A/N: *cracks knuckles* How you make an old storyline new. Again.

Thank you for initial reviews and alerts! I appreciate them all.

Chapter 2

After dinner Wednesday night, Dave came down the steps with his bag. "Really Uncle Dave?"

"Tate, my book, with your mother's help, has been at my publisher for a month. It's now hell time for me. And none of you need to hear me arguing with my editor."

"That bad?" Jack asked.

"Yes Jack. That bad," Dave replied. Jack shook his head.

Tate eyed Dave. "So we also missing out on some swearing from you?" he asked with his usual cheeky smile.

"That too Tate," Dave grinned.

Aaron looked at Dave. "You ready?" Dave nodded with a smile as the boys hugged him. Cait was next.

Dave looked at Maggie and Jarrod. "Thank you two again for your western hospitality. I enjoyed every second," he deeply smiled, hugging Maggie and then shaking Jarrod's hand.

"Have a good flight Dave," Jarrod smiled.

"See you Thanksgiving," Maggie added.

Aaron and Dave went out the door. The boys settled onto the couch in the living room to have TCM movie time with Jarrod. "What are we watching tonight Grandpa?" Jack asked. Bernie jumped up on the couch to join the boys.

"El Dorado," Jarrod smiled. "It's a John Wayne classic western. One of my favorites."

Maggie and Cait moved to the kitchen. Maggie started making homemade popcorn for the movie watchers while Cait started the prep for two egg bakes in the morning.

Maggie and Cait were finishing washing and drying the prep dishes while keeping an eye on the movie. Cait held up her hand to her mother with a wink. She said the movie's classic line, imitating the Duke as he said it. "I'm looking at a tin star with a drunk pinned on it." The boys roared with laughter. Jarrod paused the movie.

"That was really good mom," Tate smiled.

"Thank you, kind sir," Cait grinned back at him.

"Mom, how many times have you seen this?" Jack asked with his own smile.

"About twenty times less than grandpa," Cait winked at him. The boys laughed more as Jarrod restarted the movie.

By ten o'clock the movie finished and the boys both deeply yawned getting off the couch. "Thanks grandpa," Tate said, yawning more. "I really liked it."

"Me too," Jack added, yawning as well. He looked at Cait. "Shouldn't dad be back by now?"

Cait smiled at the boys. "He texted me there's road construction on I- 5. So he's running late." She looked at the boys. "Bedtime for you two. You had a big day."

"I loved riding with the ranch hands today," Tate said, yawning again. "But I'm pooped."

"I got my butt rode into the ground today," Jack added, stifling his own yawn.

"Get to bed you two," Cait softly smiled.

The boys hugged everyone good night and headed up the steps. Maggie looked at Cait. "They have no clue do they?"

"Nope," Cait smiled.

Maggie grinned. "Do you mind if dad and I head up?"

Cait shook her head. "Not at all," she smiled. "I'm going to wait for Aaron to get back. I'll let Bernie out and hang out with her."

Jarrod kissed her cheek. "Good night sweetheart," he smiled. "You and your husband are good. I can't wait for tomorrow morning."

"Me too," Maggie smiled, pulling Cait into a hug.

-00CM00-

Maggie and Jarrod where both up and showered by eight. The coffee pot had already churned out its goodness. They were enjoying their first cup when Cait came into the kitchen in her bathrobe. She looked at the oven already heating and then her parents. "Do you two mind if we wait a half-hour more? They were tired last night when Aaron got them here from the airport. They had a long day which we've all been through."

Maggie set the always-present plastic container of mini donuts in front of Jarrod. "We're good," he smiled.

"You shower," Maggie smiled at her daughter.

"Aaron is stirring," Cait smiled. "We'll be back down in time to put the egg bakes in."

"Works for me," Maggie smiled, nodding Cait to go back up the steps.

Thirty minutes later, Cait and Aaron were standing in the kitchen, sipping from their coffee cups while chatting with Maggie and Jarrod. The egg bakes were in the oven. "Aunt Cait?" they all heard.

"In the kitchen Ethan," Cait smiled.

