Thank You to WillowEdmond and Chellelew for the reviews. I really appreciate them.
Just one thing to say:
I changed the description of this story, as it seams to have turned into a real story, on it's own. Not just for Babysitting Adventures.
Thanks and Enjoy!
Chapter 17 – Road Trip Fun!
The plan was to leave early so, they could all have some fun together. Before Dean, Sherri and Taylor left.
The next morning, the alarm went off at Six am. Roman turned it off and rolled over, Machelle wasn't beside him.
After he went to the washroom, he went looking for her.
"You okay, Babe?" Roman said when he found her outside in a lounge chair, El Torrito right beside her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I was having a hot flash, again. I came out here to cool off." Machelle yawned and moved over so, Roman could sit beside her. "Then the babies were hungry and I didn't want to wake you. So, I made fruit salad, instead of my new craving for KFC. Did I wake you?"
Roman shook his head and smiled.
He took a bite of Machelle's fruit salad and yogurt, when she offered him some.
"No, the alarm went off. That's why I'm up." Roman smiled and kissed her. "What time did you get up?"
"Not long ago, about five or so." Machelle smiled. "Can you help me get up, please?"
Roman smiled and helped her out of the lounger.
"You, need to sleep babe. This has to stop, your going to be so tired today. I will, turn up the air conditioning. We can give the boys an extra blanket, if need be." Roman said hugging her. "I am making you, have a nap on the bus. Where did this craving of KFC, come from?"
"I saw a commercial, this morning. I Think maybe, I better start watching the movie channel. Then I won't have cravings for things like that, no commercials are good right now." Machelle laughed and walked inside. "I promise, I will have a nap on the bus. I got BOB all packed, because I knew you would say that. I got our stuff packed and it's all by the door. So, we don't need to rush."
Machelle turned around when she got to the kitchen, Roman was right behind her. So, she put her hands around his neck, and he leaned down and kissed her.
"Okay, that is a great thing." Roman said kissing her again. "I have a feeling Aunt Alma, made plans. I heard her talking to Mom."
"I'll make coffee, Dean, Sherri and Taylor will be coming here soon." Machelle said. "I got chubs and Chuck all ready, Because they will want to bring them."
"I know JJ didn't have him out of his arms, all day yesterday." Roman said. "I hope he was okay with out him last night."
Machelle put the bowl, in the dishwasher and turned the coffee on.
Then they went upstairs, to get dressed.
"By the way, I asked Vince for a week off after Battle Ground. I want to spend some time with the boys." Roman said putting on his shirt. "That also gives me time off, for Mom and Dad's Anniversary."
"Why?" Machelle said. "I mean, they are just starting to give you guys good story lines. Especially with Makila and Mason coming."
"Dean and I, have sorta made some plans." Roman smiled. "We want to take the boys and Taylor, fishing and camping. We used to go, to this camp ground in Georgia. When Dad had time off, we always had fun. Bryan and Brie have a cabin, he said we could use it for a couple days. Brie is on the road so, Seth, John, Mikila, Hunter and Mason are coming with us. I think Vince might come but, I'm not sure. Hunter did ask him."
Machelle was about to say something, when Roman put his hand up.
"I know you want to come babe but, I don't know how comfy you would be. We want to sleep in Tents and sleeping bags." Roman smiled. "My point is, we want to spend some Guy/kids time. Before they get to old, and don't wanna spend time with us. So, we are going for four days. Then the rest is our time. Where we can have family time."
"I didn't say a word, I agree. You guys need to bond and have some time to your selves. But, Taylor is going to be bored with all of you guys and no girls." Machelle said.
"No, Hunter is bringing his girls. It will be kids and wrestlers weekend. Guess I should of said that first, Huh?" Roman smiled. Machelle nodded her head. "Hunter, heard Dean and I ask Vince. Hunter thought, it would be a great idea for all of us to spend time with the kids."
They walked out of the bedroom and started down the stairs.
"You know, I am really surprised Vince is so nice in person. He portrays, such an ass on TV. I for one, would of never guessed he's a softy." Machelle smiled. "I need to chat with you, about all the party plans."
As they were walking down the stairs, the door bell rang.
Once everyone was ready, they made their way to the front gates of the complex to meet Albert.
