next stop: Sweet Cherry Fest

Hi Friends,

How are you?  What is your next stop this weekend?

We don't have anything major planned this weekend (that I am currently remembering!), but we are gearing up for a small out-of-town vacation next week - next stop, our first trip as a family to San Antonio and Sea World!

But I know we also will make a stop at the Cherry Fest at Whole Foods this weekend.  We have a really nice crate of cherries we are enjoying this week (we as in Mommy, Daddy, and really SISSY of all people since I am enjoying meals of air and cereal this week) from Whole Foods.  Thank you!

Are you enjoying cherries this season?  How do you enjoy them?  I think my family prefers them just how they come! ... even Super Sadie, can you believe it?  But Mommy wants to try out some other creative ways to enjoy cherries, and we'll share that with you soon.  Any suggestions on how to enjoy them?  (We were also thinking - how can we make cherry-inspired art?!)

In the meantime, please enjoy some fun facts and foodie ideas about cherries from Whole Foods.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Where are my cherries, MAMA!? ... says Sissy.  (Notice Sadie's lovely cherry dress from Carter's).

Yes, your little one might also enjoy some fresh cherries.  Sadie is also working on her pincher grip!

Or ask your Mommy or Daddy to blend your cherries up with some apple sauce!  Mmm, Sadie ate this whole batch tonight (with a side of sweet potatoes).

From Whole Foods Market Houston:

Know your cherries
Several varieties can be found in stores throughout the summer. Each is uniquely delicious; try them all to determine your favorite!

Bing: The best-known variety grown in the U.S., appreciated for its intensely sweet, vibrant flavors.

Staccato: A large, late-season variety, this super-sweet fruit is dark red, almost black in color.

Rainier: Large cherries with a golden color and a pink or red blush, pure yellow flesh and firm, fine texture. With their delicate flavor and extraordinary sugar levels, these are considered by many to be THE best cherries!

Skeena: Large round cherries with dark round skin. This later-season variety is known for its juicy sweetness.

Sweetheart: A late-season variety with dark red flesh and skin. It’s heart-shaped, of course!


Cooking uses and ideas:
· Breakfast—Sweeten up your morning and add some cherries to pancakes, toss them into your oatmeal or yogurt or bake them into a granola bar to keep you full on the go.

· Salad— Mix cherries with walnuts, zesty vinaigrettes, and spinach for a light meal or combine it wild rice for a different spin on salad.

· Grilling—Throw them on the grill or add a sweet cherry sauce to make pork chops or any other meat choice have an extra kick

· Desserts— Add cherries to a pie or toss them into an ice cream sundae for a quick summer treat.

· Drinks—Chop and blend cherries up with your other favorite fruits for a healthy smoothie, coolers, and maybe your own homemade cherry lemonade.

More to come about cherry season and our delicious cherries from Whole Foods!

-Mad Max

Be sure to also find us on Mad About Town.

fun monday: Is It Summer Yet?

Hi Friends,

We hope you are well!  How was your weekend?

Where have we been?  Well, Mommy is "drowning" ... so we've obviously been taking care of her.  Between packing, moving to our temporary home, not knowing where our computer / charger was, Mommy getting sick (and still sick), Mommy busy at work and home, going out of town ... (and so on and so forth).

So with all of that said ... we still don't have a lot of time right now to update you, but Mommy said things might get better in about a week.  And even better, LESS THAN TWO MONTHS UNTIL SUMMER.  Is anyone else looking forward to summer (for different or similar reasons?)!

So a quick update ... we went to Austin this weekend (Sissy's first trip to Austin!) for Daddy's (and Mimi's) race (Austin 1020 - 10 miles, 20 bands ... this is their second annual time to do it!)  Congrats to Dada and Mimi!  They BOTH did great - ranked high.  Daddy was number 11 in over 200 people in his age group.

We were only in town Saturday and Sunday - a quick visit, but we did get to do some of our favorites - Kirby Lane for lunch.  Zilker Park playground and TRAIN - choo choo ALL ABOARD (that's my favorite saying lately).  AND there happened to be a Fire Truck and a real Fire Man at the park.  He gave us fire helmets!  We also got to visit our favorite Whole Foods - TWICE (and Sadie accidently participated in her first Flash Mob).  And of course the highlight was their race!

