The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 15
A/N1—I am referencing some time frames that are not included in any of my stories. No, not going to do "flashbacks;" just referencing. Just wanted to give you a head's up, so you won't be confused. With that, happy reading!
It's the morning of the camping trip. Mike is loading up the cars. Carol is in the nursery, packing supplies for the twins.
Carol: Gathering diapers and clothes. She sees Mike come up the stairs. Mike?
Mike: Enters the nursery. Yes?
Carol: Folding diapers. I still don't know about taking the twins camping. They're so young.
Mike: It'll be fine. This will most likely be the last time the whole family will be together on a camping trip. Greg and Marcia are in college, Peter and Jan aren't far behind them...
Carol: Smirks. You can stop right there, Mister! She gives him a peck on the lips.
Mike: Everything will be fine though. We can bring the playpen for them to sleep in at night and during their naps.
Carol: But Ryan's really particular about where he is after he's been fed. She pauses and sighs. I still think it would be better if I stayed behind. I can get Mom to come over and help.
Mike: Wraps his arms around his wife. Nonsense! It wouldn't be the same without you.
Carol: I wanna go, but...
Mike: But?
Carol: With you and the older kids off hiking and fishing, the twins and I will be stuck at the campsite alone.
Mike: Oh, I don't know about that. Kissing her on the cheek. We could send the older kids off and... He whispers in her ear.
Carol giggles. They hear a familiar cry coming from their bedroom.
Carol: Stepping out of their embrace. The little ones are up.
As they make their way to their bedroom, Jan, reading a letter, passes them in the hallway.
Carol: Jan?
Jan: Stops and turns around. Yes?
Carol: Can you do me a favour and finish packing the diaper bag for me?
Jan: Sure.
Jan goes into the nursery while Mike and Carol see about the twins.
Mike: Picking up Ryan. So, you're going?
Carol: Changing Carolyn. You convinced me. She flashes a wry smile.
Mike: Good. He smiles, and feels that Ryan's not wet. You'll see, Carol, it'll be fine. Remember, you went last year and you were pregnant then.
Carol: Sighs, as she picks up her daughter. Ugh! Don't remind me! It was hot and I felt miserable. Why in the world did we go in late July last year anyway?
Mike: It was about the only weekend I could get free, that all the kids were available too.
Carol: I suppose that's what we get when we have six...now eight children with their own schedules, which often conflict with one another's. She sits in her rocker and nurses Carolyn.
Mike: Yes, they do. Pauses. Ready for him?
Carol: Yes. Bring him over.
Mike brings Ryan over and helps Carol get him started. Carol chuckles.
Mike: What?
Carol: The way these two are growing, I won't be able to nurse them together much longer.
Mike: They do look a little crowded.
Carol: Reconsidering. That's another thing. How am I going to nurse them out there? Lawn chairs are narrower than the rocking chair, it's a bit awkward sitting on the floor and nursing, and nursing them in the latrine is definitely out.
Mike: How about bringing bottles along? We've got some frozen, and it wouldn't be that difficult to warm them up. That way, while you're nursing one, one of us could feed the other a bottle.
Carol: That would work for during the day, but for their feeding just before bed...
Mike: Walks behind her, puts his arms around her and kisses her on the neck. We could use that time to cuddle.
Carol: Purrs. I like that idea. We'll go.
Mike: Good.
Meanwhile, in the nursery
Jan goes through the items Carol has packed in the diaper bag, making sure nothing is missed. She packs another spare set of clothes, then sits in the rocker to read her letter.
Dear Soul Sister,
I was so thrilled to get your letter! Thanks for keeping me updated on the goings on in the Brady household.
Congratulations on making it to the State Art Show! Here's hoping you won "Best in show," but even if you didn't, I'm real proud for you! Same with Bobby and Cindy. So thrilled he went to State, but sorry she didn't. I know they did their best. Speaking of Cindy, how did her tryouts go? Did Cassie give her any more grief?
I suppose by now, Greg's finished up his first year in college and Marcia's all graduated and ready to start college. Are Greg and Nora still dating? I hope so. She's a real sweet heart. What about Peter and his steady?
Did Alice and Sam ever set a date? I know Ryan and Carolyn are growing like crazy. The next time I see you guys, I probably wouldn't recognize those two.
