Madd Max Spreads The Love

When Max is enjoying floor time, Maddie can never, really never, resist the chance to come and love up on her little bro. Usually she takes his head in both hands and presses her cheek or lips on him, smiling and laughing. Sometimes there are pat-pats. Next is the ramping up to trying to roll on top of him, followed by Sam and Jess hollering, "GENTLE!"

Since there was a lot of love at home, Jess headed over to dooner's Annual Stuffing Party, where friends gather to stuff stockings for kids in need... as well as some eating... and drinking.

The Scrapper Is A Clock

Contrary to the way this pix looks, Steve has not lost his grip on Max, but rather the following is occuring:
"Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock. You're a little Max-y Clock."
Max thought the transformation was enjoyable.

Madd Max Double Engages

First at the Double Birthday/Engagement Celebration of Eric and Kathleen.Who would have made Martha Stewart proud with their ability to host a fabulous party and wrangle many a baby.

As bedtime drew near, Sam and Jess dropped the littles at home, told Maddie to chin up, take care of her bro, and headed off into the night. There might have been a sitter in there somewhere as well. Then it was off to Kille and Rick's feista (not shown) where Sam learned how to mix both a peppermint and a pomegranate martini. The evening was capped off by Holly Rose's All-You-Can-Eat Barabarian Sushi Birthday Party, ie Sam's perfect end to the evening.

Madd Max Gets A Tree

And a first visit from Santa at Toddler Tales in the library. Maddie was unimpressed, and showed no interest in meeting Santa, perhaps because she had no idea who he was.

In the early afternoon, we got a great surprise. Sam had gotten off of work early and we were able to head out to pick our tree up from the local YMCA lot... Which is right by the local Sewage Treatment Plant... The effect of which is a lovely mix of pine and poo.

Sam picked out our fine tree.

And we set it up at home using the old tree stand from 7 years ago - the last time Sam and Jess had a tree in LA.

This is what followed for many minutes until Sam headed out to Target to get a new and improved tree stand.

And the night ended with the kiddos in bed, 2 martinis in hand, and the lights on the tree.

Madd Max Starts To Celebrate

But first, there was a house full o' kiddos.
In the living room...

In the playroom...

In the kitchen, the halls...

Which needed to be decked. Sam headed out to put some holiday lights up on the porch, and brought Maddie out to view them. Compared to the gargantuan blowup Santas and lights to match on our neighbors' homes and lawns, our display did little to impress her.

Inside, Jess had decked the Max as well.

Madd Max Returns To The Steelers

Or at least some Steelers viewing with Drew.

And a very happy Elizabeth.

During the game, ELF and Maddie asked to be placed into Elizabeth's play yard, which thrilled both them and their parents. Sadly, ELF was the first to leave, which meant Maddie immediately wanted out, and the peace that had reigned in the house became chaos once again. (We even tried to lure them back into the yard with toys to no avail).

Lilly and Steve remained concerned over the game on the tv as the Steelers continued to struggle. No toys to fix that either.

Madd Max Has Good Photos

Sam took these shots during our visit, and they are too good not to share.

Happy Holiday Season!

Madd Max Heads Home

After many kisses from Great Grandma.

For the kiddos and Jess alike.

We had the best bus ride from the rental car agency to the airport.

And then a very, very, very long flight back - 2 tired parents makes 2 kiddos seem like 24, particularly when one (the older, entertain me, one) chooses not to nap.

And holds out until we are about to hop in the taxi home. Luckily, when we arrived home, Mimi was there with a warm beef stew and homemade cornbread. That helped.

Madd Max Goes Hungarian

Jess' Kender side of the family is Hungarian - her Dad is a first generation American, so while the banana in Maddie's mouth is not particularly Hungarian, the Great Grandma is.

The Great Grandma who engaged in smiling games with Max over lunch.

Jess embraced these roots by cooking her first Hungarian dinner, chicken paprikash and homemade spaetzle under Great Grandma's watchful eye.

The sugar snap peas and soda, also very Hungarian.

Madd Max Has Funny Great Uncles

The morning began with some light conversation between Great Grandma and Max.

Then a lunch from a Cleveland staple, Rally's.

Next up, a visit from Great Uncle Ed. Unlike other Uncles, he is not teaching Maddie how to pick her nose, although it is not clear what he is doing. Whatever it is, it made Maddie laugh.

A little bonding time with the second! of his 3 great-nephews.

Then a visit from the also hilarious Great Uncle Rick who came up with the awesome game of "I-throw-the-pillow-at-you." This was repeated many times over.

Max took some time to get additional cuddling in with Great Aunt Carole.

The evening finished a bath with Essence O' Great Grandma Bath Toys.