They used to call them "slumber parties"

Tonight, in honor of Ab's 11th birthday, there are 4 little girls having a sleepover our house. They made their own pizzas for dinner, did the gift thing, watched a movie and ate popcorn, had cake and ice cream, and are now in the midst of sleep stuff, and DS games on the floor of the guest room. It's a lovely tangle of friends, pillows, comforters, quilts, slippers, blankets, and glowing handheld games, and it is one of the things I looked forward to the most when I became a mom.

I remember when I turned 10. Mom let me have a whole bunch of friends over for night. She served dinner and Coke floats in real Coke glasses. It was such a blast! We talked and giggled way too loud- my poor dad came out to the living room in the middle of the night at least three times to warn us to go to sleep. I knew he wasn't really mad, just awfully tired, and I knew I'd still be able to have other slumber parties- despite the infractions.

I'll probably have to get up once or twice tonight to "whisper" to the girls that they are being too loud, but I don't care. It's what moms do- they make memories for their kids.

I hope they talk and giggle half the night and I hope Abby will have wonderful memories of her first sleepover.

UPDATE: Note to self: next time, don't make eggs, sausage, and hash browns for breakfast. Instead, buy a variety pack of overly sweetened cereals and a gallon of milk. Put them on the table with some bowls and spoons, and head back to bed. ;->