The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 16
A/N—Continuation of the last chapter. I referenced a few baby toys that my little brother loved when he was a baby. And I did include some intimate moments with Mike and Carol, but nothing that would require a rating change.
The next day
The sun shines bright and early on Mt. Claymore. One baby and then another, awaken with a wail. Two tired parents rise from their slumber.
Mike: Morning! He yawns, stretches and gives his wife a quick peck.
Carol: Morning!
Mike: Gets up and lifts Ryan out of the playpen. C'mere little man. He hands his son to Carol and picks up Carolyn. Good morning, Kitten! Let's check your diaper before we get you fed.
Mike checks Carolyn's diaper and Carol checks Ryan's.
Carol: Can you hand me a diaper? He's soaked to the bone!
Mike: Here you go.
Mike hands her a diaper and wipes.
Carol: Thanks. Will you get out one of his onezees?
He hands her a green onezee. Carol changes him and then starts to nurse him. However, he won't latch on.
Carol: What's wrong, sweetheart? She tries him on the other breast, but he won't latch on. I know you're hungry.
Mike: Let me take him. Carolyn's hungry. Why don't you nurse her, and I'll fix a bottle for him.
Carol nods. Mike lays Carolyn in her arms and picks up Ryan, who continues to wail.
Mike: C'mere, little man. We'll get a bottle heated up for you.
He exits the tent and sees Cindy up heating some water.
Mike: What are you doing up?
Cindy: We heard the twins wake up and figured you'd need a bottle for one of them.
Mike: Thanks. He walks Ryan, who is screaming at the top of his lungs. Where are your brothers and sisters?
Cindy: Greg's getting some more kindling for the fire. Peter and Bobby went to draw more water. Marcia and Jan are changing. They'll start breakfast soon.
She ladles out some hot water and warms a bottle.
Mike: It's okay, Ry. Your sister's getting your bottle warmed for you.
Cindy tests the bottle and then hands it to her dad.
Cindy: Here you go.
Mike: Thanks! He shifts Ryan and offers him the bottle. Breakfast is served.
Ryan accepts the bottle and begins to drink. Mike walks back into the tent and sits with his wife. Carolyn is still nursing.
Carol: Everything all right?
Mike: Smiling. Yeah. Cindy was warming up his bottle when I walked out of the tent.
Carol: Sweet! She looks at her son in Mike's arms and smiles. He's really working on that bottle!
Mike: He's a growing boy. Proud. Changing the subject a bit. How long are you wanting to nurse the twins? They're almost seven months old, and you said it's getting difficult to nurse them at the same time.
Carol: I nursed each of the girls for a year. I'd like to nurse them through Christmas at least. Let's wait until we know when Carolyn's operation will be before we think about weaning them. She looks down at Carolyn and fights a tear. I want to give her the best chance for her operation.
Mike: Fair enough.
Cindy: Calls from the campfire. Breakfast is ready!
As the boys dish up their breakfast, Marcia pokes her head through Mike and Carol's tent.
Marcia: Breakfast.
Carol: Thanks, Marcia. We'll be out in a few.
Marcia: Okay. We'll keep it warm for you.
She leaves the tent and Carol giggles.
Mike: What?
Carol: We've got the greatest kids ever. Carolyn detaches. Finished?
As Carol begins to burp her daughter, Ryan finishes his bottle. Mike sits him up and burps him. He lets out a big burp.
Mike: Pleased. Good one, son!
Carol chuckles. Mike and Carol exit the tent. Cindy dishes them up a plate each.
Cindy: Bacon, eggs, and toast coming right up! She serves her parents.
Carol: Thank you, Cindy.
Jan: Let me take Ryan.
Cindy: And I'll take Carolyn.
Marcia gets out the cereal and prepares a small bowl for each. Jan and Cindy feed the twins their cereal as Marcia washes the dishes. After the dishes are washed and leftovers put away, the Bradys prepare to go on a hike.
Mike: Okay troops! We need to get ready for the hike. Greg, Peter, get the packs together. Bobby, Cindy, go fill the canteens. Marcia, Jan, get lunch and snacks together. We'll be heading out in half an hour.
Carol: Holding Ryan. I don't know if the twins and I should go.
Mike: I packed the carriers and Greg and I could carry them.
Carol: Reluctant. Oh, I don't know. I'm not trying to be a kill-joy, but I don't think it's such a good idea.
Mike: We can take one of the easier trails this year.
Carol: The older kids wouldn't enjoy that. Besides, we'd slow you guys down. It would be better if the three of us stayed here.