I am so sorry to have read about Carolyn. I know your folks must be taking it pretty hard, as are the rest of you. I wish I could do something to help, but know you all have my love.
I've been on safari in Africa the last few weeks. That's why you haven't heard from me in awhile. I plan on being back in town in the next few months. When I get dates pinned down, I'll let you know.
All my love,
Aunt Jenny
Absently, Jan gets up, goes to her bedroom, gets out pen and paper and begins to write:
Dear Aunt Jenny,
Thanks for your letter. Safari in Africa, wow! I hope one of these days I can do something like that.
I received an "Honourable Mention" at the State Art Show, so I didn't make it to Nationals. Bobby got twentieth place at the State Spelling Bee, so he's not going to Nationals either. Cindy got through tryouts well and is looking forward to being Captain next year. I'm still surprised how much she enjoys it; she's always said she couldn't stand cheerleading. Greg and Nora are still dating. He's flying to her place Monday to meet her family. Peter and Julie are still an item too. Sam and Alice got married last Saturday. I was her Maid of Honour. Marcia and I caught the bouquet together. It landed in our hands, like a football!
Ryan and Carolyn are still growing like crazy. We're still getting adjusted to Carolyn being deaf. Mom and dad are working with a speech therapist on how to communicate with her. We'll all start sign language classes soon. They tell us to talk to her as if she's not deaf.
Jan hears a knock on the door.
Jan: Come in!
Mike opens the door.
Mike: Is the diaper bag all packed.
Jan: Inhales, having forgotten the bag. Oh! I completely forgot! She gets up to finish.
Mike: Curious. What are you writing?
Jan: I was reading a letter from Aunt Jenny and totally forgot to finish packing it.
Mike: How is she?
Jan: She's fine. She's been on safari in Africa.
Mike: Wow! She sure does love her adventure.
Jan: Yeah. Let me finish the bag, then I'll put it in the car. Is there anything else mom needs for the twins?
Mike: Your mom will get the bottles together. I've already got the playpen folded and in the car. So, all we need right now is the bag.
Jan: All right. When are Marcia and Greg coming over?
Mike: They should be over in about an hour.
Jan makes her way back to the nursery and finishes the bag.
Jan: Disposable diapers, burp clothes, wipes, changes of clothing, pacifiers, toys, blankets, towels and washcloths...I think that's it.
She closes the bag and brings it to the car, where Mike is rearranging the duffel bags and other camping equipment. Carol brings out a cooler. Jan returns to the house to finish her letter to Aunt Jenny and to pack.
Carol: Here's the cooler for the babies.
Mike: Looks surprised. What's all in it?
Carol: When you have to have bottles for two, it takes a bigger cooler. I've got the baby food, bibs, and spoons in this duffel.
Mike: Shakes his head. I've forgotten how much an infant needs. I haven't taken a baby camping since Bobby was a baby.
Carol: Smiling. Well, the last time you or I had a baby was when Bobby and Cindy were babies. That was awhile ago.
Mike: Who has the twins?
Carol: Cindy's watching them.
They see Marcia and Greg pull into the driveway. Mike and Carol greet their eldest as they get out of the car.
Carol: Hi! Hugs her eldest daughter. How's everything at work?
Marcia: Great! I'm learning a lot! I think I want to major in fashion.
Bobby brings out two duffels and hears Marcia's reply.
Bobby: I'll say! To his dad. Here's mine and Cindy's duffel bags.
Mike: Thanks!
Greg: Lemme go get mine and Marcia's.
Mike: Can we use your car too? I don't think we can fit everyone in just the station wagon. My convertible's too small, Peter's doesn't have a back seat, and Jan's is in the shop.
Greg: Sure. And if you need, we can put stuff in my trunk too. How do you want us to ride?
Mike: I was thinking about putting Carolyn in a car seat between Carol and me and Ryan, in the middle of the back seat.
Greg: Who will ride with me and Marcia?
Mike: I figured Peter and Jan would ride with you.
Greg: Okay.
After Mike and Greg get all the camping gear and duffel bags arranged in both cars, it's time for the family to head for the campsite at Mt. Claymore. Mike walks into the house and calls the family.
Mike: Knocks on Peter's suite door. Peter? You ready?
Peter: Opens the door. Yeah. Got my duffel. What car am I riding in?
