Madd Max Have A Happy New Year's Eve

Staying up till 12am, watching movies - although, at 11:50pm, when the movie ended, Maddie was all - alright, I'm going to bed.  (With tooth brushing and getting ready for bed, she did manage to see the ball drop and then went promptly to bed.  Max requested that he be allowed an all-nighter.  He was not.)

The Scrapper Engages In A Jess Pastime

With some hot cocoa, Jess and a "YEET" puzzle.

Madd Max Praise It

Their first time receiving cash.

 

Madd Max Has A Zoom Family Christmas

Normally, the fam would leave on the 27th to head back east.  This year, the Kender Secret Santa and kid present opening happened over zoom.

Opening presents with the remote fam.

Also, normally, the Page-Bethels would be out in Cali, celebrating in person.

 

This time, more celebrating was done remotely.

Madd Max Has A Happy 2nd Half of Christmas

A gift from Taisie - Jess stayed in these all day.

For lunch, Taisie made one of her mom's favorite dishes, a cheese soufflé.

Happy fam.

A stop by Toby's to wave thru the window.

Pre-dinner cocktails - mistletoe martinis and the non-alcoholic version.

Traditional chicken paprikash and spaetzle for dinner.

In flute class, Max has been practicing Christmas songs.  Pre-dinner, he played Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Jess' behest.

Madd Max Have A Happy Christmas Morning

Matching jammies make Jess happy.

So do these two.

Taisie.

Kittens like stocking stuffers too.

Sam's traditional cinnamon rolls.

Hot pants.

One of Jess' stocking stuffers.

After being seriously influenced by some strong advertising, Maddie decided what she really wanted for Christmas was an Edible Arrangement.  While her parents did not understand the ask, she did get one and was thrilled.  (Max asked for a chocolate fountain - which he also received).

Madd Max Gets A Response

Santa writes back.

To both kids.

And leaves some stockings.

And presents. 

Madd Max Lays Out Letters For Santa

Prepped on the coffee table.

Max's.

Maddie's.

Maddie's first round, which she was told to revise, later landing at the version above.

Madd Max Have A Happy Christmas Eve

Watching The Christmas Chronicles with Taisie.

Opening one gift the night before.

Mulled wine and cheese and crackers.

Gift wrapping is exhausting.

Chinese takeout for dinner provided by Mimi and Dozee.  While typically eaten for Christmas lunch, it seemed festive to go for it Christmas Eve.

The evening wrapping up with a family favorite, Elf.

The Scrapper Does A Christmas Reading

Of Morris' Disappearing Bag (one of Jess' favorite Christmas stories) and The Grinch with Bryson and Iris.  Both sets of kids fondly remembered last year in Cleveland when they all got to play in the pool together.  This wasn't the same, but it still was pretty awesome.

Madd Max Celebrate Sam's Birthday

Morning breakfast of Eggs Benedict, followed by a day of chilling on the sofa.

Dinner of Sugarfish and Dominos with Taisie.

Followed by Page cake and present opening.  Happy 44!!

The Scrapper Has A Gingerbread House Making Party

Hosted by friend, Ava.

Most of the decorating went into his mouth, as it did on round one with this house.

Madd Max Get Into The Holiday Season

By making Great-Grandma's Christmas Cookie Wreaths.

And enjoying the beginning of the Christmas card arrivals - the Findleys won this round.

Madd Max Gets A Front Yard Makeover

How it was.

Green and palm-y.

Dec 12 - front walk plants removed.

Palm tree down.

Dec 13 - grass out.

Dec 18 - front steps demolished.

New sidewalk pavers laid.

Dec 22 - plants arrive.

As does olive tree.