My sons are September babies. Oldest is on the 14th; youngest on the 27th, 3 years apart. But since our schedules abruptly become crowded next weekend, youngest had to have his birthday sleepover last night.

Eight 16 y/o boys playing Xbox and D&D in our front room (not to mention the one playing keyboard), and that's when they weren't playing foot tag in the front yard. Sodas. Chips. Pizza. Cake & ice cream for breakfast. They were loud and intelligent and clamored for us to know their names and what they were currently reading. Chaos and much music, the wearing of silly hats, and laughter continued throughout the night (but I had earplugs and slept well).

I just drove the last one home. Now we've got a three hour window to clean up, re-stock the fridge, and buy a new cake so the eldest can have his friends over. At 4pm, eight 18-19 y/o men will descend. Just as loud, just as smelly, just as blazingly intelligent as they play Halo 3 or WOW on their connected laptops in the dining room.

I must say, it's a bit disconcerting to discover how intelligent this younger generation really is. I wonder if mine was as intelligent. Somehow I doubt it. But I'm looking forward to their achievements in the wider world, as time passes.