Mike: You're riding with Greg and Marcia. Go ahead and put it in his trunk.
Peter: Got it.
Carol, Marcia, Cindy and the twins are in the living room. Ryan is sitting in Cindy's lap.
Mike: Go ahead and make one last pitstop and get in the car.
Cindy: Where are Bobby and I riding?
Mike: Peter and Jan will ride with Greg and Marcia, and you and Bobby will ride with us.
Cindy: Gets up with Ryan in her arms. Do you want him in the front or back car seat?
Mike: The back. Thanks.
Cindy carries Ryan and buckles him into his car seat.
Marcia: I'll get Jan.
Mike: Thanks.
Carol: Passes Carolyn to Mike. I'm going to make one last pit stop, then I'll meet you there.
Mike: Okay.
Mike kisses his wife, then buckles Carolyn into her car seat. Meanwhile, Marcia knocks on Jan's door.
Jan: Come in! Finishing up her letter.
Marcia: Dad says it's time to go.
Jan: Addresses the envelope, puts the letter in, seals and stamps it. Ready! I've just gotta put this in the box first.
Marcia: Who are you writing to?
Jan: Aunt Jenny. Got a letter from her. She's been on safari in Africa.
Marcia: Wow!
The girls mail the letter and meet the rest of the Bradys at the cars. Mike and Greg do one more check and then they're off to the campsite.
Mt. Claymore campground
The Bradys pull up to their reserved spot. As Mike stops the car, Bobby and Cindy awaken from their slumber.
Bobby: We're here?
Mike: Yep! We'll need to set up the tents and the babies' playpen first.
Carol: Is Ryan asleep?
Cindy: Yes.
Carol: It's cool enough that they can sleep in their car seats if we keep the doors open.
Mike and the older boys set up three tents: one for Mike and Carol and the twins, and one each for the older boys and older girls. Carol and the older girls set up the playpen and the sleeping bags. Then, Carol and Marcia move the babies from the car seats to the playpen. The babies don't awaken during the transfer from the car to the playpen.
Bobby: Can we go fishing now?
Mike: Is everything set up?
Peter: Tents are up, Coolers are out of the cars.
Cindy: Do you want us to keep the duffels in the car?
Mike: No, they can be in the tents if you want.
Bobby: I got mine and Peter's.
Cindy: I already got out mine, Marcia and Jan's.
Mike: All right. See if your mother needs any help.
Carol: The twins are sleeping right now, so I'm good. I need someone to fetch water. After you guys catch some fish, we'll need some water drawn from the creek.
Mike: Are you sure you don't need it drawn now?
Carol: The twins should sleep for a couple more hours. That should give you the chance to catch enough fish.
Mike: We need stuff for a fire. Who's going to fish and who's going to fetch firewood and start the fire?
Bobby: I'll fish.
Peter: So will I.
Greg: I'll get the wood.
Cindy: I'll fish.
Jan: I'll get wood too.
Marcia: I'll get water and then start dinner once the fire's built.
Carol: You don't have to do that, Marcia.
Marcia: No, it's okay. I don't really want to fish right now, and we need water drawn anyway. Besides, it'll be time for the babies to nurse once Dad, Peter and Bobby get back with the fish.
Mike: Looks like we have a plan. Okay, Peter, Bobby, Cindy, you're with me.
The four who go fishing find a good fishing spot, and cast their lines. The fish are really biting and Cindy is the first to get a tug.
Cindy: Excited. I've got one!
Mike: You need any help reeling it in?
Cindy: I got it.
Cindy carefully reels her line in to reveal a big fish.
Peter: Wow, Cindy! Great catch!
Cindy: Thanks!
Bobby: I've got one too! He reels his line in. This one's pretty big too.
Mike: You two did great!
The four continue to fish until Mike determines they have enough for dinner. Peter reels in the last one.
Peter: Got it! He reels his line in and unhooks his fish.
Mike: Good job, you three! We've got plenty for dinner.
They make their way back to the campsite.
Meanwhile, back at the campsite
Greg and Jan return with firewood and begin setting up the campfire. Carol and Marcia unpack pots and pans.
Greg: Jan, grab the lighter.
Jan: Got it. She lights a couple sticks. Success!
Marcia: Mom, what do we need for tonight?
