Madd Max Returns To SoCal

After Maddie's surgery's cancellation, everyone headed back home and back to frosting cupcakes with Toby.

Back to the playdoh table in Pasadena.

And back to the grandmothers cooking an Italian meal.

Slappy Gets A Visit

First, from the postman.

Then from Mimi, who brought a birthday present.

Which resulted in a coffee reward for Mimi, made by Maddie and Maya with some guidance from Todd.

Madd Max Visits NoCal

Everyone should start a busy day with a healthy breakfast.

This picture was supposed to be about all the kids in their rain boots, but Jess obviously got more taken by the cute faces.

Rain boots needed for a puddle jumping walk.

Then a stop at the Feinsteins for some catch with Bridget, the dog.

Followed by a visit with Karen, Nathaniel and Jake.

And David, who has many a cool car.

Madd Max Makes The Drive

Impressing Toby and Taisie with the 2 McDonalds pit stops along the way.

Love is a grandmother who will walk at your level so you can hold the umbrella.

After hours of, "Let's Go See Maya!" we finally arrived to see Maya.

Yay for friends and Persian take out!

Slappy Sets Out

Maddie was scheduled to have microtia/atresia surgery on March 28 up in Palo Alto. Sadly, the night before the surgery, she came down with a stomach bug and the surgery was canceled, a reschedule date TBD. But before that happened, she set out with the love of her family and friends, and 3 sets of travel/surgery supply bags from Marissa, Aarin and Taisie.

Slappy Does It All In A Nap's Work

After watching Hitchcock-esque shadows back and forth under Maddie's door, this is what Jess arrived to find after nap. This is the contents of all 3 bookcases in their room, and all of their shoes.

Slappy Has A 3 Year Checkup

And her stats:
Weight: 35lbs 2oz (75th percentile)
Height: 37 5/8" (55th percentile)
Note: These stats were actually taken on 3/11/11.

Slappy Turns 3

Which meant a pizza, strawberry and juice box party at lunch. Maddie had the confused look of a kid trying to figure out what her mom was doing in her classroom.

Next came an ice cream treat with Taisie.

And Maddie's first go at making the traditional Page birthday cake.

Followed by an awesome gift from Dad. Sam was excited that Maddie started saying hockey, upon opening just the corner of the present, revealing the NHL logo.

Madd Max Dines On Argentinian

Courtesy of Steve-o.

And with ELF's Nana now in the house, Findley Baby Watch 2011 officially begins.

Madd Max Enjoys The Day After

The aftermath.

The dinner after.

Slappy Has A Happy Birthday Party

This morning, Maddie woke up to chocolate chip pancakes ala Uncle Wills, and a boatload of presents waiting for her.At 8am, these pinatas arrived, a gift from Isabel.
The kiddos loved them so much, they kept hugging them and both cried when they were put outside for later.Next, came the bounce house.After threatening rain all morning, the weather stayed cold but bouncilicious.The chill did not deter her devoted party guests.Who made it all the way to the cake.
Even the 1-5 year old set was showing some exhaustion at this point.

As demonstrated in this video.

Thankfully, you can always count on sugar for that needed boost.

Needed for pinata wacking.After the guests left, nap came immediately, complete with pinata candy.And after nap - the rest of the afternoon looked like this.

Happy Birthday, Big Girl! You are awesome.

Madd Max Get A New Cousin

Simon Orion Page Bethel came quickly into the world, weighing in at 8lb 10oz, and is, according to his parents, "very happy and healthy." Now Maddie really has a reason for "going to Panama" - a phrase learned from her cuz, and said often.

Madd Max Is Waiting

For some other new babies, on this fine St. Patty's Day (note, the green on green appetizers on the right).

Baby Findley, who is about a week away, is our in house gauge for Baby Bethel, who also is about a week away.

One of our last family meals as a group of 11.

Madd Max Welcomes Sweet Baby Jane

Born March 8 at 7:41am and weighing in at 8lbs 5oz and 20 1/2".

To proud parents, Tim and Shanna, and big sister Edith.

We dig you, Jane!

Slappy Pays Homage

This morning, she picked out her own shirt, bringing it to Jess, and saying, "Oooo, it's so pretty." Not only is it pretty, but this shirt is from Lavalette, where Jess and Auntie Kerry spent many a fantastic summer.

Max, upon watching Jess snap picture after picture, asked for "More Cheese," and so got his own shot snapped.

Madd Max's Parents Go Free Again

This time to Big Bear, which they have been heading with friends for the past 10 years.

A stop along the drive up the mountains.

Way up high above the clouds.Upon arrival, the cooking, eating and drinking commenced.

Along with some giant moose love.

And a modified version of Lady and the Tramp via ribs.

A little post-lunch hot tub.

Followed by the game that would obsess the crew for hours to come, Settlers of Catan.

Note, how much dusk is falling.

But the passion remained, some playing the game until the wee hours of the following morning.

Dinner prep.

And a toast made by the Big Bear 2011 crew - Sam, Erin, John, Eric, Kathleen, Alex, Jess, Alison and Brian. As Brian succinctly put it, "To the people who made this trip possible, Sam's folks!"

And finally, a Big Bear nightcap.