We didn't have time to go through all of our photos right now, but we wanted to share a few gems with you.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sadie's first swing ride at 5 (almost 6) months.  Sissy loved it!

The family after the race.  Mommy said it's a horrible photo of her, but you just look Asian, Mom!  And she wants me to tell you the weather wasn't great, and it was VERY WINDY.  By the way, Mommy - you aren't wearing pants.

We also wanted to share a quick retro look back ... Mommy said she doesn't ALWAYS remember exact photos of first moments, but this one she does (of my first swing ride).  Speaking of looking Asian - check out THIS photo below.  My first swing ride was after a birthday party (I was around 7 months).  When I smile or laugh, I have Asian eyes too, Mommy!  Too funny.  And to prove to you that I didn't always have Asian eyes as a baby, check out the other photo below from the same month.

So how was your weekend?  Any swinging?

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to check us out on Mad About Town.

next stop: Happy Travels, Happy (Merry) Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday ... etc

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year!

We have to apologize for being MIA for a few weeks, but we gave ourselves a break since it was the holidays after all.  But first ... how were your holidays?  Did you travel?  How was your New Year?  What are you looking forward to this year?

We have so much to fill you in on during the coming weeks ... our 3rd Annual Houston Rockets trip to NYC ... Christmas ... then there was New Years ... and today Mommy and Daddy are celebrating their 3rd Wedding Anniversary, and now Mommy and I have mostly been busy planning my 2nd Birthday Celebration (for this Saturday), and my real birthday is this coming Monday!  Whew.  (Oh, and we can't forget Sadie celebrated her 2 Month Birthday ... and her 10 Week Birthday this week.  More on that soon!).

So needless to say, we are a little bit busy (mostly with my birthday celebration - we can't wait to share more about it soon.  Start crossing your fingers it doesn't rain on our "parade"!)  Everyone is involved in DIY for my Wild Rumpus party, and Gramby and Pops creations are VERY impressive.  Guests should come just to see those (and to see me, the Super Tot, of course).  We have so much planned to celebrate,  and at least we have cover in case it rains (it's at Hermann Park near the playground area).

Also, Mommy is returning to work from maternity leave very soon ... we are all very sad about it and looking ahead to summer!

In the meantime... we wanted to share a few fun photos with you today.  First a few fun Instagram photos from the holidays, and then a wedding photo of Mommy and Daddy.  Love you!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

I got Caillou from Santa!  I love my "Cowie" (Caillou).  Christmas Eve PJs are from Old Navy.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sissy with some of her Christmas gifts at our house.  Isn't she a cutie?  Christmas Eve PJs are from Old Navy, and her My First Christmas bib is from Target.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

PJ time during the holidays (it beats tummy time, Sissy says ...).  PJs both from Carter's.

-Mad Max

PS: You can also find us at Mad About Town.

next stop: The City (and Newborn) That Never Sleeps

Hi Friends,

What are your plans this coming weekend?

Mommy (and Sadie) and I are suppose to do our 3rd Annual Christmas Shopping (Houston Galleria) and Chuy's trip with Mommy's friend, J.

But our biggest plans are our first trip to New York City for our 3rd Annual Houston Rockets Road Game trip (Houston Rockets versus the New York Knicks ... bringing Linsanity back).  Be sure to read about our two previous trips: San Antonio and Oklahoma City.  We are huge Rockets fans, and we can't wait until the game.  We are just awaiting the arrival of our Harden beards.

Not only are we excited about the game ... but it's our (Mad Max and Super Sadie) first trip to NYC, it's during the holidays, and we get to see Tia Tam and Uncle M.  Mommy use to live in NYC, but she's really excited to show me all the IGHTS (lights... I guess that can also be sights).

Mommy and I worked really hard on our plans for our trip - baby and tot friendly.  Here are some ideas ... hopefully we can fit in everything Mommy wants us to see!  (We'll have a bigger re-cap of course after our trip).

