Madd Max Celebrates New Year's Eve

The morning began with gifts from Mimi and Dozey which amazingly mimicked the day before.

Maddie's first Barbie house.Then it was over to Kathleen and Eric's for an East Coast Celebration.At one point, Ellie lost her shoe, and Max decided to help her put it on.In true princess fashion, he was rewarded with a kiss.There was a pinata.And so many balloons - 50 to be exact.Some relaxing to a little hockey before the big countdown.

An introduction to Rock 'Em Sock 'Ems.

And orange blossom martinis made by Sam from the mandarins picked off our tree.

Slappy Goes To The Theater

To see a musical, family friendly version of Cinderella, which had audience participation and raunchy jokes from the 2 step sisters, Simon and Cowell - actually big men in drag.

Both Jess and Maddie enjoyed it. Maddie spent the show on Jess' lap due to the fact that she did not have the weight to keep the seat from closing on her, and asked for more when it ended.

Madd Max Goes To The Ball Drop

At the Awesome Playground.

Where the kiddos focused on some of their favorite things.

And were joined by Shanna, baby Jane and Edith.

Who danced hand in hand with Max.

Ok, it was actually a balloon drop at 12 noon, followed by sparkling cider.

Madd Max Get A Visit From Old Friends

Mel B and Adam were in town for breakfast. They enjoyed the kids via phone photos. Jess enjoyed them in person.

Madd Max Get Their Nails Did

For the first time.

So they could look "just like Karol."

Toes too.

Madd Max Continue The Party

After being told that all the presents had been opened and there were no more, the kids arrived home to find presents had arrived from Great Aunt Renee and Uncle Chris. Maddie was so excited that she shrieked and rolled around on the floor.

Max got a plane that he could screw and unscrew himself. Dad was equally riveted.

Madd Max Have A Merry Christmas

Maddie woke up at 6am and was thrilled to see that Santa had filled her stocking.

She managed to wait until 7:30 before she woke her bro up.

Whose favorite part of the stockings was the candy.

One of Sam's gifts, which the fam used to bike to the traditional Thai lunch.Lunch.

The evening festivities took place at the Chadwick household.

With some dapper looking kids.

There was some holiday socializing.

And the food - Scott's cheesy grits. The fam brought blondies with pretzel caramel, Mimi's cranberry sauce, glazed carrots, green bean casserole and a cheesy bread.

Alex's cucumber jello mold, accompanied by a more appetizing chowder. Chicken, lamb and fried kale chips above Alex's head by the Chadwicks.

Latkes by Jess.

Liverball and deep dish apple pie by Holly.

Adult whipped cream for said pie by Sam.

Bread pudding and garlic mashed potatoes by Mina.

The Chadwicks had a grab basket of toys for the kiddos - the gymnastic ribbons provided a magical end to the evening.

Madd Max Has A Happy Christmas Eve

With a visit from Karol, bringing gifts.

After much discussion about how Santa would be coming in through a window because we do not have a chimney, Maddie proved Mom wrong. Here she is pointing out our "little chimney," known to some as the exhaust hole.

A more successful second attempt.

And some of those cookies and milk standing by for Santa.

Madd Max See Aurelia

After a 3 month long separation. Just like old times.

Madd Max Celebrate Dad's Birthday

Helping him with his presents.Making The Page Birthday Cake.

Giving him a little quiet time with some jacketless biking to the park.

Where some kid had made "traps" all over the park - 1' x 1' x 1' holes covered in leaves, which was a clever idea, except for the I'll -break-your-legs-one at the bottom of the slide.Hello, awesome helicopter.Of course, Sam really wanted to go to the Santa train at Travel Town.

Where we met Edith and her fam.

Maddie wanted to see Santa, but didn't want to sit on his lap. Luckily they provided boxes for little kid viewing.And finally, a little song.