Slappy Has Breakfast

At 5 in the morning. With her trick-or-treat bucket. On her tip toes.

Madd Max Has Jersey Family Time

With a family lunch to Cubby's, or as Sam calls it, Porky's.

Tio Greg showed off his hilarious kid skillz with Max.

And then again with Maddie at home. Some may recall that last Thanksgiving, Tio Greg was the only person who could get Maddie to smile through her fever.

Dr. Kerry was not be be outdone, helping Max climb.

Playing trains.

And the game she made up herself, which Maddie dug, Pull-the-Box.

When the Vielot-Gonzalez's arrived for a big Mimi meal, Tio Greg pulled out the skillz for Mateo.

While DoeZee worked his own with Max.

The big Mimi meal.

And a shared dessert between father and daughter.

Madd Max Hangs In Hoboken

Where Max and Lucia were reunited.As were Maddie and Mateo, who taught her how to punch.Tante taught Maddie how to play hide-and-seek, and although she didn't totally get it, she was very excited by the idea.

Spaghetti was shared so that Lucia would stop bogart-ing Max's.

Iron Man made an appearance.

As did Sleeping Beauty aka Eddie.

And a round of drawing ensued.

Madd Max Has A Happy Thanksgiving

Which began with the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

With Mimi and DoeZee.

Who brought a ladder that Maddie and Jess stood on before Maddie got too cold to enjoy the parade any longer. (She lasted about 50 min.)

Her favorite float - Spongebob Squarepants, although she had a running commentary for just about everything that passed, including the dancing flags.

To get Maddie out of the cold, Jess and she went to McDonald's for some fries. Which they were not serving at 10:20am. So instead a McFlurry was purchased. Because that's the kind of mom Jess is.

Renewed by McFlurry, Maddie headed back into the cold. She was reminded she was not happy with it. Please note - the sweater which is Mimi's and the basket which she carried with her all day, saying, "Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat!"

Once home, Max enjoyed the traditional beef stew that was waiting for the parade-goers.

Uncle Wills and Ally came over with homework for the feast.

Madd Max got in their Thanksgiving finery and played with Dad as an appetizer.

And was then very thankful for the food and the family.

Madd Max Goes To The Big Apple Circus

But first a morning of some DoeZee and doggie playing.

Along with playing in a crib, filled with stuffed animals, that Jess' grandfather built for her when she was a baby.

Then in to Lincoln Center for a lunch at Ollie's.

The Big Apple Circus, complete with big slide. The big slide that made Maddie say over and over, "Mama! It's Maddie's turn!" (It never was).

The kids were enraptured for almost all of the show, losing interest only at the clown comedy and the contortionists.

To laugh or not to laugh?

The fam minus Tio Greg, who sadly had to work.

Back home, Max thought Aunt Tara was hilarious.

And Uncle Wills, not too bad either.

Madd Max Heads To Another Kids' Museum

The Liberty Science Center, where Aunt Tara and Aiden are also members.

Aiden tried to school Maddie on how to make the stones play.

She was more interested in the giant ball contraption, staying there for over a half hour.She did take some time to play a virus killing game with Dad.

But the highlight of the visit for all 3 - under the tables at lunch time.In the evening, Sam and Jess got to leave the kiddos at home with their grandparents, and headed into the city for some theater with Uncle Leon.

Madd Max Goes Bronx Zooing

The Bronx Zoo is one of Jess' favorite places in the NYC. Aunt Tara and Aiden are zoo members. Perfect combo.One stroller for all cousins, and all for one!

The Bug Carousel was the favorite of Maddie and Aiden - Max not so much.

Giant underwater fish in Jungle World.

Strolling the grounds with DoeZee.

Leaving the zoo. Checking out the agua.

Maddie, clearly inspired, spent some time in the dogs' cage later that evening.