Ethan scampered into the kitchen and Cait pulled him up in her arms.

"You've grown so much Ethan," Cait smiled, "I won't be able to do this at Thanksgiving."

Ethan smiled, deeply hugged her and then looked into her eyes. "Are we really at grandma and grandpa's ranch?"

Cait grinned at Ethan and pointed at the nook counter where Maggie and Jarrod were sitting. Ethan looked at Aaron. "This is real Uncle Aaron?"

Aaron smiled, pulling Ethan out of Cait's arms to hug his youngest nephew. "Horses and cows oh my," he grinned.

"Toto, we're not in New York City," Ethan grinned at Aaron. Aaron and Cait laughed.

"I'm glad that's your mom's favorite movie," Cait smiled.

Aaron looked at Ethan. "I think grandma and grandpa need a hug," he said, setting Ethan down on his bare feet, still in his pajamas. Ethan ran to them. Jarrod pulled him up into his lap with a big smile.

"Welcome to the ranch Ethan," Jarrod said, hugging him.

"Thanks grandpa!" Ethan smiled, holding out his arms to Maggie.

"Hi you," Maggie smiled, taking him from Jarrod and giving Ethan a hug. "Grandpa and I are so happy you're here."

"Me too," Ethan said, sitting down on Maggie's lap. He looked at Maggie.

"Wait for it grandma," Cait smiled.

"I'm hungry," Ethan grinned. The adults all laughed.

Jarrod took the cover off the donut container and winked at him. "Have at it."

"Ooo," Ethan smiled. "The powdered ones," grabbing a donut.

Cait pulled off a sheet of paper towel while Aaron poured him a glass of milk. "Thank you," he smiled at them, taking a bite.

"Ethan, please use the paper towel so you don't get powdered sugar all over," Cait said. "Including grandma," she smiled.

"Got it Aunt Cait," he grinned back. Aaron gave him a glass of apple juice.

The same scene repeated ten minutes later with Wyatt joining the group dressed like his brother. A bit later, Sean and Leslie joined the group, showered and dressed for the day. They greeted Maggie and Jarrod.

"The bedrooms and bathroom downstairs work for you?" Maggie asked.

"It's perfect," Sean smiled.

Aaron and Cait looked at the couple. Sean smiled. "We've learned the 'you shower, I'll shave routine' from you two."

"I've seen my wife naked more than once," Aaron smiled. "So yes, it does work."

"We got that," Sean zinged back.

"TMI Uncle Aaron," Wyatt snarked. The group all laughed.

"Where are your boys?" Leslie asked, pouring a cup of coffee, handing it to Sean and then pouring her own.

"They got their butts rode off yesterday," Aaron said. Sean and Leslie looked at him.

"They spent the day riding with the ranch hands, culling out the one year old calves away from their mothers with now three month old calves," Cait said. "That's work. And the boys helped."

"Grandpa?" Wyatt asked. "Do I get to ride a horse?"

"That's the plan this afternoon Wyatt," Jarrod beamed "And you'll have the best teacher," he pointed at Cait.

Cait smiled at Wyatt. "Uncle Aaron and I will have help." The boys looked at her. "His name is Miguel," Cait grinned.

Everyone heard footsteps coming down the steps. Aaron smiled at Sean. "They really have no clue?" Sean asked.

"None," Aaron grinned.

Leslie looked at Cait. "The whole plan?"

"Nada," Cait smiled.

"Ours are in the same boat on Plan B," Sean winked at Aaron.

"Good," Aaron smiled back, putting his arm around Cait's shoulder.

Jack and Tate walked into the kitchen. "What are you guys doing here?" they both asked to the NYC Hotchners with large smiles.

"Joining part of your western vacation," Leslie smiled, hugging the boys.

Thursday afternoon Wyatt and Ethan were learning how to ride a horse in the corral by the horse barn. Aaron looked at Sean as they watched Cait working with them. "You don't think you need to do that?"

"Aaron, if Morgan can get to Miner's Falls without lessons, so can I," Sean smiled.

"Especially with those gentle horses," Leslie added. "Thank you Miguel," she smiled.