Roman put all the things in the boy's, double stroller and Machelle pushed it
Albert, put the stroller and Luggage underneath the bus.
Roman and Dean helped bring the other things on the bus, including Machelle.
Once everyone was on and settled, Albert started driving.
"Good Morning Everyone, and Welcome to The Shield 5.0 Bus to Miami. There are egg muffins and coffee from McDonald's on the table. Juice for the kids, Machelle and Sherri are in the fridge. There is also snacks in the cupboards." Albert smiled. "This road trip will last 3 Hours and 56 minutes. Just to remind everyone, this is a non stop driving tour. Please, sit down and enjoy the ride."
"Albert, be quiet and drive." Dean laughed and sat down on the couch, next to the door.
Everyone else started laughing.
"Just thought it would be funny, having commentary." Albert laughed. "Someone didn't have their coffee this morning, Grumpy Pants."
"Alright funny guy, just drive." Dean smiled and rolled his eyes.
All the kids went to the back of the bus. There was a kind of lounge there, with couches. They decided to start a movie.
All the adults were just chatting, and planning on what to do when they got to Miami.
"Okay, so the girls want to go shopping at the mall. What do you guys want to do?" Roman asked, looking at Charlie, Everett and John.
"Actually, I took it upon myself to plan lunch and a little tour." Alma said smiling. "I hope everyone doesn't mind? Dwayne wanted to meet all of you. So, when I told him we were all coming, he wanted to plan something. He felt really bad, for not being at the wedding."
"We know that he wanted to be there, Alma." Sherri smiled. "We missed him being there but, we understood he is a very busy guy."
"Thanks Sherri." Alma said. "Machelle, I know you wanted to go to that baby store."
"Alma, I don't have to go. I just thought we were there." Machelle smiled. "I can do that next week, when we are here. That is good with me."
Alma nodded.
"Dwayne said he would show us a great time." Alma said. "He said, we could go to Fisher Island where all the stars live. Just a little tour, maybe see some different sights."
"Aw, Now I don't wanna go on this cruise." Dean said. "Sounds like you guys, are going to have a blast. When are you guys, going to come back?"
"I'm coming back in August, for the birth of the twins. Maybe stay for a bit, if that's okay? I'm not sure how long I can stay in the states but, I will find out." Margie said. "I will also come for the birth of your baby, in November. Maybe, we can arrange it so we can all spend Christmas together."
"Of course it's okay. We all made a promise, when mom died and that was to keep in touch. Machelle and Roman have a guest house, that can sleep four and five guest rooms in the house. We have three spare rooms. So, anyone can stay." Sherri said. "As for Christmas, I would love to come out but, we would have to rent a place. We can't all fit in Aunt Lisa and Charlies condo. You can stay six months, or 182 days. That doesn't have to be all at once either. So, you can come six times if you want and stay a month each time."
"Actually, I have a friend who has a place we could rent in Colorado. If you guys could take a week and come to the States, we could spend it together. I know Machelle says it's not Christmas time without snow." Sika said and smiled. "I bet if I called him, he would let us rent it, because he lives here in Florida."
"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, this is your driver talking." Albert laughed. "Machelle, just wanted to tell you we are coming into Naples. We are One hour away, from our destination."
"Thanks Albert." Machelle said laughing. "That is my Que, to go for a rest. Excuse me everyone, I'm going to lie down for a bit. I do say that but, I also say we need Family around. So, if we can't have snow, You guys all being around is just fine with me."
Machelle got up and walked to the back of the bus, where the kids were.
She was going to go into the bedroom but, decided to pull the couch out with the help of the kids and laid down there.
Vanessa's son Malcolm, went and got her some pillows and a blanket. They all helped to put the blanket on her.
Jake sat on one side of her. JJ was on the other side. He put Chubs in her arms.
After all the kids sat back down on the bed. It didn't take her long to fall asleep, after that.
While Machelle rested, Alma texted Dwayne and kept him informed on when they would arrive.
For the next hour, the adults just chatted.
They decided they would all try and get time off, at Christmas. They would ask everyone in the Family to come.
They all knew that would be over 40 people but, the more the merrier. They also decided to draw names since it was a lot to buy for.