Carol: We need the grill, a pot for boiling water...let's put that on first...a pan for the fish, and eight mess kits.
Marcia unpacks the items and puts some water to boil. As she heats the water, the twins begin to fuss.
Carol: Jan, could you give me a hand?
Marcia: I've got a bottle.
Jan picks up Ryan and Carol gets Carolyn. Marcia ladles out some of the hot water into a pot on the ground, then gently sticks the bottle in to warm.
Carol: Carolyn, are you hungry? Okay, we'll get you and your brother fed.
Jan: Walks out of the tent with a wailing Ryan on her shoulder. Is the bottle ready?
Marcia: Testing it on her wrist. It is. She brings it to her sister. Here you go.
Jan: Thanks. Here you go, Ry!
Ryan begins chugging the bottle.
Marcia: Chuckles. Hey, little man, better slow down there!
Jan sits on one of the logs. Carol, cradling Carolyn, exits the tent. She sits on another log and gets herself situated.
Greg: Feeling a bit uncomfortable. I'm going to draw more water. We'll need water for cleaning the fish.
As he gets a couple more buckets of water, Mike and the other kids return with the fish.
Carol: Have any luck?
Mike: Holds up the fish. Lots of good luck!
Cindy: I caught the biggest one!
Carol: Really?
Mike: Proud. She sure did!
Carol: Congratulations!
Mike: Addressing the older kids, except Jan. We need to get these fish cleaned and then cooked over the fire.
Greg: I'll help.
Mike: Peter, Bobby? You too?
Peter and Bobby: Coming!
Marcia: Cindy, after you wash up, can you help me get the rest of the food together?
Cindy: Sure.
Cindy washes up at the creek and then assists Marcia with cooking dinner. As the girls cook corn on the cob, Mike and the boys return with freshly cleaned fish. Carolyn finishes nursing and Ryan finishes his bottle. Carol and Jan burp the babies as the rest prepare dinner.
Carol: That smells delicious!
Mike: Men, let's get washed up. By the time we're finished, dinner will be ready.
Dinner is ready. Marcia and Cindy dish out fish and corn on the cob for each family member. Mike grabs a plate for himself and one for Carol and carries them over to his wife and youngest daughter.
Carol: Takes a bite of fish. Mmmm! That's really good!
Mike: Marcia, Cindy, the corn is excellent!
Jan: Juggling Ryan. It's perfect.
Mike: Jan, do you want me to take him?
Jan: He's okay. I got him.
Mike: If you're sure.
Jan: I am.
Mike: Holler if you need me to take him.
The Bradys finish their dinner as the sun sets. Jan passes Ryan to their father, and helps Marcia, Cindy and Peter wash and dry the dishes. Greg and Bobby pack the leftovers on ice. Then, as Greg gets out his guitar, the rest of the older kids prepare s'mores. They sing and eat s'mores around the campfire. Mike and Carol change the twins and they fall asleep as the family sings.
Carol: Looks down at Carolyn. She's asleep.
Mike: So is he. We'd better put them down.
Greg: Do you need me to put the guitar away?
Carol: No, that's okay. Ryan seems to like it. She swallows a lump forming in her throat.
Mike places a light kiss on her cheek. They enter the tent and place the babies in the playpen. Neither twin stirs. By the time Mike and Carol exit their tent, the older kids are getting ready for bed. The kids say goodnight to their parents, and go into their tent. Mike and Carol relax by the fire for a few minutes.
Carol: I'm so glad I came. Smiling.
Mike: I knew you would be.
Carol: Takes a deep breath. The older kids have been a great help.
Mike: Did you think they'd be any different?
Carol: No, but I'm still proud they want to help. Stretches and yawns. I'm also glad I'm not pregnant this year. Juggling the twins here seems much easier than camping five months pregnant. Yawns again.
Mike: Chuckles. You were miserable last year.
Carol: Chuckles too. Well, can you blame me? It was hot and I felt fat and clumsy.
Mike: No, can't say I do. Gives her a soft kiss. You're exhausted. Let's go to bed. The twins will wake us bright and early tomorrow.
Mike puts out the fire, and the two walk back to their tent. The twins are still fast asleep. Soon, Mike and Carol, too, are fast asleep.
-End of Chapter 15-
A/N2—The camping continues next chapter.