The Scrapper Heads To Fire Island

2 bins of food, 1 cooler, 2 suitcases, 1 stroller (with baby), 1 Dzedo and 2 dogs loaded and ready to go.

On Max's first ferry ride. There was a huge storm brewing, the winds and high waves slamming the ferry into the pier as we pulled in to Ocean Beach and jolting everyone in their seats.

Max was nonplussed after being wheeled through the storm to the house, where he relaxed in his warm, towel/belt wrap.

Waking just in time for his first trip to the Atlantic Ocean, post-storm.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sam and Maddie spent some quality back-hoe watching, zoo-time together.

The Scrapper Smiles Again

Max has been smiling for about a month now, which makes mornings delightful.

And, of course, Lucia knows smiling is contagious.

As does Tante. Smiling also reduces stress, lowers your blood pressure, and helps your immune system.

Jess was feeling pretty healthy.

Particularly after an awesome Indian buffet.

Next up was the supermarket with Dr. Kerry. This is the second year in a row that Kerry has helped Jess shop for Fire Island without actually vacationing herself.

Her help and company left us all smiling.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie hadn't gotten the memo.

The Scrapper Takes Manhattan

But first, Brooklyn - with a brunch and a walk by the East River with Heather.

Then back to Jersey City to hang with the baby brigade.

Then Hoboken, to drop off Tante and his lady friend, Lucia. All the socializing was exhausting.Which meant that by the time he should have been ready to take Manhattan, he was asleep. So Jess and Uncle Leon took it instead, grabbing dinner and the show "Hair." Dzedo handled babysitting duties.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sam brought out The Nap Maker on a hike.

The Scrapper Hangs In Hoboken

With his crew, Mateo and baby sister, Lucia.
Wazzup, holmes!

Françoise, Eddie, Mateo, Jess and the sleeping wee ones headed out for a Japanese lunch.

Where some chopstick wars ensued.

Later, they cruised the streets, meeting up with friend, Gina.

Where Mateo participated in one of Maddie's favorite past times of stick gathering. On his way home, he placed 2 of his 3 prize sticks in Max's stroller, perhaps trying to woo his possible betrothed from afar.

The day ended with relaxing at stroller central, formerly known as the living room.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie battled with the eternal question:
"Fork...

Or hand."

The Scrapper Meets The Good Doctor

Dr. Kerry, I presume, or perhaps I can call you the more familiar, Auntie Kerry?

Kerry and Jess headed out for a walk through their old stomping grounds, ie Leonia, NJ.

They stopped by Auntie Kerry's parents house to introduce Max around and to show him where many a soap opera was watched by his mom and auntie during their seventh and eighth grade years.

Back at Mimi and Dzedo's house, Aiden had come to spend the day as well, and was thoroughly enjoyed by Jess and Tio Greg.

Uncle Ant soothed the two cousins for awhile on his own.

But called in the big guns for some tandem soothing as the night went on.Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie enjoyed her favorite part of any meal - hand cleaning in a bowl of fresh water. It is a technique Mimi began, and it not only succeeds in getting Maddie's hands clean, while allowing time to sneak in a face wipe, but also gives Maddie a look of pleased "I think I'm getting away with something," every time she splashes around in it.

The Scrapper Meets The Musketeers

But first, he headed over to the All-The-Ice-Cream-You-Can-Eat Party.

Where he met hosts, Rodney, who knew Jess when she was a larger version of this age.

And Laura, who was wearing very cool footwear.Back in Leonia, Max met Uncle Ant for the first time at a food extravaganza prepared by Mimi.

Mimi not only has been keeping her grandsons stomachs well fed, indirectly, but she is also working on keeping their minds well fed by turning the den back into a playroom full of toys.

Mateo was the first kid to give the new playroom a go, when Tante and her family arrived for the extravaganza.

He also picked up some drumming pointers from Uncle Wills, for example - "That's a music stand, not a drum."

Then Aiden, Max and Lucia gathered together and proclaimed, "All for one, and one for all!" In actuality, they lay together, maybe slightly conscious of each other's presence and moved their limbs jerkily. Either way, it was clear this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, not dissuaded by the extreme temperature outside, Maddie still requested the use of her knit fish hat.

The Scrapper Visits Terrain

The morning began with a great "Hiya!" from Dzedo.

Then Max had his first train ride from Newark to Philly, where he charmed his fellow traveling companions (not just Mom).The goal was to get to Auntie MelB and Terrain, the garden store she helped design (last year, under her art direction, they won Best in Show at the Philadelphia Flower Show).

Please note - her "pick" - the terrarium, ie the hot, must have, designer addition to your decor for 2009. You heard it here, first.

The store was phenomenal. The MelB was as well.

A little dinner at her and Adam's house, and then back to the train station, where Jess was "that lady." You know, the one running through the station, pushing the stroller, kid screaming, the echoes bouncing all around the marble concourse, and arriving just in time to see her train go sailing by. (Jess caught the next train an hour later).

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie danced to muzak at Lowes, while Dad toilet shopped.