All the kids, came out after the movie was over and had a snack.
Then challenged Dean, to a game of Grand Theft Auto. To which Dean lost, almost all of the games to the kids.
"How is it you guys are beating me, when you don't even have drivers licences?" Dean complained. "This is so bad."
"Because, you suck at driving Dean." Malcolm said laughing.
"Even Auntie Sherri, can beat you." Jake said.
"No way, that is happening." Dean smiled. "We need another game."
Dean went towards the back of the bus, to get another game.
"You sounded like JJ and Jake, when they don't get what they want Dean." Machelle said.
"Hm guess I did, didn't I. Sorry I didn't realize you were in here." Dean said helping her up. Then pushed the bed in. "I'm sorry, I will work on that. Am I still on your Shit List? Ro, told me I was on it Again."
"Yes, you called the babies brats Dean." Machelle said. "That is what the boys, call them now."
"Okay, I will talk with them. I didn't mean it that way. I keep thinking they are older, than they are." Dean said hanging his head, like a scolded kid. "You know that right?"
"I do but, the boys don't understand." Machelle said. "I don't know, how we can change their mind now."
"Ah Shit." Dean said. "I didn't think of that."
"Uncle Dean, that is a bad word." Jake said coming into the back.
"Your Mom started it." Dean smiled.
"No, she didn't." Jake said, then put his hands on his hips.
Machelle and Dean couldn't help but, smile.
Machelle, was just going to tell Dean to back off. When, Dean knelt down to Jake's level.
"How do you know she didn't?" Dean said. He was almost in Jake's face. "You didn't hear all the conversation."
"Cause Mommy, said you always start things." Jake said and put his finger on Dean's chest. "Mommy, is always right."
Dean was trying not laugh. Jake was serious, he was getting really mad.
Roman heard the yelling, and came in to see what was going on.
"Jacob That's enough, go to the bathroom and leave Uncle Dean alone." Roman said.
"But Daddy, Uncle Dean started it and was in my face." Jake said then tilted his head. "He is bugging me now."
"Uncle Dean get out of Jake's space." Roman said.
Roman, Machelle and Dean, knew that meant he was mad.
Machelle, did the same tilt of her head when she was mad.
"Jake, I didn't mean to make you mad." Dean said being serious. "Uncle Dean, was being bad and I am really sorry. I think, I need to have a chat with you and JJ. Why don't you go get JJ and we will have a chat, okay?"
Jake hugged Dean, just to let him know he was okay with the apology. Then turned around, and went to go get JJ.
"I guess, I need to think before I speak." Dean said and stood up. "I will try and explain this to them. I think, he was really pissed."
"He does have that Irish temper from Machelle. Trust me it comes out on the stupidest things." Roman said. "Okay, if you need help just call us."
"Jake was defending me." Machelle smiled. "That's why he got pissed so fast, not because of his Irish temper. He has Samoan in him to, Roman."
"Yeah Roman." Dean said. Roman rolled his eyes. "I think I need to do this on my own, though. It was my fault, in the first place."
JJ and Jake came to the back and Dean sat down on the couch.
Machelle and Roman left, to give them privacy.
"What was all that screaming?" Sherri asked. "Where is Dean?"
"The screaming, was your nephew getting pissed at your husband." Roman said, and sat down on the couch across from them. "I have never seen, Jake like that before."
"He is talking with the boys. Jake was defending his Mom, I didn't think it would escalate that fast." Machelle said, sitting down next to Sherri. "He keeps calling the babies Brats, and now that is how JJ and Jake see them."
"I got you." Sherri smiled. "I heard Roman tell him, you were mad at him. I tried to explain, that to him the other night."
"I wasn't mad at him, per say." Machelle smiled. "He just needs to remember, that they are kids and don't understand that he is kidding."
"So, Machelle I heard Vince wants to chat with you, do you know why?" Patty asked.
"He didn't actually say why, but I have a feeling he wants me back on the road." Machelle smiled. "I don't know if I want to travel. I mean I would love to get out of the house but, with four kids I don't think it is going to happen."
"I don't blame you." Patty said. "I remember when Sika, was travelling it was hard enough then. Though, the girls were older and helped a lot."
