The Scrapper Follows Aiden's Lead

Cheerios and bananas. Good call, cuz, so worth it.

Madd Max Has A Happy Meal

Their first one, although it was nothing like what Sam and Jess had promised. There was no big, red box - just a choice between a boy or girl themed bag (we think - we were asked if it was for a boy or a girl and the toy was a fighter plane, the bag, Dora).

Maddie finished the juice box and promptly moved on. Max enjoyed the fries.

The Scrapper Longs To Be Free

But it's hard when your feet are stuck.

This was his ultimate goal. He can pull himself up onto his knees, but Mom helped with the total rise to his feet. A very pleased Max stood there, blowing raspberries until Mom removed him.

Madd Max Has A Family Meal

But first, a tired Max spent a little cuddle time with Julie.

A very awake Maddie spent some roll around on the floor time with Jack the Dog.

Once home, Taisie cooked a last delicious dinner (her and Toby head back to RI tomorrow), which we were all able to enjoy around the new, bigger kitchen table.

Madd Max Celebrates Edith

Who is such a big girl at 1 year - she's the one in the pink with the balloon.

K-Dub was there to celebrate as well.

Parents, Shanna and Tim, gave Edith her very own cake to go crazy on. It's a ladybug, and Edith demolished the head all by herself.

Madd Max Finds Comfort

A few weeks ago, Jess was driving with the kids in the back seat. Maddie had her usual handful of sticks in the back with her, and Max was fussing away. Suddenly Max became quiet, and Jess quickly pulled over assuming that he was now chewing on a stick from his sister (yes - this has happened before). After pulling over, she looked in the backseat, and saw this.

Madd Max Relaxes

At the Woodwards with a cozy brunch.

Followed by some exciting pot and pan removal. So cliche and yet so fun. Later, as we drove away from breakfast, leaving her grandparents behind, there were plaintive cries of "Taisie, Taisie."

Madd Max Gardens

Well, mostly Taisie as she is apt to do on her visits west.

Maddie did her part by picking flowers off of a bush, removing their leaves, and then handing them to Max. To see her thought process in greater depth - head here.

Toby supervised.

Then it was time for Jess to ditch the kids to head out to the Bon Jovi concert with Aarin.

While not a huge Bon Jovi fan, Jess is a Jersey girl, and Aarin had scored backstage passes and amazing seats from Drew (who worked on the show). How could you turn that down? As it turns out, Bon Jovi does a hell-uva amazing performance.

Madd Max Shows Off Their Posse

At Taisie's request, the crew was invited over for dinner.

Taisie and Toby got to enjoy the high energy friendship of the 5, and Aarin and Marissa got a home cooked meal of corn soup, pizza and salad with a chocolaty goodness of a dessert.

Madd Max Makes Music

With their grandparents at Village Circle Time.

That's right - everyone gets an instrument.

Madd Max Munches With Maya

At Paty's for breakfast, ie fries and sweet potatoes.

Maya, awaiting the pleasure that is a stack of Paty's pancakes.

Next, a little park time with Todd doing double duty at the top of the slide.

And the back of the swing.

Kearsley manned son #1, and in this pix also looked oddly related to him.

And when it was time to go home, some big girl love.

Slappy Is Reunited

With BFF Maya who borrowed Taisie for some story time.

She came to LA in the company of her folks, Todd and Kearsley who were also meeting Max for the first time.

Although it had been awhile, their friendship is just like riding a bike, or maybe running down a hall over and over again.

Madd Max Has A Day With Taisie

The morning started early, Max thrilled that he had finally found someone who would walk him everywhere.

Even in preschool class while his sister blew bubbles.

He practiced standing alone, balancing while his sister bounced.

Once removed, Maddie was able to impress Taisie by her continuous and constant spinning.

And after Taisie offered up her hands as sticker holders, Maddie decided she had earned a title, and added "Taisie" into her personal nouns, along with Rocky, Oscar, Dada, Ellie, and Mama.

Once Dad got home, Max found something new and exciting to grab onto.

Oh yes, it's Dad's spiky hair.