Madd Max Has A Family Meal

The crew.

Some of whom rocked a tired and cranky Maddie sort-of to sleep.

Madd Max Has The First Kender Koffee

Mimi decided that getting all the Kenders together for a monthly conference call was a good way to keep the fam updated on everyone's goings ons.  After making sure bakery was delivered the day before so everyone had munchies during the call, the first one began at 7am PST, and it was awesome.  It was also loud, as Kenders are known to be, apparently even a country apart.

Slappy Settles In At OSS

Madd with her cabin mates.  According to Maddie, the best part of OSS was the cabin with it's space heaters and the feeling of curling up in a warm nook.

Outside the cabin, where it was a lot colder than she had anticipated.

On Wednesday, just before lunch, a text got sent out saying that all the OSS kids would be returning home that day.  Because of the incoming snow, the call was made to get the kids back, before the roads became dangerous. While Maddie enjoyed OSS more than she had anticipated, she didn't mind the trip ending early at all.  Max, however, was in tears realizing that his week, filled with one-on-one time with Natalie, his parents, and Taisie had come to an abrupt end.

Slappy Heads To OSS

Outdoor Science School.  This year all the 5th graders headed to Colby Ranch in Palmdale, as their usual OSS in Malibu had burned down in the fires.  They got dropped at the buses Tuesday at 8:15, with plans to return Friday at 11:30.  This is Maddie's first sleep away, and no electronics are allowed.  She was not looking forward to it, however this face is all - "Mooooommm, stop."  (As in Mom stop fussing over me, I got this).

Maddie's crew - Izabella on the left would be her top bunk mate.  Samantha would be in another cabin.  Jess teared up on the drive into work as she left what had been her baby behind.

Madd Max Welcomes

Both a double rainbow.

And Great Aunt Lulu and Great Uncle Jeff who are about to move into their new home, right nearby.

Madd Max Heads To Descanso Gardens

Handsome.

The fam met up with the Williams to watch some shadow puppet shows and wander the grounds, enjoying the live music.

Slappy Has An Art Night

Maddie, Elizabeth and Ellie have been going on monthly older girl dates to an Art Night in Encino where they create and eat pizza.  Sleepovers round out the evenings.

Madd Max Likes Homemade

Homemade chocolate babka for breakfast.

Homemade pappardelle for lunch.  Sam makes all the good things.

Slappy Goes Boothing

Working those Pavilions customers.

Madd Max Game Design

Cousin Sebastian came over for a few hours to introduce the kids into the world of game design.  They remained riveted the entire time, and ended up with two games to show for it.

Madd Max Ends With A Final Spoiling

 Usually when Mimi and/or Dozee come to visit, the following things happen that bring the kids great joy.  Lucky Charms, Corner Cottage burritos and Porto's OJ appear, followed by a coveted trip to A'float Sushi.  

Maddie ate 3 dishes of California rolls, and Max astounded Jess by eating a plate of California rolls, 2 of masago, 1 of dumplings and part of a bowl edamame.  He then announced he did not want dessert.  A few minutes later,  he finished the rest of Maddie's macarons and some mochi.  

Madd Max Has A Super Bowl Sunday

Where the various Super Nachos and chips and dip filled everyone up way before the main courses even arrived.

And the Grandmas hung out in the office, getting in some chat time.

Madd Max Has A Janisz Brunch

With cousins, Sebastian and Liana.

Who came prepared for a group Super Smash Bros.

Madd Max Gets Some Mimi Time

Who arrived and set up shop in the kitchen.  After all, Super Bowl Sunday was coming.

Madd Max Has Another Movie Night

The Chadwicks hosted, part of which included Arthur's making of Jess' coveted vodka penne pizza.

Why would Kathleen be holding a xylophone?

For the music performance, of course - conducted by none other than Henry.

Guess this classic movie book game.

Everyone settles in for Blade Runner 2049.

Another movie that Jess hadn't seen.

And introduced by Arthur via podium because an event like this needs proper gravitas.