Cupcake, anyone?

Or perhaps a beer?

What was later to become the 2nd place champion - Shark Pumpkin by Liza Mae.

And once night fell... Another fan favorite, which does not show well, but gets points for creativity - the Lite Bright Pumpkin, utilizing Mike and Ike's in a brand new way, by Aarin.

The gimbaling pumpkin - look at the device surrounding the green flaming bat signal. There is a 3 leveled gimbal that was fully functional by Alex.

Disco Ball - one of Sam's 2 pumpkins.

The event was held at John and Erin's house, who are due on Oct. 31.Sam's other pumpkin was made in honor of that and took home Best in Show.

Slappy Wants To Go To 5 Parties

2011-10-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

In the land of Maddie, the great # to achieve of anything is 5. 5 m&ms, 5 pancakes, and now 5 Halloween parties.

Here is her 3rd at the local high school, complete with marching band.