Mike: Thinking it over. How 'bout I stay with you and the twins?
Carol: Really? But Mike, you like the hikes.
Mike: Yes, but there will be other hikes. He kisses her on the lips. Besides, there will be many more years of family campouts with these two. He tickles Ryan's chin, causing the baby to giggle.
Carol: Are you sure?
Mike: Sure I'm sure! He kisses her again. Who has Carolyn?
They look around and see that Jan has Carolyn in a carrier on her back. Carolyn's sleeping and her arms are as around Jan's ribcage as they can reach.
Carol: Smiles. Mike, look! How cute is that?
Mike grabs the camera and zoom lens, and snaps a couple pictures.
Mike: Got it!
The older six children finish their chores and are ready for the hike.
Greg: Everything's ready for the hike.
Bobby: Which trail are we going on? I wanna go on the hardest one.
Jan: I wanna go on the one where we saw all those birds last year. That was such a pretty hike.
Marcia: Mom, what trail do you want to do?
Carol: I'm staying here with the twins. It would just be too much to take them on the hike.
Cindy: We could go on the easy trail, if that would help.
Mike: Your mother's right. I'm going to stay too.
Marcia: Would you like one of us to stay?
Carol: No, that's okay.
Mike: You six are old enough to hike on your own. Greg and Marcia will be in charge, so whatever they say goes.
Greg: What trail should we choose?
Mike: It might be better to take Foothills Trail.
Greg: That's what I was thinking.
Mike: Everybody got their packs stocked?
The kids: Yes.
Mike: Good shoes and socks on?
They answer in the affirmative.
Greg: I think we're ready.
Carol: Have fun! She pretends to have Ryan wave. Ryan says, "Have fun!"
The kids start on their hike. Jan realizes she's still wearing the baby carrier with Carolyn strapped in, asleep. She stops, which annoys the other five.
Jan: Wait guys! She approaches her parents. Uhh, Dad?
Mike: What is it?
Jan: I think we need to trade packs.
Carol: Spots her youngest daughter and chuckles. Were you about to take off with my daughter?
Mike calls out to Bobby, who is the closest child to the campsite.
Mike: Bobby, can you come and hold Carolyn for a sec? Mike lifts Carolyn out of the pack.
Bobby: Walks over to Mike and Jan. Sure.
Mike: Passes the baby to Bobby and helps Jan out of the pack. There ya go.
Jan: Thanks! She retrieves her pack.
Bobby: Ready for her?
Mike: Puts the carrier aside. Sure. Pass her on over.
Bobby passes Carolyn over and he and Jan join the other four hikers.
Carol: Everybody got everything? She kisses the top of Ryan's head.
The kids nod in the affirmative.
Mike: Be back by six.
Marcia: We will!
The older six leave on the hike. Mike, holding Carolyn and Carol, holding Ryan, wave to their kids. Then, they stretch out on their lawn chaises, with the babies lying on them.
Carol: I can't believe Jan nearly walked off with Carolyn. Chuckles.
Mike: Rubs Carolyn's back. She would've felt funny when Carolyn woke up and wanted lunch or needed a change.
Ryan raises up and smiles.
Carol: Do you want to play? Mama will get the blanket and your toys.
She gets up and retrieves the blanket and toys, and spreads it on the ground. Carol gets out his favourite musical ball, a Fisher Price "Happy Apple" and rattles it. Ryan giggles and pats the toy.
Mike: How 'bout you, Kitten? Do you want to play?
He rises and joins his wife and youngest son on the blanket.
Carol: Hands them a Fisher Price Chime Ball. Here's her favourite ball.
Mike: Rolls it for Carolyn. See the swans? Are they swimming? Carolyn pats the ball. Atta girl!
Carol smiles, seeing her husband and youngest daughter play. After an hour of serious play, the twins are ready for their naps. Ryan becomes fussy.
Carol: Picks Ryan up. Are you ready for your nap? You've got sleepy eyes.
Mike: How 'bout you, Kitten? You look like you're about to fall asleep too. Lifts his daughter. Lets get you and your brother down for your nap. What do you say about that?
As if on cue, Carolyn begins to fuss.
Mike: I think I got my answer.
Mike and Carolyn put the twins down in the playpen in their tent. The babies quickly fall asleep. Mike pulls his wife into an embrace and plants a passionate kiss on his wife's lips.
Mike: Ah! Hear that?
Carol: Smiles. What?
