The Scrapper Has Head Control

Which comes in handy at bath time.

Max has also begun to get his hand into his mouth -on purpose- with the occasional smack in the eye -not on purpose- and although this is not shown, it is a pretty sweet accomplishment.

Madd Max Hangs With ELF

ELF was determined to show Max how to use his paci properly.

She also schooled Maddie where the best toys were to be found.

For example, the cool pool in the backyard. Aarin kept Max from being too jealous of the girls flagrant use of the pool with some McLovin.

The Scrapper Returns

By early morning ferry with Uncle Wills and Dzedo.

And another peaceful airplane ride - Jess read 269 pages in her book - with a layover in Vegas for some quick gambling.

Finally they landed in Burbank. Sam and Maddie met Jess and Max at the baggage claim. Upon seeing Jess, Maddie put her hands out, buried her head in her neck, and patted her back. Jess cried. Then all of Maddie's attention turned to her little bro, and she spent the rest of the day trying to pat and hug him.

The Scrapper Is Concerned

"Social security check not come?"
"Socialized health care ruining the country?"
"Kids on your lawn?"

The Scrapper Has Beach Time

The day began with some pensive, thumb-chewing from Aiden.

If his mom was playing with his cousin, who would play with him?

All fears were put to rest when Aunt Tara proved she could entertain 2 babies with equal zeal.

Plus, Uncle Ant was nearby for baby back-up.

Who was additionally backed-up by Uncle Wills.Who was also backed-up by Tio Greg.

The afternoon continued with some wave riding.

Aunt Tara coming out of the waves to meet Aiden for lunch.

Jess hid behind Max, avoiding the cold, cold Atlantic.

Then it was time for evening wear. (Evening wear provided by Great Aunt Renee, who has a picture of Uncle Wills and cousin Sebastian at about the same age in matching apparel.)

The evening wear portion of the evening was followed by dinner and ice cream, and a totally candid family photo.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie enjoyed nature's bounty of green beans.

The Scrapper Male Bonds

By the afternoon, the rest of the family had arrived and the storm had cleared.

Max got in some Antiques Roadshow Price-Is-Right playing time with Uncle Ant.

He spent some time with Uncle Wills, noticing how much more mature he seemed with one week of college under his belt.

Tio Greg schooled Max on the importance of ninja-sharp reflexes.For evading the cold, cold ocean and siblings who want to put you there.

Aunt Tara brought Aiden down to the beach to watch, learn and bond as well.

Tio Greg remained skillfully dry, until he arrived at the house where his brothers used the patented, spray-you-with-the hose technique.

Good times.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie found a happiness at the top of a hike in a good digging stick and her bellybutton.

The Scrapper Heads To Fire Island

2 bins of food, 1 cooler, 2 suitcases, 1 stroller (with baby), 1 Dzedo and 2 dogs loaded and ready to go.

On Max's first ferry ride. There was a huge storm brewing, the winds and high waves slamming the ferry into the pier as we pulled in to Ocean Beach and jolting everyone in their seats.

Max was nonplussed after being wheeled through the storm to the house, where he relaxed in his warm, towel/belt wrap.

Waking just in time for his first trip to the Atlantic Ocean, post-storm.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sam and Maddie spent some quality back-hoe watching, zoo-time together.

The Scrapper Smiles Again

Max has been smiling for about a month now, which makes mornings delightful.

And, of course, Lucia knows smiling is contagious.

As does Tante. Smiling also reduces stress, lowers your blood pressure, and helps your immune system.

Jess was feeling pretty healthy.

Particularly after an awesome Indian buffet.

Next up was the supermarket with Dr. Kerry. This is the second year in a row that Kerry has helped Jess shop for Fire Island without actually vacationing herself.

Her help and company left us all smiling.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie hadn't gotten the memo.

The Scrapper Takes Manhattan

But first, Brooklyn - with a brunch and a walk by the East River with Heather.

Then back to Jersey City to hang with the baby brigade.

Then Hoboken, to drop off Tante and his lady friend, Lucia. All the socializing was exhausting.Which meant that by the time he should have been ready to take Manhattan, he was asleep. So Jess and Uncle Leon took it instead, grabbing dinner and the show "Hair." Dzedo handled babysitting duties.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Sam brought out The Nap Maker on a hike.

The Scrapper Hangs In Hoboken

With his crew, Mateo and baby sister, Lucia.
Wazzup, holmes!

Françoise, Eddie, Mateo, Jess and the sleeping wee ones headed out for a Japanese lunch.

Where some chopstick wars ensued.

Later, they cruised the streets, meeting up with friend, Gina.

Where Mateo participated in one of Maddie's favorite past times of stick gathering. On his way home, he placed 2 of his 3 prize sticks in Max's stroller, perhaps trying to woo his possible betrothed from afar.

The day ended with relaxing at stroller central, formerly known as the living room.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie battled with the eternal question:
"Fork...

Or hand."