Madd Max Heads To Nirvana Again

Mimi headed back to LA on business, and having hit the elation jackpot, took Jess and the kiddos back out to...

You guessed it - the home of the Mickey Mouse pancake.The merry-go-round - still a big hit, although Max gave the "all-done" sign halfway in. (His favorite was the Tiki Room).Ok, really, his fav was waiting on line because he got to shake chain over and over again.

Maddie's new favorite - the map. The next morning, she even pulled it out to discuss the castle, Mickey Mouse and Mimi. She walked around the park like this.

By nap time, Maddie was not willing to admit she was tired. She did, however, snuggle in with Mimi on the Jungle Cruise, getting the best of both worlds.

Slappy Dunks

Sort of. It was really better then a dunk, anyway.

Slappy And Her Cuz Have Common Interests

They both enjoyed pouring water over the garden statue, dubbed "Mama."

They both enjoyed clean feet.
Bare or not.

They both decided that if their parents weren't taking them, they were still going to head off to "The Mountain High."

Maddie did convince Taisie and Sam into some canoeing which was the highlight of her trip and included a Maddie-sized oar.

Yeah, cousins are awesome.

Slappy And Dad Head To Chocorua

Where Maddie was confused by the barn with no animals, but was still able to enjoy the swing.

There she re-met her cousin, Gwen.

Who has the cutest pigtails ever.

Slappy Has A Pony Tail

Jess arrived home to find Maddie with her first ponytail, put in by Karol. Jess was enchanted.

Madd Max Stickers And Gets Stuck

Step 1: Remove Sticker.

Step 2: Apply to brother.

Step 3: Enjoy your handiwork.

Madd Max Heads To Vegas For Kids

Last weekend, the fam was at Disneyland primarily for the Annual Microtia/Atresia Conference. After Mimi heard what a hit it was (and the fact that we did not actually spend much time at the park), she decided to treat the kiddos to another trip. Her words, "What's the point of being a grandparent, if I don't get to spoil my grandkids?"

This was also Uncle Wills' first time at Disneyland.

His first ride, the Jungle Cruise.

Maddie continued to get treated by Mimi with a mid-morning snack of a Mickey Mouse pancake.And Jess learned that Disneyland is just as much fun as going when you are little, if you are going with someone little.

Maddie even "found" Mickey Mouse when Mimi bought her a stuffed toy, which she clutched to her the rest of the visit. And for those of you wondering where Sam was, he was also spoiled by Mimi, as he got to spend the morning all alone in Burbank.A satisfying day.

Madd Max Is Joined By Mimi

Who arrived to spend the weekend as well (not shown here).

We enjoyed a lunch at our local Columbian joint, La Maria.

This visit was particularly gratifying for Jess, shown here, as Maddie recognized clearly and was excited to see Uncle Wills and Mimi. Even groggy after nap, she made a point to stick her head into the living room to say hi to them before her standard cup of milk.

Slappy Is Gonna Catch Chu

Uncle Wills arrived for a weekend visit, which meant Maddie got to spend the morning playing, "Unc Wills! I gonna Catch Chu!" which actually means "Uncle Wills! Come catch me!"Later, Uncle Wills stopped by Jess' work, and proceeded to get caught trying to find the all important blood slides of Dexter.

Madd Max Is So Mature

Helping Dad dig sprinkler ditches.

Having a sit down dinner with friends.

Followed by a nightcap, otherwise known as story.

Madd Max Actually Goes To Disneyland

So Friday, we never actually went into Disneyland proper - all of our time spent either at the hotel or Downtown Disney, which probably would have been just fine with the kiddos. In the morning, we went to the Rainforest Cafe for breakfast, which was themed down to every last inch. We probably could have stayed there, and that would've been just fine with the kiddos (except for the occasional thunderstorm within the restaurant which scared the kids).

When we finally made it, Maddie got to drive in cars, hit up "It's a Small World" and ride the teacups with Dad.

As well as the choo-choo train.

Max had the misfortune of having a bad cold, which meant that he was constantly rubbing his eyes. Which meant that he was constantly rubbing suntan lotion in his eyes. Note the above red, running result.

The fam on one of Jess' favorite rides, the Jungle Cruise.

Madd Max Goes To Disneyland

i.e. Vegas For Kids. The second we walked in to the hotel, passing a huge Mickey sculpture, Maddie was all in. Although she hadn't known who Mickey was pre-parking lot, she became enthralled by him.Instead of free drinks, they handed out balloons upon check-in, and the kiddos were thrilled. (Maddie has slept with her balloon the past two nights).And even more amazing - the hotel pool.Which had a slide for the smaller kiddos - Max stood at the top watching his sister.

After swimming, watching bubbles and giant cartoon characters, the kids were punch drunk. As we walked through Downtown Disney to get dinner, they both danced to every live band or music pumped in from speakers.

Madd Max Has Sunday Brunch

The day began with some time on the dock.

Dock, awesome dock.

And then it was over to Great Aunt Marian and Great Uncle Bob's house for a post-wedding brunch, where Great Grandma sat with her 4 great-grandkids and 1 grandniece.

And Jess learned that there just is a difference between boys and girls. Max (1 year), Aiden (1 year, 1 month) and Landon (9 months) spent most of their time together trying to wrestle. They would toddle, crawl or scoot their way together and try to get on top of each other - something Maddie and the other little girls never did (and is clearly ingrained because it isn't a learned behavior unless all 3 have been sneaking watching the WWE).

Madd Max Heads To The Reception

Which was held in the Detroit Zoo in a building that also housed the butterfly house. Kristin is a vet, so this venue was very appropriate.

It was a beautiful two level building, which Max totally dug as one of his new favorite pastimes is climbing stairs, and saying, "Up! Up!"He also dug the butterfly house, unlike his sister who screamed in fear at the butterfly who landed on Jess (it was pretty big and sort of moth-like, so not entirely unwarranted screaming).

"Are you insane? You're so not getting me back in there."

The Uncles 3 took some time to create a fine montage.

Which spoke of their dignity.

And poise.

Yes, Grandma, those are all yours.

While watching the toasts, Max indulged in another favorite pastime - banging.

Ally had more self control.Uncle Wills gained some by just her presence.

And in the first photo where Jess saw a true resemblance between father and son, the Page men loosened up a little, showing off the next dapper layer down.Max did some rounds, spending some time with Mimi.

As we all watched the first dance. While we did not get to stay much later as the kiddos were quickly fading, a great time was had by all.