Mike: The sound of silence. The older kids are away on their hike and the twins are asleep. So, (kiss) we can (kiss) do whatever (kiss) we want. He pulls her into another long and passionate kiss.
Carol: I hear what you're saying. She giggles.
Flashing a Cheshire grin, Mike zips the tent closed and saunters back to his wife. Amused, Carol bites her bottom lip in anticipation. She unbuttons and removes her blouse, as Mike kneels on the ground, pulling her down with him. He plants hungry kisses along the sides and back of her neck.
Carol: Mike! She sniggers. Slow down.
Mike: Can't. He gently lays her down on their sleeping bag, unhooks her bra, and strokes her breasts.
Carol: Mike! She giggles.
He rolls to the side, bumping the playpen with his foot. The couple inhales, waiting for the kids to stir. They breathe a sigh of relief as the babies remain asleep. Carol tries to remove his shirt.
Mike: Removes his shirt. Better?
Carol: Much better! She purrs.
The couple slides over, so they wouldn't bump the playpen again. Carol's leg hits one of the support poles, and the tent collapses. The twins awaken and begin to wail.
Mike: Great. He sighs, frustrated.
Carol: Oh, Mike! Disappointed.
The couple struggles to get out from underneath the collapsed tent.
Carol: Mike, we've gotta get the kids.
Mike: Let me get the tent back up first. They'll be fine...noisy, but fine.
Mike and Carol grope under the tent for their clothes. Carol finds a top. She puts it on. Mike finds a top and tries to put it on, but is unable.
Carol: Uhhh, I think this one's yours.
Mike: I don't think this one is mine.
Carol looks at her husband and bursts out laughing. They trade tops and put them on.
Mike: Crawling out of the tent. Let's get this tent back up.
Carol: In a panic. Mike, the twins!
Mike: We've got to get this back up before we can get them.
The couple quickly puts the tent back up. Carol picks up Ryan and Mike, Carolyn.
Carol: Ry, did the mean ole tent scare you?
Mike: I'm sorry, Kitten.
Carol feels a couple wet spots growing at her bust. The twins are still wailing at the tops of their lungs.
Carol: Feels some urgency. Mike, I think I need to get them fed.
Mike: Do you want me to get a bottle started for Carolyn?
Carol: No, I'll nurse them both.
Carol sits in one of the lawn chairs and starts Ryan, who quickly latches on.
Mike: You ready for Carolyn?
Carol: Yes. Bring her over.
Mike lays Carolyn in her lap and helps Carol adjust the babies.
Mike: Is that good?
Carol: Yes, thanks.
Carolyn, too, quickly latches on.
Mike: I'm going to inspect the tent and make sure it stays up. He inspects the tent, taking care to ensure that the support beams and poles are secure.
Carol: Is it sound?
Mike: Yes.
Carol: Besides me kicking the pole, what made the tent fall?
Mike: I didn't have that part of the tent anchored well enough.
Carol: Feeling amorous. So, we can pick up where we left off without knocking it down again?
Mike: Absolutely! He leans over and gives her a soft kiss on the lips. I'm going to draw some water, so we can fix lunch.
Carol: That's not what I'm hungry for.
Mike: Kisses her again. Once I get back, the babies will probably be finishing up and then we can, ahem, get back to business.
Carol: Don't be long.
Mike: I won't be. Kisses her a third time, and then leaves to draw water.
Carol: Addressing her twins. I love that man with all my heart.
Meanwhile, on the hike
The older six Brady children have been hiking along Foothills Trail. This trail is a moderate hiking trail, with some challenging hills and enough plateaus to give the hiker a break. After a couple hours of hiking, the crew decides to stop for lunch.
Greg: Are you guys ready for lunch?
Bobby: I am!
Marcia: How 'bout we stop at those trees just up ahead? Looks like they'll give us some good shade.
Cindy: I'm beat.
Greg: That settles it. We'll stop here for lunch.
The kids reach their resting spot. Marcia and Jan get out and distribute lunches: sandwiches, chips, and fruit.
Peter: Hey, this is really good! What kind of sandwich is it?
Marcia: Roast beef with Dijon mustard.
Bobby: What's the cheese?
Marcia: Brie.
Peter: What's that?
Marcia: It's a French white cheese.
Bobby: It's good!
Jan spots a couple deer walking in the woods.
Jan: Hey look! There's a couple deer over there.
Cindy: Smiles. They're so beautiful.
Bobby: Gets his camera and snaps a couple pictures. Got it!
After they finish their lunch and rest, the kids are ready to finish their hike.
