AbbyNolanMaxAva: I can't believe she's a real kid

Remember when you were young, and 30 seemed SO OLD? And then you got older and, well, not only did it not seem old, but really, you'd be happy to be just 30? Well, that's the way I always looked at my kids. When I had Abby and other people would tell me how old their kids were, and they would say seven, or second grade, or grade school in general, I always thought they seemed old. I mean, you have old kids, you must be old! And up until this year I could always justify it. Even though I have four kids, Kindergarten and first grade aren't really "real" grades, so my kids are still little. But now? Well, Abby turned seven and started second grade, all within two days! And that, officially, makes me old. I mean, I remember second grade! I can screw her up now and she'll actually remember it! I'm in trouble.

Anyway, she had a great birthday. Friday night was a sleepover. I said she could have one girl sleep over, and Dave said four. So, we invited four and three could make it. I really can't remember when I was happier being married to Dave. I got everything ready, bought crafts and gift bags, and then got out of the way and let Dave do his thing. He led them in crafts, projected a movie outside, ran Wii tournaments, and stayed up with them until 2 in the morning. Me? I hid in the office and fed Ava, and then I went to bed at 10. I think I got a good deal. And I think Dave may have had more fun than the girls! In the morning, I thought they'd be up fairly early since they were all sleeping in the basement. Was I wrong! I had the parents picking them up at 9, and they didn't wake up until 8:45. They were tired!! After they all went home, we headed to the kids' last swimming lesson, went to lunch, then came home and crashed for a little bit. That was nice for us all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY!!!

We gave Abby inline skates... she was happy!

Abby and the girls ready to watch a movie outside. Unfortunately it rained halfway through so the movie was brought inside.

Abby and her best friend Reagan. Abby is the youngest in her class and Reagan in the oldest. They're both the oldest of four. But we'll see how it goes this year. For the first time they're in different classes.

Make a wish!

The frames they decorated. I took a picture of each with Abby as they came in.

The girls... Holly, Abby, Madelyn and Reagan.

While the girls were having a sleep over, Nolan and Kyan (across the street) were playing with Nintendo DSs. Well, when they weren't bugging the girls! Nolan slept over at Kyan's house. I think Nolan was more tired than Abby the day after and ended up taking a three hour nap.

The crafts at the party.

When I asked to take Abby's picture, this is the pose I got. I wonder what that's all about?

And then there's the first day of school. Abby in second, Nolan in Kindergarten. They were both so excited on the first day. And Abby did great. But Nolan? Today was day three and he cried for all three days. And not just cried... he literally had to be pried from my leg. I'm hoping it gets better soon! When we dropped them off the first day and got back to the van, I just looked at Max and said, "What am I going to do with you?" Max looked at me, covered his mouth, and gave me the most evil laugh you've ever heard. Great!!

Other than that, here's just some random pics I haven't posted yet. All the kids together...

Max still loves Ava! (And Ava's still doing great!)

We went to the zoo earlier in the summer and Nolan asked about 50 questions about this eagle.

Here's a hyena that seemed to like Nolan.

This is the picture I took when I was in labor, deciding if I was in labor. Nice feet, huh? I figured they might as look pretty if I had to have them in stirrups!

And my dad had a birthday! Luckily we celebrated early since his real birthday was trumped a little bit by Avay's birth!