"Yes, it is. I remember with the boys it was kinda easy when they were little, they slept." Machelle smiled. "A couple months ago I had like four kids on the road. Dean and Seth, all they did was get in trouble with the boys. They, are the reason I stopped travelling. That and the boys are going to start preschool soon. Roman and I, are going to look next week."
"I heard Summer, say that. That will be exciting for them." Patty smiled.
"Is the school far from you Machelle?" Heather asked.
"No, just up the street from us." Machelle said and held her stomach. "I can walk to pick them up. So, it will help with me losing the baby weight."
"Have you had cravings?" Uncle Everett's wife, Michelle asked and put her hand on Machelle's stomach. The babies were moving.
"I think they are hungry, again. Oh god, Yeah. They keep changing though. There was chicken nuggets from McDonald's, watermelon. This morning at four, it was KFC. Just because, I saw a commercial for it."
All the girls laughed.
"This is your driver again, If you look to your left." Albert smiled, and everyone looked out the left window. "The bus will tilt, and roll down the hill and we will crash."
"Albert." Dean yelled from the back of the bus.
"Sorry, just some driver humour." Albert smiled. "We will be at the marina, in 10 minutes."
Roman handed Machelle some fruit.
"You are terrible Albert." Alma laughed. "Dwayne said, he will be waiting in the parking lot. He has a place for the bus all marked off."
Albert nodded.
When they got to the marina, Dwayne was waiting for them.
After Albert parked the bus, everyone got off.
JJ and Jake, ran to Dwayne and he gave them hugs. Then the same to Lauren and Jasmine.
"Dwayne these are my Aunts Lisa, Heather, Constance and Michelle and my Uncles Charlie, John and Everett." Sherri said. "My cousin Brittany and my best friend Tia."
"Nice to meet you all." Dwayne said and hugged all of them. "I'm sorry, I couldn't come to the wedding. Mom said it was beautiful."
"Thank you, that it was." Sherri said. "This is Lauren and this little cutie is Jasmine."
Jasmine seamed to know her name and started to giggle, when Sherri poked her stomach. That made everyone laugh.
"So, I am going to show you guys Fisher island where Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Shakira live. Then we can drop Dean, Sherri and Taylor off at the shipping dock and then go find something to do from there. So, Albert we need their luggage, also the stroller for the boys just in case. There are some shops we can look in, around the dock."
Albert nodded, Dean and Roman helped him. While Dwayne helped the others down the dock.
"Are you guys hungry?" Dwayne asked. "The chef, here has prepared a great light lunch."
They all walked to the front of the boat, and sat down.
There was as a variety of food, on a buffet table.
"Machelle, Mom said you were having cravings for fried chicken. So, I got you some KFC." Dwayne smiled.
One of the deck hands, brought her a box of chicken.
"You didn't have to do that." Machelle smiled. "Not, like I need it."
"Lauren, had the same cravings almost as you." He smiled. "So, I know what it is like. I also got the coleslaw because, that goes with the craving."
"Suck up." Roman said, elbowing Dwayne's arm.
Dwayne just gave that famous beautiful smile of his, and shrugged his shoulders.
"Thank you, Dwayne." Machelle smiled.
After lunch the Captain took them on a, tour of the tropical waters of Miami's Biscayne Bay. As they all relaxed, and took in the amazing views of the Miami skyline.
They saw pristine beaches and Millionaires Row. Where they have the most beautiful homes, in Miami.
They also learned fascinating details of Miami's history.
The Captain docked the boat and they all got off, and walked Dean, Sherri and Taylor to their ship.
Then the girls went to the many shops around the dock, and did a little bit of shopping. While the guys, just followed the girls and held the things they bought.
Dwayne did show them some sights around Miami.
A couple hours later they were back on the Yacht, to take them back to the Marina.
On the way the Captain, showed everyone Coral Castle.
When they got close, the Captain came on and told them about it.
"Excuse me everyone if you look on your right hand side, you can see Coral Castle. It is an engineering marvel that has been compared with Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt." The Captain said. "Many sources claim that the castle, originally called Rock Gate Park, is scientifically inexplicable. Coral Castle has baffled scientists, engineers and scholars since its opening in 1923. It has appeared countless times in books, magazines, and television shows. Rock musician Billy Idol even wrote a hit song about the place, 'Sweet Sixteen.'"