Peter: Which fork are we going to take? Laurel Falls or East Fork?
Bobby: I wanna go East Fork.
Jan: That's a steep grade. I'd rather go Laurel Falls. The Falls are beautiful.
Cindy: But the trail is slippery. I'd rather go East Fork.
Peter: I'm beat. I'd rather go Laurel Falls. It's shorter.
Marcia: Well, what do you think, Greg? I'm leaning toward Laurel Falls. It's not as steep and it's shorter.
Greg: I agree. Ready gang?
Bobby: Can we go cliff jumping?
Greg: I don't think so.
Peter: Yeah! C'mon, Greg. There's a couple spots along the falls where people can go cliff jumping.
Marcia: No.
The kids resume their hike and arrive at Laurel Falls. The sun hits the falls and creates a rainbow. Greg takes pictures as the others take in the sight.
Jan: It's breathtaking!
Marcia: To think, God created all this!
Cindy: It's amazing!
Bobby: Strips down to his shorts and runs. Geronimo!
Bobby jumps off one of the platforms, and Peter follows.
Greg: Bobby! Peter! Exasperated.
Bobby: Swims back to the top of the surface. Jump in! It's awesome!
Peter: Surfaces. Whoa! What a rush!
Greg: Didn't I tell you no?!
Bobby: Don't be such a killjoy! He swims to the side and gets out.
Marcia: Bobby, it's dangerous!
Bobby: No, it's not. He approaches Cindy. C'mon, Cin. Give it a try.
Cindy: Why not? Looks like fun!
As Bobby jumps in again, Cindy goes behind a tree, strips down to her swimsuit, runs, jumps off the cliff, landing in the water.
Marcia: Cynthia Denise Brady!
Cindy: Surfaces. WOW! That was incredible!
Bobby: What did I tell you?
Peter: Cannonball! He jumps off again.
Cindy: C'mon, Jan! C'mon, Marcia! It's fun!
Greg: Sighs in defeat. What do you think, Marcia?
Marcia: Mulls things over a bit and smiles. Why not?
Jan: Hesitant. I don't know. I'm not sure about it.
Bobby: I'm going on the higher level.
Cindy: Me too!
Greg: No diving, though!
Marcia: Goes behind a tree and strips down to her swimsuit. I'm going in.
Greg: I'm going after Bobby.
Marcia: C'mon, Jan.
Jan: Why not? She, too, strips down to her swimsuit. I'm going on the lowest platform first. The high one looks to be too much for me. She jumps off and lands in the water. Wow! You're right, Cindy! That's incredible!
The kids spend the rest of the afternoon playing at the Falls. Marcia notices the sun getting low in the horizon.
Marcia: Greg, the sun's getting awfully low. We'd better head home before mom and dad begin to wonder where we are.
Greg: Yeah. It's almost six, and we've got an hour's hike left.
Bobby: Do we hafta?
Marcia: Yes. We'll get to the campsite around seven.
The kids reluctantly dry off as best they can, put their clothes back on, and resume the hike.
Back at the campsite
Mike and Carol awaken from their slumber. Carol yawns and stretches. Mike plants a soft kiss on her cheek.
Carol: You were great!
Mike: So were you. Enfolds her in an embrace.
Carol: We ought to go camping more often.
The couple hears one of the babies babbling.
Carol: Sits up and starts to unzip the sleeping bag. That's Carolyn. Ryan will be up soon.
As if on cue, Ryan awakens and starts to fuss.
Mike: I'll get him.
Carol: It's about time for their dinner.
Mike: Lifts Ryan out of the playpen. C'mere, Ry. Did you have a good nap? Addresses his youngest daughter. Hey Kitten, is that fist good?
Carol: Are the kids back?
Mike: Exits the tent. Kids?
Ryan is still fussing, so Mike finds a pacifier for him.
Carol: Poking her head out of the tent. Are they back yet?
Mike: No.
Carol: Okay. She forgoes her bra, puts on her top, but doesn't button it. It's a little warm in the tent, so I'll feed them outside.
Carol peers at her daughter, lying in the playpen, chewing on her fist.
Carol: Smiles. Hey sweetheart! You ready for dinner?
She lifts Carolyn from the playpen and exits the tent.
Mike: Do you want me to heat up a bottle for one of them?
Carol: No, I'd rather nurse them right now. She sits in a lawn chaise and Carolyn begins nursing. Mike, can you help me get the back sitting up more?
Mike helps Carol get the twins situated. Carol relaxes as the twins nurse.