Central Park Zoo (The featured zoo in Madagascar!)
Central Park Carousel (I love carousels.  Do all Super Tots feel this way?)
FAO Schwarz (The best toy store in the world ... Mommy loves to visit this store!)
Department Store Holiday Windows (Daddy's kind of shopping.  No spending - just look at the windows.  Not to be missed during the holidays in NYC.)
Rockefeller Tree (I'm not sure the Rockefeller Tree can rival Tia Tam's tree lighting though! ... more on that in a few.)

World Trade Center Memorial (Have you been to the memorial yet?)
American Museum of Natural History (Mommy is most excited about seeing the dinos with me and Sissy.)
Macy's Department Store Holiday Windows
Houston Rockets versus the New York Knicks Game

DUMBO Brooklyn (One of Mommy's favorite Brooklyn neighborhoods.)
Brooklyn Bridge Park (And one of Mommy's favorite parks.)
Jacque Torres Chocolate (Mommy and I love chocolate, and she said we can't go to Dumbo without stopping here).
Brooklyn Transit Museum (Thank you - A Cup of Jo - for this idea.  I love choo choo trains!)

Union Square Holiday Market (Mommy said this is one of her favorite parts about the holidays in NYC.)
Times Square (Mommy said this is one of her least favorite places on earth, but she really wants to show me the LIGHTS (IGHTS) and sights.)
Children's Museum of Manhattan (We probably won't make it here, but if we have time it's on our list.)

Whole Foods Market (We love Whole Foods Market (as you know ...) so Mommy knows where all of the locations are ... we will probably go to Whole Foods each day!  Not only can we get a meal, but we can get snacks while we are there.)
Ess-a-Bagel (The best bagels in the Big Apple.)
Peanut Butter and Company (Mommy and I are obsessed with peanut butter, and she said this place is very fun for Super Tots.)
Katz's Deli (The REAL and ONLY Katz's Deli, Mommy says.  And she won't quit talking about her potato pancakes she wants ...)
Sugar Sweet Sunshine (Mommy's favorite cupcakes in the Big Apple.  I love cupcakes too!)

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

The photo above is of Super Sadie (very very newborn Super Sadie).  She was already gearing up for the Big Apple out of the womb!

Image Credit: Tamra S

Photo above ... Tia Tam and Uncle M are really gearing up for the holiday spirit for me and Super Sadie.  It only took them 1,000 days, 100 hours, and 10,000 lights to finish Giles the 4th.  I wonder if you can see it from space?

So what do you think about our list?

Are you traveling for the holidays?  Traveling at all with tots or babies?  Traveling to NYC?

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to find us at Mad About Town.

Fun Monday: Sadie's Week Six Update

Hi Friends,

How are you?  How was your weekend?  We have so much to catch you up on!  Max was hit or miss with his blogs last week, but we will do better this week (Sadie here) - or try at least.  Mommy has been very busy with many things ... taking care of me and my Super Bro, gearing up for our big holiday trip to NYC for our 3rd Annual Houston Rockets Road Game Trip (our focus this week on our blogs!), Christmas, Max's 2nd Birthday Celebration, and more of course.  Whew.

All Images Photo Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

Sadie's Week Six Update: 

Weight: Mommy thinks I am definitely 8 lbs now.  Maybe pushing 9 lbs?

Height: Mommy guesses that I am longer (than before)!

Sleep: Not much improvement or change on this end.  Some nights are good, and some nights are not so good.  Well, I'm probably sleeping okay - not sure about Mommy!  I still nap a lot during the day, but I have longer awake times.  Mommy tries to keep me awake for "activity time" after eating time.

Diet: Mommy's Milk!

Clothes: About the same as last week.  The outfit in this post is also from Target (from Mimi - thank you!).  A lot of my hair accessories are too big or come off easily so I don't wear them too much.  And Mommy is so use to having a boy ... so she isn't in the habit of putting them on me yet, but today I wore one!  How do you like it?  I'm not sure I know (remember) where it is from, but it may be from Gramby.

