Shucks guys – thanks for the welcome back :)

…

Getting to the cars took a little longer than expected. Especially as Gabby decided she wanted to travel with Ayesha. Reggie said he was fine taking another little monster. To which Gabby pointed out that she wasn't a monster, little girls are always angels!

While Marissa transferred Gabby's booster seat into Reggie's car, Miranda and AJ settle in the back seat and strapped themselves in. They were quite happy about Gabby's move, it was always such a squash for all three of them in the back of Marissa's little hatchback. It also meant they could put some proper music on for a change, not just the kids stuff.

"Mom," cried Miranda, "Can I put my Justin Bieber CD on?"

"Not just now..."

With Gabby and Ayesha all strapped in and the Disney's Greatest Hits playing on the car stereos, everything was set in Reggie and Camilla's Ford.

Ian was kicking up a fuss about going in his car seat, so Jackson had to lend a hand to Kendal before she could get her two boys settled.

Finally every family was loaded into their respective car and the convoy was ready to depart.

…

"Do you know where we're going?" AJ asked.

"It's a surprise!" explained Bianca.

"Is it Disney World?" Miranda asked, eagerly.

"Probably not." said Bianca, "Or they'll have told us to pack a case."

"Spoil sport." said Marissa with a laugh.

Bianca looked across at Marissa and gave her a big grin.

"Do we start packing tonight?" Miranda asked.

"What, honey?" asked Bianca not quite following, she had been a little distracted by Marissa smile.

"If we pack tonight we can be in our house by bedtime!"

"It won't happen that fast, sweetie." said Bianca, turning round to address her daughter. "I need to organise things with Kendal first, and we need to sort out the water and power and the moving van. It will be a couple of weeks at least."

"And then it will be our home." asked AJ excitedly.

"Yes buddy, it will be our home and we will be one big happy family."

"And it's really going to happen this time." he asked cautiously

"It's really going to happen." said Bianca, reaching across to put her hand on Marissa's knee.

"One big happy family." agreed Marissa.

She had been concentrating on the road but frowned when Jackson took a left turn at the junction just passed the Miranda Centre.

"I think we're there." said Marissa indicating to follow him into the parking lot.

The kids all eagerly peered out of the windows, but the faces quickly fell.

"But this is just the park." said AJ the disappointment clear on his face.

"It might still be fun." said Miranda although she didn't look convinced.

"Yeah," agreed Marissa. "We always have fun in the park."

Suddenly a broad smile lit Bianca's face.

"I think I know what this is."

…

Jackson and Erica led everyone to a secluded clearing. There were three waiting picnic tables covered in chequered cloths, all of them laden with large picnic hampers.

"Everyone welcome to the new annual Montgomery family picnic." announce Jackson, putting his arm around Erica's shoulders. "Erica and I had a long talk about the importance of family, and this seemed the perfect way to express it. I remember we tried to start this tradition several years ago, but life got in the way back then. Well I say we don't allow it. We are a family and today is a chance to celebrate that. So we have here enough chicken wings and potato salad to feed an army; there are games including a Frisbee, Reggie, if you remember how to play; plenty of sunshine… what do you all say to a little family fun?"

Jackson's speech was greeted with a rousing cheer.

"A picnic, mom?" asked Kendal a little taken aback by the surprise.

"This last weekend in New York taught me something." said Erica. "I thought that the bright lights and big city was what I wanted but I realise now that you, all of you, my family, are the most precious thing that I possess. I may not always show it as well as I like, but I love you all, and I want you to know that."

"We know that." said Kendal giving her mom a hug.

"Of course was do." said Bianca, adding her arms to the embrace.

"We love you Erica." cried Miranda as she and Spike, Ian and Gabby also joined in with the hug. Little Ayesha also hurried forward not wanting to be left out.

There was a moment of silence after that, as Erica tried to fight her tears of joy.

"Did you say chicken wings?" said Reggie, deciding humour was the best way to break the mood. "Quick, someone hand me a plate!"

…