"Da nada Senora Leslie," Miguel grinned back. "The boys will be fine tomorrow. How about you?"

Leslie smiled. "I had a cousin who lived on Long Island when I was younger. Her parents had horses. I loved spending weekends at her home in the summer."

Cait and the boys rode over to the fence where everyone was standing. Aaron and Miguel climbed through the rails of the fence to help the boys dismount.

"I can't wait until tomorrow Uncle Aaron," Wyatt grinned as Aaron helped him out of the saddle. He then pulled Ethan out of his.

"Me too," Ethan bubbled with excitement. "And I love my cowboy boots."

"You can thank grandma for them," Cait smiled, dismounting Lightning.

Sean looked at his brother. "Grandma's bridge club have been trading boots for their grandkids for years," Aaron smiled.

"That works," Sean grinned.

"Yes it does," Wyatt smiled. He rubbed his butt. "I get why Jack and Tate didn't want to ride today after their day yesterday."

"My Niños were ranch hands yesterday," Miguel proudly smiled.

"Aaron and I," Cait said, rubbing Miguel's shoulder, "were really proud of them as well." She looked at Miguel. "Do you need Aaron and me to help with the horses?"

Miguel shook his head with his bright smile. "You know better Senora Cait."

"See you tomorrow," Cait grinned.

"I can't wait!" Ethan beamed.

"The horses will be ready amigo," Miguel smiled back at him.

"Thank you Miguel," Aaron smiled.

The pool got its usual afternoon workout. Jake, Steph and Ellie joined the group. The four boys enjoyed the pool with Aaron, Sean and Jarrod on the patio keeping an eye on the boys. Jake got the grill ready to cook chicken.

Inside the house, Leslie was spoiling Ellie who cooed back at her, kicking her feet. Steph looked around the kitchen at the ladies. "Jake and me are in on the big surprise," she smiled. "How can we help?"

Cait looked at her. "Just what we've already talked about Steph. Jake takes the boys riding Saturday afternoon while the rest of us do our thing."

"Your thing?" Steph asked.

"Aaron and Sean do their part. Leslie and me do the big grocery stock up," Cait responded. "We've already got our shopping list."

"Which we equally split," Leslie said, looking at Cait.

"Fifty-fifty," Cait smiled back at her. "We're in Leslie. This is as much about our boys as it yours."

Steph looked at the two of them and softly smiled. "Do they have a clue?"

"None," Cait grinned.

Leslie smiled. "With our boys living in the big city, they will be stoked."

Maggie looked at Cait. "What about Jack?"

Cait shook her head and smiled. "Aaron and I know he'll buy in. If anything for Tate, who's said more than once he wants to go there while watching our video from the trip a few years back."

-00CM00-

Wyatt and Ethan were giddy with the excitement the next morning. Jarrod looked at Ethan that climbed up in the counter chair next to him. "Partner, if you're riding to Miner's Falls with me, you need some breakfast." The toaster popped out four Eggo waffles. Leslie gave him two.

"Pass the syrup please grandpa," Ethan smiled back at him. Between two boxes of Eggos, which Cait warned Maggie about, leftovers from the two egg bakes yesterday, plus cereal and oatmeal, everyone had a hearty breakfast.

"We ready?" Tate asked with his big grin.

"You're my riding partner Wyatt," Jack seriously said to him. "You stay close to me." Cait winked at Leslie and Sean with a smile.

"OK Jack," Wyatt smiled.

"You're with me dude," Tate said to Ethan.

"Let's go," Aaron smiled.

Ethan looked at Maggie. "You're not coming?"

"It's my trading cowboy boots date with my friends," she winked.

"Tell them thank you," Ethan sincerely smiled.

Maggie bent over and pulled him into a hug. "Promise," she grinned. "You have a wonderful day and enjoy the ride."

"Don't complain about how Delores leads mom," Cait snarked, shooing the boys out of the house.

"Go!" Maggie barked. Cait and Jarrod laughed.

Sean looked at Aaron. "Do we want to know what that's about?"

"Knowing Maggie and her bridge club, probably not," Aaron responded.