Mike: How's that?
Carol: Better. Pauses. What time is it?
Mike: Looks at his watch and is surprised. It's nearly seven.
Carol: And the kids aren't back yet?
Mike: No. I thought they might have come back and then gone swimming or something, but their packs aren't here.
They hear rustling in the distance, and see Greg and Marcia walking out of the trees.
Carol: Panicked. Mike, can you get that blanket over there?
Mike: Drapes the blanket over, and tucks it behind her. How's that?
Carol: Good. Thanks.
The older six kids come dragging into camp. They're obviously exhausted.
Mike: Tough hike?
Carol: Wide-eyed. Did you guys take a swim? You're all wet.
Bobby: We went cliff diving at Laurel Falls.
Carol: WHAT?
Cindy: It was amazing!
Jan: The Falls were really beautiful. And that drop, wow!
Mike: Shocked. You mean you guys dove into the Falls? You could've broken your necks! Greg and Marcia, you should know better than that!
Greg: Yeah.
Marcia: We're sorry, mom, dad.
Bobby: We actually didn't do any diving. Greg told us not to dive.
Greg: Irritated. I also told you not to jump off that ledge, and you did anyway.
Mike: Greg, Marcia, we can't ground you, but we should ground the four of you.
Jan: Great. Busted.
Peter: There goes the rest of the summer.
Mike: Sighs. We'll let it slide this time. I dove off those ledges a time or two...
Bobby: Surprised. You actually dove off?
Mike: Yeah, I did.
Peter: Wow!
Mike: Get cleaned up and help me start dinner.
Bobby: Who can eat? I'm wiped.
Mike: Go on. He shakes his head, trying not to laugh.
The exhausted six clean up at the creek.
Carol: Can you believe them? I could see the boys and Cindy doing it, but Jan?
Ryan kicks and the blanket falls to the ground. He detaches and begins to fuss. Mike gathers pots and pans, and begins getting out food for dinner.
Carol: Mike! A little help here?
Mike: Lifts Ryan from her lap. C'mere kiddo. Before long, you'll be jumping off the cliffs at the Falls.
Carol: No way! Looks down at Carolyn, who is still nursing. And don't you get any ideas either, Little Miss! She sees the older six return to the campsite. Mike, the blanket?
Mike shifts Ryan over, gets the blanket, and covers his wife back up.
Mike: Guys, can you draw some water and get more wood for the fire? Girls, go ahead and get dinner started. I've laid out food for tonight.
Marcia: Do you need a bottle for Ryan?
Mike: No, but we'll need a couple jars of baby food for them.
Carol: Carrots and apricots.
The kids do as asked. Dinner is quiet, as the older Brady kids are exhausted.
Bobby: Yawning and stretching. I'm beat. I think I'll turn in.
Cindy nods off and her empty plate slides off her lap.
Carol: Cindy? You asleep.
Cindy: Startles awake. What?
Mike: I think you kids should head to bed after you clean up.
Jan: I think I will. Yawns.
Carol: Jan, Bobby, Cindy, will you get the dishes washed? Greg, Peter and Marcia, pack the leftovers, please.
The kids wash the dishes and pack up the leftovers and dishes. Mike and Carol lay the twins in the playpen. Carolyn doesn't awaken. Ryan fusses, but Mike strokes his back, and he quickly falls back asleep. The older kids bid their parents "goodnight," and go to their tents. Mike and Carol snuggle outside by the fire.
Carol: I can't believe how tired the kids were.
Mike: Foothills Trail isn't the easiest trail to hike, and I bet they spent over an hour at the Falls.
Carol: Giggling. Did you really go cliff diving at the Falls?
Mike: Yes. I got a nasty cut on my foot after one dive.
Carol: Traces a scar on his foot. Is that where you got that scar?
Mike: Yes.
Carol: That must have been a nasty cut.
Mike: It was. I couldn't walk on it for a couple weeks.
Carol yawns and snuggles into her husband. Before she realizes it, she's asleep.
Mike: Shakes her shoulder and kisses her on the cheek. Carol? Carol?
Carol: Eyes still closed. Hmm?
Mike: Let's go to bed. You fell asleep.
Carol: Mmmkay.
Mike walks Carol to their tent. They check on the twins and see that they're still asleep. Carol turns down the sleeping bag, while Mike zips the tent closed. Then, they crawl into the sleeping bag.
Mike: Kisses her on the lips. Good night. I love you.
Carol: I love you too.
-End of Chapter 16-