Baby Gear: Mommy finally ventured out with a double stroller the week leading up to my Week Six update (it was passed down from Mimi).  It's a Chicco Stroller (the same as my car seat) that is similar to this stroller (this may be the same one).  Mommy said it's HUGE ... and a bit of a pain to push around (depending on the place), but she also said it's nice to help keep us confined in one place (aka in jail!).  What do you think?  Do any of you with more than one have a double stroller?

Crying: About the same!  I can't remember if I mentioned this, but I cry in my sleep.  I like to keep Mommy on her toes.

Likes: I'm not sure I have anything new to share.  I do like being held by Mommy a lot - esp at night sometimes!

Postpartum: From Mommy - Leading up to Week Six - about the same.  The lack of sleep is probably catching up with me, but I am hanging in there!  Week Six was a big week for me too because I had my postpartum check up, but we will talk more about that in the blog for next week.

Milestones: So many as always!  Sadie here ... I had a playdate with Mommy's friend Sandy and her kids N and A.  Okay, Max had a playdate and I slept ... works for me!  (Thanks for having us).  I also had my first outing (in the double stroller) with the Train Wrecks (Mommy and Max) at Rice Village.  We met Mommy's friend Sarah and her baby O.  We also had crepes at Sweet Paris Creperie.  Mommy got s'mores crepes, can you really go wrong with that?  And my brother wouldn't eat his (kids) Nutella crepes - is something wrong with that picture?  On the weekend leading up to my Week Six Birthday, I went to my first holiday (or any for that matter) parade near Gramby and Pops house!  I have some really fun milestones that happened after Week Six so stay tuned.

What is Max Up To This Week?

Big Bro Max started the Elf on a Shelf tradition recently (for the first time this year).  Do you participate in this tradition?  Max is calling his Elf "Shan-ta" (Santa) so Mommy thinks he is really just confused.  Either way, Max is having fun ... every morning he likes to say "hide hide hide hide" (because the Elf is hiding).  More on this Elf adventure soon!

We have lots more to share with you this week including our Weekend Update, Whole Foods Citrus Challenge and Recipes, our upcoming Houston Rockets trip and more!

-Sadie of Mad Max and Family

PS: You can also find us at Mad About Town.

next stop: IGHTS! IGHTS! IGHTS!

Hi Friends,

So I'm (Mad Max) learning new words each and every day.  Yesterday, I took out some kitchen pans and said .. "cook, cook, cook."  Mommy said "what are you making me?" ... umm, Mommy, I said "cook" what are you making me, please!?  Hah.  Joking.  I was cooking "ca" of course.  You figure that one out, kids.

So now with the Christmas and Holiday Season in full swing, I'm really enjoying the IGHTS (lights for those of you that need to work on your context clues).  We have IGHTS all over our Christmas tree.

Speaking of which (hang with me, please) ... what is your next stop this weekend?  Are you doing anything fun that relates to the holidays?  Anything that relates to IGHTS?

We are going to our 3rd Annual Lights in the Heights celebration (my 2nd post-womb).  If you are in the Houston area, do you plan to go?  Or do you plan to go to any of the other IGHT events?  Or what IGHT events do you have near you?

Other IGHT (Light / Holiday) events in the Houston area include ...

Houston's Zoo Lights
Moody Garden's Festival of Lights
Santa's Wonderland (College Station, Texas)
Christmas Train

Do you know of any other IGHT events?

And finally, Super Sadie ... to get you into the spirit:

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

I should also note that Mommy had such a terrible time getting this outfit on Sadie... so that's why she's really freaking out in this photo.  Sometimes she likes (see "doesn't mind") getting dressed, and sometimes she does ...

Starbucks Merits

This is sort of completely unrelated to IGHTS, but ... we think we are going to add something new to our Wednesday posts.  Mommy and her friend (Sarah) started something called Starbucks Merits.  Basically, they think Mommies earn and deserve free Starbucks now and again.  Don't you think?  I think so because when Mommy has a java drink, things are just better overall (although her drink of choice right now is a Soy Chai Latte or a Soy Peppermint Mocha).  So now they are "keeping track" of when they earn Starbucks Merits.  For example, Mommy feels like she earned two Starbucks Merits (which equals of course two drinks) on Tuesday because she ran a "quick" (took 10 minutes or less) errand with me and Sadie into Crave Cupcakes.  Mommy said ... two arms, two babies, one car seat carrier, car keys, a monkey, and a debit card ... super easy feat no?  Then she goes on "not to mention dealing with the car seats and carrying the cupcakes" (umm, Mommy, the nice Crave Cupcakes people carried them to the car.")...