"Get in my truck boys," Jarrod smiled at them. The boys piled in. Aaron, Cait, Sean and Leslie got into the rental SUV.

Ten minutes later, they were getting out by the horse corral. The horses were already saddled, waiting for them, tied to the fence. Uncle Nick and Uncle Heath were waiting by the horses.

Miguel smiled at the boys as they tumbled out of Jarrod's truck. "Buenos dias mis jovenes amigos," he smiled at Wyatt and Ethan. "You ready?"

"More than ready," Wyatt smiled. Ethan eyed Nick and Heath.

Jack rubbed Ethan's shoulder. "That's Uncle Nick. His bark is worse than his bite." The four adults smiled as Jack hugged Nick.

Heath roared with laughter. He crouched down. "Hi Ethan. I'm Uncle Heath."

"Busted," Tate snarked at Nick, giving him a hug as well. Aaron, Cait, Sean and Leslie laughed.

"Hi," Ethan smiled, shaking Heath's extended hand. "I love it here already Uncle Heath." Aaron and Cait smiled at Sean and Leslie.

Nick pulled Cait's boots from behind his back. "Do you want these or not?" he growled.

"You going to be nice to the boys or not?" Cait growled back. And then burst out laughing. "Thanks Uncle Nick."

"Any time Catie," Nick grinned, handing her the boots. "Come on boys," he smiled, "let's get you mounted up." Sean and Leslie, having met Nick and Heath at Mike and Andi's wedding greeted them as they walked to the horses.

Miguel cupped his hands together as Wyatt got to his horse. Miguel bent over. "Right foot," Wyatt said.

"Si Wyatt," Miguel said as Wyatt put his foot into Miguel's hands. He got Wyatt into the saddle giving him a boost so Wyatt could put his left foot into the stirrup to mount his horse.

"You short stuff," Nick smiled, gently grabbing Ethan, "do it this way," putting Ethan in the saddle.

"Thanks Uncle Nick," Ethan smiled.

"Any time partner," Nick winked at him with a huge grin.

Cait gave her shoes to Heath and mounted. She pulled her hair into a ponytail. Leslie did the same. Cait looked at her. "I've heard the rumors about you and Lightning. I'm doing the same thing on…" she looked at Miguel.

"Diego," Miguel smiled. "He's swift and not a pain like that one," Miguel pointed at Lightning.

"We rock," Cait smiled at Leslie. They shared a high five.

Sean looked at Aaron. "They're going to show off they can ride each of their husbands into the ground," Aaron explained.

"Thank you for that," Sean retorted.

Jarrod mounted. "I'm lead. Let's head out."

"Enjoy your ride," Heath and Nick said together. The group headed across the corral area with the four boys waving at the patriarchs of the ranch. Jarrod opened the corral gate. Aaron closed it as he and Sean passed through last.

Sean noticed Jack and Tate closely watching the boys. "Aaron?"

"Sean, this hill has gopher holes. A horse steps in it," he explained as they all started up, "they break an ankle and throw a rider."

Just then, Leslie grabbed Sean's right rein to lead his horse away from a hole. "Thanks babe," he smiled. He looked at Cait and Aaron. "I get it."

Once they got to the top of the plateau, Leslie looked at Cait. "Let's rock," she grinned.

Cait looked at Aaron. "I know," he smiled. "You'll catch up to us." He looked at Jarrod. "You've got the lead grandpa." Cait and Leslie took off.

"Whoa Nacho," Ethan said, pulling him to a halt. He watched his mother and Cait race across the plateau on their horses.

Jarrod stopped Ernie and proudly smiled. "That doesn't get old." Jack, Tate and Wyatt stopped to watch as well.

"With her back fixed, no it doesn't dad," Aaron smiled, rubbing Jarrod's shoulder.

"Come on guys," Jarrod smiled. "Let's head out. They'll catch up to us."

Like always, everyone enjoyed the ride to the falls. Especially the big city mice. Everyone heard repeatedly "you don't see that in New York City". All the animals were out, enjoying the day.