He paused for a bit and then started again.
"As strange and amazing as the site is, its history is equally improbable. It was created by just one man working alone for nearly three decades until his death in 1951. He was a small Latvian immigrant named Edward Leedskalnin. who stood, 5 feet tall and weighed 100 pounds. Legend has it that he was inspired to build the structure, after being abandoned by his 16-year-old sweetheart. On what was to be their, wedding day. Spurned by his lost love, he set out to prove to her and the world that he could do something remarkable, and make something of himself despite his poverty and fourth grade education. I would say he succeeded spectacularly."
"It looks really cool." Roman said.
Everyone agreed it would be cool, to look at it up close and personal.
Once they got to the dock and loaded up the bus, they followed Dwayne and Lauren.
They went to a garden-inspired Restaurant, in the old Coconut Grove Library space. Right in the middle of Peacock Park.
The kids liked it because they saw birds walking around, and the waiter was really funny.
They were going to stay the night at a hotel but, Charlie forgot his pills.
So, they drove back to Tampa. No one minded, they were all tired anyway.
Albert, dropped all the Aunts and Uncles off at their hotel. He also told them he would pick them up at 10, the next morning.
Then dropped the rest, back at Machelle and Roman's.
They decided that they would all go to Apollo Beach, and see the Manatees that lived there.
The next morning Machelle got the boys dressed.
They met all the others at the front gates. Then drove the 25 minutes to Apollo Beach.
When they got there the boys were really excited. They had never seen a Manatee before, up close and personal.
The tour started as a guide Gina led them around. She explained how the Manatees came here.
"Big Bend Power Station delivered reliable electricity to the community, for 16 years before the commercial operation of Big Bend Unit 4 in 1986. That year, people started seeing manatees in large numbers in the power station's discharge canal. Where saltwater was taken from Tampa Bay to cool Unit 4 flowed, clean and warm, back to the bay. When Tampa Bay reached 68 degrees or colder, the mammals would seek out this new refuge." Gina started. "The Manatee Viewing Centre was soon born. Today, Big Bend's discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals."
Then they went into the Educational building. They saw colourful displays of the manatee, and its habitat.
Other walls showed how Big Bend Power Station, generates electricity for the community in an environmentally responsible way.
They looked and Inspected actual manatee bones, and pieced together puzzles.
They also felt the blast of a hurricane, in the centre's simulator.
They found out more about hurricanes and how Tampa Electric, prepares for and responds to major storms.
Then they went outside, and walked down a pathway to a 50 foot high tower.
Machelle, Lisa, Connie and Charlie sat down on a bench, and just watched. While the others walked up to the top.
"I'm going to miss you guys when you leave tomorrow." Machelle said. "I hope you guys, come back again."
"We will, Machelle. August for the birth of the twins." Lisa said. "This has been a great trip. Next time we will bring the grand kids, and go see Disney World. Now that we have a place, to stay with you."
"The Girls would love that." Charlie smiled. "I'm not sure if they will come at Christmas but, Heath said maybe in August they will come and visit."
"We have lots of room, for all of you guys." Machelle smiled. "You can stay with us instead of renting a hotel room. I don't know why, you guys did this time?"
"I did it this time, because I got a great deal." Charlie said. "I did it through air miles. I know Sherri said you guys had room but, I had all these air miles and I wanted to use them."
Machelle nodded.
"Aunt Connie what about you, will you come to?" Machelle asked.
"I don't know. Florida brings back bad memories, for me." Connie said. "I will see. I know it's kind of stupid because I have had a great time here. Roman's family, has been great. I am so glad I came."
Machelle didn't push because, she knew Connie's ex husband lived in Florida. They hadn't seen each other in years. It was a very bad break up, and her ex took her son with him.
"What time do you guys leave tomorrow?" Machelle said, changing the subject.
"One but, we have to be there two hours before." Charlie said. "I want to take you guys out to dinner tonight, where can we go?"
"Anywhere you want. What do you guys feel like?" Roman said.
They walked back to the bus, and drove back to Tampa for dinner.
Margie, Lisa and Connie wanted to spend their last night with the boys. So, the boys spent the night with them.