So how have YOU earned a Starbucks Merit this week?

Note: This post was suppose to be written for our Wednesday post, but ... I (Max) have a lot on my plate these days!  So ... Happy Thursday to everyone!

-Mad Max

PS: Be sure to find us on Mad About Town.

next stop: Maternity Leave Time with Wee Ones and Tots

Hi Friends,

How is your week?

We apologize for not being here yesterday ... Mommy is a bit of a train wreck this week as we prepare for Sadie's big BIRTH day on Monday!  But we have many fun things to share with you coming up!

We usually do our next stop post on Wednesdays, but today we will bring you our next stop post ... so what is your next stop this weekend?  We are really looking forward to our last big outing as a family on Saturday to the KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou (among other fun things this weekend!).

And we also started thinking about our next stop (next plans) for my (and Sadie's) maternity leave time with Mommy.  If you've taken leave (or if you are a SAHM), how did you spend your time?  And did you have any special outings you looked forward to or enjoyed?  If you had two under two, how did you spend your time / what outings did you take?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara J

What are some of our ideas so far? ... Mommy said we would be inside a lot (at least the first 1/2 of leave) because my baby sister Super Sadie will be super small and new.  Mommy and I plan on making a lot of art together!  (See my art above that I made yesterday with Gramby and Pops).  We also plan on having special play time, reading time, and more (getting ready for the holidays time - baking perhaps?).  What other ideas or resources do you have for us?

What next stops are we looking forward to most? ... So what are some big stops that we are looking forward to most?  We are looking forward to my first Trick o' Treating outing.  Mommy is also really looking forward to Houston's Nutcracker Market (with feeding Sadie and not being able to bring Sadie ... this may be a challenge, but she's going to try her best!).  We are also looking forward to Lights in the Heights during the Holiday Season, and we hope to check out the new Houston Zoo event Zoo Lights!  And probably most of all we are looking forward to our NYC trip during the Holiday season to visit Auntie Tam.  This will be my first trip (along with Sadie of course) to NYC.  Those are just a few things we are looking forward to.  What other suggestions do you have for us (big or small)?

Sadie's Maternity / Family Photos - Sneak Peek: We received a quick sneak peek of our maternity / family photo session with Erin Carlyle Photography from a few weeks ago.  Be sure to look at her blog posting about it, and please do comment (on our blog and hers) - let us know your thoughts!  More to come about the photos.  We are loving the sneak peek, and we can't wait to see all of them.

Erin Carlyle is also in the running for Houston's BEST Children's Photographer, and you can vote for her here!

Houstonians: Don't miss our Mad Max and Family post TOMORROW / FRIDAY.  We will be posting more information about Whole Foods Whole Trade Month and a special GIVEAWAY.

-Mad Max

PS: You can also read us on Mad About Town.

September 11: We Will Never Forget.

Hi Friends,

From Mommy:

We can't have the anniversary of September 11th arrive and not speak about the horrible tragedy of September 11th, 2001.  For those of you that do not know, I was living and working in New York City  on this very day.  I won't go into the specifics on my particular story, but as you can imagine like anyone else living in New York City (and the other areas of our country most affected by 9/11), I was deeply impacted by this tragedy.

I shall only say: We Will Never Forget.

And we pray for those that were lost and their loved ones.

For Max and Sadie's first visit to New York City (hopefully later this year), I look forward to taking them to the 9/11 Memorial.  And most appropriately, we also plan to visit the Statue of Liberty.

Image Credit: The New Yorker

Where were you on 9/11?

Do you talk to your kids about 9/11 (if they are old enough)?

-Tara of Mad Max and Family

You can also read us at Mad About Town.

