Slappy Is Sick

But outside the occasional vomit, she remains pretty happy.

Especially when she got a book on the planets from Dad. They are learning about them in school. How's this for a conversation starter, "Mom, if you are near the sun, you will melt."

Madd Max Eats

Cuban food with cousin, Sebastian.

Sticky Cereal aka Rice Krispie Treats made even better with a Mimi suggestion - sprinkles.

Madd Max Heads To The Zoo

To show Mimi the giraffes.

And to try out the new carousel.

Which comes complete with a giant bench of poo for the dung beetle to climb on.

The Scrapper Goes To His First Hockey Game

It was a 5pm game, and Max spent the day making sure that Sam wore his hockey sweater and practicing saying, "Go, Kings, Go!" and "Pass the puck!"

Mimi schools Max on Gretzky outside the Staples Center.

Pirate Kings fan observes from a high post.

Max stayed engaged for 2 full periods, took a 20 minute break, and finished out the game crying for, "More Hockey!!" Maddie stayed interested for the first period and parts of the following 2, although the first few goals did bring back memories of her first game. She later learned to enjoy the cheering.

Best day ever.

Slappy Continues On The Party Circuit

Gearing up with some french toast by Mimi - Jess' favorite.

A little modified limbo at Carter's birthday party.

Pirate? face painting.

Madd Max Doesn't Play With Their Food At The Table

But Mimi does when she comes to visit.

Madd Max Go To The Dentist

For the first time, and yes, this is in the waiting room. Maddie was scared, but managed to make it through an entire cleaning with an occasional cry for "Daddyyyyyy". She left very proud of herself.

Max went a few hours later, and here were the Dentist's comments, "It's amazing to have a 2 1/2-year-old sit this long. If all my patients were like you, Max, I would have a very peaceful day."

Madd Max Follow Up Their Playdate

But first, Jess and Sam went on an adult date to the LACMA - their first time ever.

Then it was over to Annie and Maggie's house where Max told Tori to sit.

A Sam pile up.

And something that looked like a chicken fight without the fighting and mostly running (Aeryn and her folks also joined in).

The Scrapper Gets A Taste Of How It Could Be

When we headed over to Luke's Birthday Party. It was the first time ever that Jess saw Max playing with a group of boys.

He did also spend some time playing with Luke's younger sister and his first "girlfriend" - his words - Stella.

Then it was over to Kille, Rick and the Stucker boys' house for dinner. There was a kids table at which they all sat at.

And then the adults had their own meal. For real - with 6 kids entertaining themselves happily. Score!

Madd Max Sometimes Hold Hands

And feet.

Madd Max Return To The Park

The modern see-saw. The ones that Jess grew up with are no longer seen around these parts.

Duck viewing.

Handsome Sam.

Group lunch.

Madd Max Do Something Jess Could Never Do

Splits. And easily.

Madd Max Give Mom A New Wallpaper

For her phone. She got this picture after repeatedly begging for the kids to smile, giving up and then blowing raspberries at them.

Slappy Gets Tucked In

By her bro. Then given a hug, a kiss (which was determined to be yucky) and a pat pat.

Madd Max Has Valentine's Parties

At school. Mom got to go and help pass out Valentines (they lined up the bags in a row, and each kid took turns placing theirs into a bag).

Max's party was a calmer sort, but he was very pleased to have Mom come and read books to some of his class.After school, they got to open their bags.

Madd Max Get A Valentine's Package

From Taisie. They were super excited.

Post package, playing with their dogs and mouths stuffed with chocolate.

Madd Max Has A School Playdate

Their very first, at Aeryn's house. Also in attendance, Maggie and Annie and their parents. All, young and old, had a great time.

Max, again, was the sole male, and spent a lot of time playing trains in his Tiana dress-up.

Maddie had her own unique attire. After wanting to run free, in the cool afternoon air, she got a little chilly.

Madd Max Have A Park Morning

Feeding the ducks.

Climbing cause Lilly did it.

Sway fun.

Picnic lunch.

And some bouncing.

Slappy Watches The Superbowl

But first helped Mom make Mississippi Mud Cake, something Jess has been thinking about for 2 years. With a legacy like this, how could she not.

Then Jess and Maddie headed over to AK's Annual Super Bowl Party to hang with Auntie Jamie. Max and Sam stayed home because someone had to clean up the projectile vomiting.