Madd Max Is Reunited

And it feels so good.
Lilly, Elizabeth and ELF have all been traveling the East Coast for the past 3 weeks. This was the first day they were all back.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, John and Sam listened to Dr. Seuss on the iPad. Really.

The Scrapper Meets More Cuzs

Jess' first cousin, Kristin, and her fiance, Brandon came through on a whirlwind tour of SoCal, and met us for lunch.

Max liked them immediately.

Especially when, back at home, they pulled out some animal crackers, a cat book, and for Max, a paper bag.

Next up, August! (The month of their wedding)

Slappy And The Pea

She's actually the opposite of the Princess. Instead of asking for multiple mattresses, Maddie has taken to gathering all of the available blankets in the house. She then says, "Night, night", and requests to be covered with all of them. She watched an entire episode of Yo Gabba Gabba under 5 blankets.

Madd Max Continues The Weekend

With a brunch with Edith, Shanna, Tim, Kathleen and Eric.

And then a play date with Emma who was very good at sharing goldfish.

All of which ended with some dancing to Yo Gabba Gabba.

Madd Max Has A Three Day Weekend

Which began with Maddie's new hat from Liza Mae. What you can't see is the floppy bunny ears on the back of it. She wore this from 6:30am until we left the house.

Next we headed to ELF's house to pay some attention to the cats, since she's out of town. Talking Elmo was memorizing.

Followed by some Japanese soul food. Max dug the edamame.

Madd Max Has Good Care Part II

And here's an example of what the kiddos and Karol, the daughter of Morena, do. On Friday it was rainy, so they headed over to Chuck E. Cheese - a first for both Maddie and Max. Maddie loved the pizza, and feared the giant mouse. (Jess got this picture texted to her during the middle of the work day. That was equally as awesome as the pizza).

Madd Max Has Good Care

Now that Jess is back at work, the kiddos have 2 new nannies - a mother/daughter team - whom they thoroughly enjoy. Pictured here is Morena, who took them on a trip to the zoo. As you can see they are well fed (and have no problems when Jess says goodbye in the morning).

Madd Max Goes On A Merry-Go-Round

This morning the fam and Mimi headed to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round - a first for both kiddos.

Maddie was very cautious at first, so Dad and Max hopped on for the first ride. As soon as Maddie saw them on there, she attempted to climb under the fence to get to them. Max found the ride slightly dull.

The next go round, Maddie and Mom hopped on to join Dad and the slightly bored Max.

When the ride ended, Maddie asked to go on again, even rattling the gate to get in.

This time Mimi came along to show Maddie how to ride the horses. Maddie was too nervous to ride but loved watching Mimi in front of her and saying "Hi!" to Dad every rotation.

Slappy Is Ready For The Scout

Hat on. Badge on. Where's the van?
This outfit chosen by the little miss who is getting big into accessorizing.

Madd Max Meets The Jalapeño

Mimi came out for a weekend visit, and we all headed out to some Vietnamese Diner food - bring on the french fry mixed with cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño. Sam, Jess and Mimi were all commenting about the deliciousness of the fries when both Maddie and Max began to have horrified looks on their faces. Then the wailing with confused pauses began. Once Sam and Jess stopped laughing and the kiddos mouths cooled down, some plain fries were ordered up with ketchup - that Maddie proceeded to down with a spoon.

The Scrapper Has A Favorite Song

It's Rubber Ducky. This toy plays just 2 lines from the song, and they get him dancing every time.

Madd Max Shops Awesomely

Since Max is no longer being carried in the Baby Bjorn, some adjustments for supermarket shopping were needed. Maddie now manned the front, and LOVED it.

Max got the seat, and took our shopping list way more seriously.

Madd Max Gets A Visit From The Mountains

Better known as USC. Actually, Great Uncle Chris had driven out from Colorado to pick up Sebastian, who is finishing up his junior year at USC. Before heading off to Las Vegas, they stopped by for a little dinner and game design discussion.

Madd Max Has A Happy Mother's Day - Twice Over

The day before, Sam had taken the kids so that Jess could enjoy some shopping, a massage and a lunch alone. This morning, brunch at Paty's.

With ELF and Aarin.

And an outfit Maddie picked out herself. The hat even trumped her hearing aid.

This Mother's Day was even better with 2 hands full.

Madd Max Comes To The Office

Jess had her first day of work on "Dexter." This was also the longest amount of time during waking hours that her and Max had been apart. Both kids "made" these at class for Mothers Day. They are now sitting on Jess' office windowsill.

Madd Max Has A Busy Last Play Date

With ELF before Jess heads back to work. A serious bath followed.

Madd Max Lunches At Poquito Mas

Ever since Sam went back to work, once a week Jess and the kiddos have been coming here for lunch after Maddie's class. The staff always recognize the kids and greet them warmly, help by bringing us our food (there's a take out counter), and clean up the carpet of rice and food bits that are left behind. It's awesome. Both Maddie and Jess get excited when they drive up to the restaurant. On our last weekday lunch, Aarin and ELF joined us for a final hizzah.

The Scrapper Cuddles Tio Greg

Before he headed back to Cali where he was met by Dad and his sister. There was much excited kicking on his end when they came into view, and a big, hands out, "Mama" from Maddie on the other.

The Scrapper Has A Family Feast

While Max was still sleeping on West Coast time, Jess met Leon for pancakes and kibitzing.

It was a gorgeous afternoon, and Aunt Tara came up with the awesome idea to put Aiden in the backyard's water feature.

Max decided to join, and the cousins shared wet sticks for munching while enjoying soggie diapers.

Which led to some dual changing action.

Mimi who had cooked the entire day before, continued making dish after dish in the kitchen.

To give you an idea, this was just Max's plate, which he finished.

The entire family, the Vielot-Gonzalez clan, Auntie Kerry, and Will's girlfriend, Ally, all reaped the benefits.

Some of which Uncle Ant helped walk off.

And some of which was slept off.

And walked off again, this time with Auntie Kerry's help.

Of course, another baby star was in order. This time it was a race to grab it before the babies headed off on their own agendas. Max had just woken from a nap, and Aiden was just about to go down for one. That said, Lucia probably would have still dominated even if all were in top form. To see past baby stars, head here and here.

The Scrapper Visits A Lady Friend

Safely in Jersey, Max enjoyed some breakfast with 2 devoted followers.

Then, it was down to Hoboken to see Miss Lucia.

Who knows what she wants.

Max also convinced Tante to spend some time walking him around, a favorite activity.

Mateo showed off his awesome pirate box, both babies being incredibly fascinated by it and their attentions not entirely appreciated by the captain of the box.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie found Mom's glasses.