Chapter 1

D.J. Tanner Hale stood in the kitchen making pancakes. As she cooked, her husband, Steve Hale, came downstairs. He then walked over, hugged, and kissed his wife.

"Do I smell pancakes, Mrs. Hale?" Steve asked.

"You sure do, Mr. Hale," D.J. replied.

"Look at us," Steve said. "Married for five months and we're still doing a cute Mr. and Mrs. Hale thing."

Steve looked at all the pancakes on the counter.

"You sure made lots of pancakes," Steve said. "Not that I'm complaining."

"Well," D.J. said. "Between my pregnant sister and my very hungry husband, I need to make lots of pancakes."

"Stephanie's coming over for breakfast again?" Steve asked. "That's the third time this week."

"She's six months pregnant," D.J. said.

"And I suppose she's bringing Jimmy, baby Dani, Kimmy, Fernando, and Ramona," Steve said.

"Of course," D.J. said.

"Didn't they move in next door to give us space?" Steve asked

"Yeah," D.J. replied.

"They're constantly here," Steve said. "It's like they never moved out."

"Tell you what," D.J. said. "It's Friday. Let's have a date night. We could go to dinner and a movie."

"What movie?" Steve asked.

"I've heard great things about The Broken Hearts Gallery," D.J. replied.

Jackson, Max, and Tommy came downstairs.

"Pancakes!" Max cheered.

"I like pancakes!" Tommy said, clapping his hands.

"Why did you make so many?" Jackson asked.

"You know," Steve said.

"Quick!" Jackson shouted. "Grab what you can before they come!"

Jackson, Max, and Tommy grabbed plates and quickly piled on pancakes as Stephanie, Jimmy, Kimmy, Ramona, and Fernando, pushing Dani's stroller, entered the house through the kitchen door.

"Pancakes!" everyone cheered.

After breakfast, Jackson, Ramona, Max, and Tommy walked towards the front door with their backpacks.

"Why are you following us?" Jackson asked Tommy.

"I'm going to high school too!" Tommy cheered.

"Sorry, little buddy," Ramona said. "You need to finish elementary school first."

"Mom!" Jackson hollered.

D.J. walked into the room and came over to Tommy and took his hand.

"Come on, Tommy," D.J. said. "Mommy's going to take you to your first day of kindergarten."

"Hey, Mom?" Jackson asked. "Since it's Friday, can I go to a party tonight?"

"Sure," D.J. replied. "Be home by 8:00."

"It kind of doesn't start until 8:30," Jackson said.

"Then, no," D.J. said. "You know the rules. No parties after 8:00."

"Mom," Jackson said. "It's my senior year. Don't you know how important senior parties are?"

"She hasn't been in high school since the 60's," Max said.

"Excuse me," D.J. said. "90's! And I said no. You're not going to the party."

"This is so unfair!" Jackson shouted.

"Keep it up and I won't let you go to any parties," D.J. said sternly. "Come on, Tommy. Let's get you to kindergarten."

D.J. grabbed her purse and keys, and exited the house with Tommy.

"Wait a minute," Ramona said. "How come I wasn't invited to this party?"

"I forgot my lunch," Jackson said, ignoring Ramona.

Jackson walked towards the kitchen.

"Hello!" Ramona shouted. "What party?"

Jackson walked into the kitchen where Steve stood at the counter making a sandwich. Jackson took his lunch and looked at Steve. He then had an idea.

"Steve?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, Jackson?" Steve asked.

"There's this party at my friend David's house tonight," Jackson said. "It starts at 8:30. Mom said I could go if it's okay with you."

"Okay," Steve said. "If it's okay with your mother, then it's okay with me. Have fun."

"Thanks, Steve," Jackson said. "You're the best."