At the falls, Cait climbed into the stream to cool down Lightning and Diego. They both loved their cool down bath, shaking out their manes. Ethan smiled. "That's too cool mom."

"Yes it is," Leslie smiled back. Aaron and Jarrod filled water bottles from the steam below the falls for everyone.

"Wow," Sean said, taking a drink.

"No city water chemical garbage in that Sean," Jarrod smiled. "That's as pure as it gets."

"I can taste it," he smiled.

Wyatt shook his head. "Our water at home don't taste like that."

"Doesn't," Cait corrected with a smile.

On the way back down, Jarrod led them on a detour to the winery. The boys dismounted with Aaron and Sean helping the little guys. After greeting Luke and Adam, Sean looked at them. "I've gotta taste that red blend of yours. Aaron and Cait have raved about it." The four boys took off to explore the caverns holding the wine aging vats.

Adam poured a taste for Sean and Leslie. "We've already sent you ten cases," he smiled. "They should arrive next week."

Sean and Leslie took a sip. "Keep them coming," Sean smiled.

"We'll market this for you with pleasure," Leslie added.

Cait smiled at her brothers. "I think you two need to get that little red engine that can marketing firm you hired going."

"Cait is right," Sean said, taking another sip. "I'd take this national."

"We didn't make that much of it this year," Luke said.

"Make more next year," Sean said. The Barkley brothers looked at him. "Guys," Sean smiled. "I'm telling you it's that good."

"We'll be the envy of every restaurant in New York City," Leslie added.

"Holy shit," Luke said, looking at Adam.

Cait looked at her dad. "Oh holy shit. They did something right," she winked with a laugh. Jarrod beamed with pride at his sons.

Luke shook his head. "Cait, just tell me you gave Uncle Nick hell," he smiled.

"Of course," Cait grinned back. Sean and Leslie laughed.

Aaron loudly whistled. "Let's go boys! It's pool time o'clock." He and Cait said good-bye Luke and Adam. Sean and Leslie added theirs as well.

The boys raced out of the vat room and got on their horses with Luke and Adam helping Wyatt and Ethan.

-00CM00-

After their ride with Jake Saturday afternoon, Jake drove his truck up the hill and made the turn to Jarrod and Maggie's home. The plan had come together. "What's that?" Jack pointed out the front window of Jake's truck.

Jake smiled. "Maybe a big ass surprise for all of you."

The four boys tumbled out of Jake's truck to Cait and Leslie putting bags of groceries into a Winnebago RV that was plugged into the Barkley home. Aaron and Sean came out with more bags. "Dad?" Tate asked, walking up to the RV.

Sean smiled at Wyatt, joining them. "You're the geography guru. Which of the biggest national parks is about nine hundred miles away?"

Jack shook his head, grinning at Cait and Aaron. "No way."

Tate looked at them. "Really?"

"Really," Aaron smiled.

"This will sleep all eight of us?" Tate pointed at the RV.

"In Rossi style," Cait winked at him.

Wyatt looked at his parents. "We're going to Yellowstone?" he barely whispered.

"Yes son, we are," Sean smiled.

"Dude!" Tate looked at Wyatt. "Don't forget the Tetons."

Ethan looked at his parents. "We're going camping?"

Sean pulled him into a hug. "Yes we are. Mom and I, along with Uncle Aaron and Aunt Cait want this for you."

Ethan smiled. "We ain't in New York City anymore."

Tate and Jack looked at their mother. "I'll let that one slide," Cait grinned with a wink.

XXX

A/N: Did I drop enough hints in this chapter that this one was going somewhere special? Hehehe Honestly, my original thought was to have Dave going with the family. Then I started looking at motor homes on Google. This made more sense and would be more fun to write.

Doing some house cleaning on all my yellow marked spots. TCM is Turner Classic Movies on most US cable channels. John Wayne was called the "Duke" by everyone in the movie business. Miguel's greeting to the boys was "good morning my young friends".

And like usual, I envisioned this story to be three chapters. I'm looking at four. LOL For once, I'm beating the OK Teach to it.

PS: While I'm still writing, she says five. She's probably right. Heck, it might even be six. *throws another story outline out the window*