Slappy Has a First Halloween

No matter how many years we have been in LA, it is always a surprise when the pumpkins melt.

This was Sam's pumpkin one week ago - uvula and all.This is Sam's pumpkin, today. It always goes the same way. First, the pumpkin begins to turn black on the inside, then it begins to cave in on itself, all followed by a 1/2" layer of mold that forms between the pumpkin and the step. Sam insisted it was an even scarier jack o'lantern this way, but don't worry, we removed it before some unsuspecting little princess or power trooper stuck their foot in it.Luckily, we still had one pumpkin left from Feldie's Carving Party. Who needs matches when you have a handy soldering torch nearby?This was his gremlin pumpkin from one week ago.This is it one week later. It seems to have a more senior look to it, and please note, the missing lid. Sam had gone outside a few times and commented that our pumpkin smelled like certain illegal substances, but the lid was finally removed when one trick or treater came up to the door and said, "Um, Mister, I think your pumpkin is burning."

181 trick or treaters later, this bowl of candy was a lot more empty, eventhough Maddie tried desperately to put a dent in it by herself.All in all, this Halloween was even sweeter than expected, because Mimi had come for a visit. She agreed with Jess that a Maddie is the best kind of treat.

Slappy Pats the Cat

Could life get any better?

Slappy Picks Some Apples

It was a crisp, 90 degree, fall afternoon in Yucaipa, as we all headed to pick some apples at Willowbrook Farm.

There we met up with expert and novice apple-pickers, Brian, Alison and Aidan.

There were large, medium, and Maddie-sized apples.All of which were delicious, although a Bjorn has been known, by some, to taste just as good.Although in Jess' opinion, a Maddie tastes even better.

Slappy Carves Some Pumpkins

The afternoon began with the search for the perfect pumpkin for Feldie's Annual Pumpkin Carving Party. This task was undertaken with the utmost gravity.

Aarin and ELF joined with the same mission in mind."Now, look ELF, when they're not looking you can grab this dried grass stuff, and shove it in your mouth."
"Oh, please, Madeline, show some decorum. We have schnoolies for that."Later, at the party, the mood was tense, after all the SmithAlridge's have swept the past 3 parties; a fact that had not gone unnoticed - some attendees spending weeks coming up with their designs.There was pumpkin carnage everywhere.Knives and beer, contrary to popular belief, did create something other than "The Pumpkin's Revenge," i.e. Sam's scar from 2 years ago.The little girl's came out in full dress for the medaling - both strangely as dinner meats. (Yeah, that's right - the hot dog never gets old).Please note, if you doubt the seriousness of this competition, even Alex sent in his submission from Amsterdam (apparently, XXX is the official symbol of Amsterdam).And the winners were as follows:
3rd - Erin for Hellraiser - 2nd from the right, 2nd row

2nd - Holly Rose for Black Cat (you can only see the eyes off to the right)
1st Place - John for the crazy teeth pumpkin - 2nd from the right, top row.

(As a side note - Sam carved the top left gremlin pumpkin and the 2nd row, right pumpkin which has a saw through the side of it's head and a uvula, something that tickled Jess everytime she looked at it.)

Slappy Has A Bunny

On her head.

Slappy Communicates

Much like a baby bird.

"Peep, peep, peep!"
Or "Fill the hole, Dad!"

Slappy Learns About Lord Stanley

At her first Kings game at the Staples Center downtown, where they played the Colorado Avalanche. It was not clear to Jess who was more excited about going, Dad or Maddie.

But Maddie was not the only one this was a learning experience for. After getting to their seats and settling in with Hunvey, Maddie began to look around the arena with big moon eyes. Both Dad and Mom were pleased at how cool Maddie was with the whole thing, after all she was born to be a Kings fan.

Then, the first Avalanche goal of the game, and loud boos began to echo through the arena. Jess looked down at Maddie, only to see the moon eyes, slip into the the beginning of a quickly crumpling sad face. A sad face that began to show up at regular intervals, coinciding with a loud goal or a bad call.

Jess and Maddie met back up with Sam after the end of the second period, which was spent walking around the concourse of the arena with a tired, overstimulated baby.
Things learned:
- When taking baby to Kings game - pick a weekend game that does not fall after baby normally goes to bed.
- When taking baby to arena - remember that baby does not have to be cool with all the activity and excitement, after all baby is just a baby.
- When taking baby to a hockey game - always dress in a jersey, because not only is it warm, but it also looks super cool, and lets baby regularly be referred to as "a little bruiser."

Slappy Pursues

Nothing gets Maddie more excited than a chance to spend time with Oscar, the cat. Oscar, on the other hand, is not quite as enthusiastic about the "walk" after the cat game.

Slappy Dines

This morning, Maddie and Mom headed out to Paty's for brunch with Jess. This is something the Jessi do on a regular basis, but the first time the next generation has joined them. After all, it's important to instill them with good traditions.

After watching Mom enjoy a California omelette, and herself having some butternut squash, Maddie was ready for more. More on her ear. More on her nose. More in her belly. And it was her favorite - sweet potatoes, but this time it was even better.

This bowl of sweet potatoes was custom made by Dad.

Slappy Get a Taste of San Fran

The afternoon started off with a Japanese lunch in the Castro.

Jess was excited at the thought of fresh-baked cookies for dessert. Who knew "Hot Cookie" - seen in the deep background - would not actually sell cookies but rather, underwear?

Back at the house, the cookie disappointment was forgotten in midst of stripey, little girls.

Yeah, that's how they getcha. It almost makes you forget that they get up 3 times a night (and by they, I mean Maddie - Maya, much like ELF and Smooth Andre, is also a champion sleeper.... at what age does peer pressure actually set in?)Later in the afternoon, we headed up to Kite Hill, Maddie decked out in an outfit that mixed stripes, spots, denim and Mary Jane socks, designed by Dad and Kearsley.Everyone waited in anticipation.For the Blue Angels to go flying overhead for Fleet Week.

Then another walk to the Castro, where Kearsley, after hearing of Jess' disappointing cookie loss, pointed out that eventhough Hot Cookie looked like a lingerie store from the street, it actually sold fresh cookies within. Of course, it seems so obvious now.

Laden down with Vietnamese sandwiches for dinner, Todd and Maya got a work out on the final stretch of the way home. San Francisco is so cool, and that hill is a lot steeper than it looks in this picture.

Slappy Continues On To San Fran

To meet up with her BFF, Maya, again after about 4 months of separation. Maya immediately showed Maddie that she had recently learned to walk.
By walking right over for a good smooching hello.
Later, Maddie bogarted her BFF, Maya's, high chair and Mom, Kearsley, for good times with bright toys.

Maya knows how to share though. Plus it didn't hurt that her Dad, Todd, was reading her a story over a sippy cup of milk at the time.

Slappy Heads to Palo Alto

After taking yet another plane ride, like a pro, Maddie got off in a chilly Oakland, CA.

It was a night flight, and after passing out in the car on the ride over, she immediately perked up the second she stepped foot, or rather car seat, in the Feinstein household.

There was a Carl for cuddling, while her parents had a much needed glass of wine to go with a fabulous meal, over discussions of Tyvek wedding dresses.

The evening ended with Lea giving Maddie her first piano lesson, which she enjoyed with gusto and force.

Slappy Helps

As Dad cleaned her neck, Maddie helped by cleaning her tongue.

Slappy Has Focus

Just like her Dad, when it comes to an interesting toy.

Or a green bean.