Madd Max Have A Delayed Easter Egg Hunt

It didn't happen on Easter proper because #tweens.

But it still was fun.

This guy was watching.

Madd Max Celebrates Again

Inauguration ice cream after school.

Madd Max Has A Throwback

The house's internet had hit a point where it was down for hours at a time, making it very hard to have 2 kids distance learning and 2 adults distance working.  The internet tech needed to come in the house which meant the family all gathered in the back bedroom for the rest of the day.  It was very reminiscent of early days when the floors were being redone and the fam lived for 3 weeks in the back bedroom. 

The Scrapper Loses Privileges

Max lost electronics privileges.  To handle the lack of electronics, he drew himself watching TV.

His reenactment of his drawing per Jess' behest.

Madd Max Go To Starcourt Mall

For a drive thru Stranger Things experience.

With friends - that's the Leonhardts, passing in front of the Prius.

And the Findley's in the next row over.

And the best part - the walkie talkies the kids used to chat between cars.

Good times in Hawkins.

Madd Max Enjoy A 2nd Magic Show

This time involving tricks that the viewing audience could participate in.  They loved it.

Madd Max Go To Holiday Road

At King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.  Here's what cues look like when they're made for cars, not people.

It was a drive thru holiday light experience, complete with music.

The backseat crew.

In one area, there were even live carolers with masks, singing.

It was a great way to close out the holiday season.

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.)

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 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.