Thursday's Kids, Tweens, and Teens: Fantasyland

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How is your week so far?  I started writing some of this yesterday ...

Mommy and I are having not so great of a week.  We've been trapped inside all week because I've had a fever.  Today we ventured out to Dr. Savrick, and turns out I have my first case of strep throat (and a slight case of ear infection).  Here I am below waiting on the doc's office.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

We are probably stuck inside (or as Mommy says... "cabin fever") until Friday.  We should be good to go by the weekend though (crossed fingers!)!  Any tips and tricks for keeping Mommy occupied inside?

Now back to our topic at hand ...

As you know, this week we are focusing on travel (and a lot on Disney), and today we are focusing on the older set (Kids+) ... so we have the perfect information for you today.  If you are planning a trip to Disney World, and you have kids in the age range of 3+ and up ... this may be the memorable activity for you!  Do your kids maybe want to be a princesses or a knight for a day?  Or maybe a pirate?  Then be sure to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your princesses and knights, and the Pirates League for your young pirates (or young mermaids)!  Be sure to read more about other Disney World Tours and Experiences too.

You can also add a Fairytale Dining experience to your day (and you get to meet Disney characters!).  Be sure to read about the other Disney Character Dining options.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

You can see my cousin C above to the left after her princess morning!

What do you think?  What special experiences did you plan for your big ones?

... also be sure to check in with us tomorrow!  Sesame has a very big blog to share with you, and she has a special surprise!

You can also always read us on Mad About Town our Houston Chronicle blog.

-Mad Max

What is Your Next Stop?: Travel + Tot

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Mommy and I wanted to share a smaller set (versus 500+) of our Disney World photos today, but well, it's taking Train Wreck Mommy a long time to figure them out!

So in the meantime ... Mommy and I want to offer you some quick traveling with tot tips.  And what tips may you have for even smaller ones or the bigger kiddos?  We look forward to hearing from you!

Tip #1: If you are flying to reach your summer vacation destination, treat your young tot to their own seat on the plane (if it's a long flight)!  Okay, if your tot is under 2 (therefore, free, and can be a lap child) ... one would probably immediately say, take the free route.  Well, not for this Super Tot.  This decision probably depends on the age and activity level of your under 2 year old.  I like to walk around and be pretty active, but since I had my own seat (and in my car seat) ... I just slept the flight away!  No bad neck cramp for me.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am above in my airplane seat.  Slept like a Super Newborn Baby!

Tip #2: Stick to your tot's schedule / routine as much as possible while still being flexible.  I had generally the same morning and night routine (although the times might have been off), and I still (most days) took my two naps.  We took a break from all of the excitement during the middle of the day, so that helped keep me sane (or should we say, Mommy sane?).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I'm enjoying a meal at our resort (in our resort apt)!

Tip #3: Always have your tot's fav beverages and snacks on hand!  In my case that would be cold water, Peanut Butter Balls (Whole Foods 365 Organic Brand), and I also liked Larabars.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I'm enjoying my peanut butter balls after the Mad Tea Party in Magic Kingdom.

Tip #4: Have some extra toys / distractions to pull out when necessary.  Oh, and don't forget your Super Tot's fav lovies.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am enjoying a nap at one of the Disney parks with Lambie and (Baby) Monkey of course.

Tip #5: Sometimes that special treat / prize (and the unexpected one at that) will make the whole trip!  In my case, it was the Mickey balloon Dada got me.  Thank you, Dada!  (It was fun for me and the whole family for the whole week!).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Isn't this the BEST balloon? Dada got it for me at Magic Kingdom.  Love you, Dada!

I hope you enjoyed our tips.  What tips can you share with us? 

You can also always find us on Mad About Town.

-Mad Max and Family

Tuesday's Tots and Wee Ones: Baby Showers!

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Happy Tuesday!  Mommy asked me to share this today ... she said that this is the season for showers and events (Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, etc, etc) ... are you doing any traveling for important events this summer?  If so, where are you going?  Who is the event for?  Are you bringing the kiddos with you?

Recently Mommy went to a Baby Shower for a friend that came in from out of town.  Happy Baby Shower, Auntie Stephanie!  The shower was for her baby boy, baby number 2, due in late summer.  We can't wait to meet him!  Mommy wanted me to share a few photos below.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here is Stephanie and her Super Fetus Boy!  Congrats!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

The Baby Boy Shower had a blue and brown theme (which our some of my favorite colors).  The host, Swati, even served blue punch!  What a fun addition.  Mommy, can you make me some blue punch when Dada isn't looking?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

What I like to call... a pampie cake.  Vegan?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Now these were a new find for Mommy.  We will have to go here.  These are tiny bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Houston.  Mommy said they were delicious!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Mommy loves the idea of decorating water bottles to match the shower theme.  What about sippy cups?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Shower guests.  See my little sister Sesame in there?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie 

Stephanie opening gifts with the help of Big Sister Jocelyn.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Big Sister J is practicing being a Big Sis!  Congrats again!

Have you been to a baby shower lately?  What did you enjoy most?  And if you would like us to feature your baby shower (or a baby shower you've been to), just email us!

Stay tuned for more on Disney soon this week.  You can also read us on Mad About Town.

-Mad Max

Mad for Monday (Max's Weekend Update): Mickey World

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How was your weekend?  How was your week last week?  Did you miss us?

If we were more together, I would have had blog posts last week ...but our week prior was ... well, a train wreck.  Between the AC being out, preggo Train Wreck Mommy, and getting ready for a big trip, we weren't prepared enough.

I have many exciting things planned for you this week, and Mommy has exciting things planned for our Chron Blog: Mad About Town.  This week we are focusing on travel, updating you on our Disney World trip, and Sesame has an important announcement this week too (plus much more)!  Whew.

Are you going on a vacation this summer (or a staycation?)  Where is your trip this year?  We went to Disney World last week!  Mommy and I literally have over 500 photos to go through (and that's just from our camera), but we wanted to pull out a few to share with you today.  These aren't necessarily our best or favorites, but I hope you enjoy!  More to come soon.  Stay tuned.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am with the Train Wrecks on our first day in Magic Kingdom - first look at the Cinderella's Castle (where my future little sister will want to stay, I'm sure.  Dada already said she could stay there.  Wow.)  Speaking of Train Wrecks, Grampi - zoom in!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

One of my favorite rides is of course, Prince Charming's Carousel.  This photo is of my first ride on the carousel.  Can we say, Prince Mino's Carousel?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

This is how I roll.  That's all I have to say.  Hey, Mommy ...maybe you wouldn't be so tired if you took a ride?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Actually, Mommy wasn't the only one that got tired.  Most days we went back for nap time (about Noonish - 3 pmish) and to miss the heat of the day, but when I got tired at the park...  Bam.  I grabbed monkey, lambie, and I was out.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I thought this was a good action shot of me to share ... strollin' through Epcot (with Dada and Grampi smiling behind me).  I should be on the cover of a Walt Disney postcard, no?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Train Wreck Mommy and Daddy took me to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse twice ... the first time, didn't go so well.  The second time, I really bonded with my girl, Minnie.  Mickey left us alone to use the restroom, and these are some snapshots with Minnie.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Minnie did peek-a-boo!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Mickey, Mommy, Sesame, Me, Daddy, and Minnie!  We all have our Disney shirts on, but I was too scared to show mine (aka clinging on to Daddy).  Mommy got me (and my cousins) a personalized shirt from Giggles and Lollipops (via etsy).  We highly recommend!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here is a better shot of my personalized Disney shirt.  Here I am with my serious face in the Mad Tea Party cups.  That spinning doesn't get to me!  I was also hot at this point and ready for a nap (and I took one shortly after this).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Speaking of hot... we took off one day from Disney to enjoy some Downtown Disney shopping and swimming at our resort: Sheraton Vistana Resort.  Here I am enjoying some rays and surf with "Bear Cub" aka my cousin.

This is just a very small glimpse at our trip!  Be sure to come back for more.

How about you?  Have you been to Disney World yet or lately?  Where is your trip this year?  We look forward to hearing from you.

-Mad Max