Turning Back Time Chapter 135: A Day at the Parks, a criminal minds fanfic

Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all its characters belong to CBS. I own nothing. Feel free to read and review, but please don't copy.

AN- Thank you for bearing with me. Real life's problems have kind of ganged up on me and my family lately. Hopefully, everything will be resolved soon.

Previously on Criminal Minds- Wrapping an arm around Hailey, the BAU leader and father led the way down the path to Frontierland. It was time to have some fun!

Spencer gazed lovingly up at his mother as his family walked into another part of the park. He knew from his experiences with Henry that her arms were more than likely getting tired by now. Of course he also knew from experience that she would never allow that to come between her and her baby. She wouldn't put him down unless he asked her to. And while he had no desire to leave her arms, he refused to make her uncomfortable on their perfect day. Holding back a sigh, the mini profiler reluctantly removed his eyes from his mom and searched for his usual ride, Morgan. He wasn't hard to find. His best friend was sauntering ahead of the group with Prentiss and Garcia. Derek had his arms around both women as they laughed and joked with one another. Spencer smiled. It was nice to see his friends relaxing and having a good time. He didn't want to spoil their fun by forcing Morgan to carry him but he needed to give his mom a break and there wasn't anyone el…his train of thought derailed when he caught sight of another member of his extended family. Reid cocked his head to one side as he stared at the man who had garnered his attention. Rossi didn't look like he was at the happiest place on Earth. He reminded Spencer more of a kid staring in a toy store window. And what was he staring at anyway? There was nothing up there but Jack and…oh! Now he understood! Spencer's dimpled grin returned lighting up his face. It was the perfect solution! Not only could he give his mom's arms a rest, he could help the man who had been like a second father to him. Excited by the prospect of giving something back to one of the people who had treated him like a son, Spencer quickly turned back to his mother and patted her chest. "Mommy! I tan't see! Tan I wide on Untle Dave's shouldews?" he asked.

Diana smiled down at her son. "It's alright with me Spencer but you need to ask your Uncle Dave." She instructed.

"Otay mommy" Spencer answered. He looked over at the forlorn man and hollered, "Untle Dave! Untle Dave!"

Rossi startled at the sudden call. Glancing over at the source of the sound, he was surprised to see Reid reaching for him. "What is kiddo?" he questioned as he sidled closer to the tiny profiler and his mother.

"Tan I wide on youw shouldews? Peas?" Spencer politely queried, reaching for the man once more. "I tan't see."

"Sure buddy" Dave replied. He took the youngster and settled him on his shoulders. Knowing Reid wouldn't want to be far from his mother, the surrogate father sidestepped a little closer to Diana and casually placed an arm around her shoulder.

Diana reached up and grasped the hand her son was offering her. His clinginess was really starting to worry her. Spencer didn't normally hang on her like this. He usually ran a little ahead investigating everything he saw. Of course that was at home in the sparsely crowded park. Her baby had never been in an environment with this many people. Maybe that was why he was acting so un-Spencer like. Yes, that must be it! Spencer was anxious because…

"There it is, girls!" Penelope shouted, pointing to an attraction up ahead. "There's Small World!"

Will took one look at the building and shook his head. "Not a chance, Garcia. We are not taking the boys to see a bunch of dolls." He adamantly stated.

His announcement was quickly seconded by the rest of the men in the group.

"Looks like you're out voted, Baby Girl" Morgan crowed.

"Not yet we're not" JJ tossed back. She gazed down at her son. "Henry, mommy and Aunt Penny want to go on that boat ride but daddy doesn't want to ride." She explained. "You'll go on the boat ride with us, won't you baby?"

"Uh huh! Henwy wide the boat!" the littlest Jareau hollered.

Garcia smiled smugly at Morgan and then turned to their next target. "Jack, you'll ride with your mommy and Aunt Penny too, right my sweet?" she asked as she handed him a sucker.

Jack eagerly took the treat and popped it in his mouth. "I'll go with you." he told the bubbly blond. "And daddy will too."

"That's two." Penelope chipperly stated. "Just one more to go." She walked over to Spencer who was trying his best to hide behind Rossi's head. "Reid, Honey you'll ride with us, won't you?"

Spencer resisted the urge to groan. Keeping his kid smile intact, he glanced down at his mother. "Mommy, do you want to wide the boats?" he asked even though he already knew the answer.

"Of course I do, Baby. It looks simply delightful." Diana responded.

Spencer looked back at Garcia and sighed. "I'll wide wif mommy." He reluctantly said.

With the last little boys' agreement, the men had no choice but to get in line for the Small World ride with the ladies. The four men could only hope that this ride was as short as some of the others.

A flustered Garcia rushed back into the sunlight thirty-five minutes later. She crossed the walkway and got into line for the next ride before turning to her family. "If I ever say the words Small World again, hit me with a pillow." She instructed.

"Don't worry, we will." JJ grumbled.

"Man, I am never gonna get that song outta my head." Derek whined.

"Yeah" Emily seconded, rubbing her temple. "Of all rides to get stuck on, why'd it have to be that one?"

"Look at the bright side. We got fast passes for our trouble." Hailey reminded them.

"That is not nearly enough for the torture we just endured." Aaron commented. "They should have to…"

"El'phant daddy! El'phant!" Henry squealed, pointing to the rotating ride. "Henwy wide el'phant daddy!"

"Yeah! Let's ride Dumbo daddy!" Jack hollered.

Not about to be left out, Spencer quickly joined in. "Wide Dumbo daddy!" he shouted as he excitedly bounced on a shocked Rossi's shoulders. "We wide Dumbo! Peas!"

"Dumbo it is." Aaron declared. He and Hailey led the way through and around the throng of vacationers and up to the end of the long line for the flying elephant ride.

An hour and several rides later the BAU family trudged into the closest restaurant that offered in-door seating that they could find. Once inside the semi crowded building, they checked out the posted menu and then broke into two groups. The ladies and children searched through the cavernous eating area for a table large enough for their group. After a few minutes of walking around, they finally found a spot at the far end of the restaurant along one wall. The ladies sank onto the hard wooden chairs with a sigh while the boys chased each other around the table.

Emily pulled out her phone and texted directions to the table to Morgan. Replacing her cell, she glanced down at the playing boys as they raced past. "I don't think we'll be getting an afternoon break today." She commented.

Garcia nodded. "Our Tigger trio are much too wound up for nappy time." She seconded before sighing. "It's too bad, too. I had big plans for our quiet time."

"Skip nap time? That is unacceptable!" Diana declared. She smiled sneakily at the other mothers. "Capture your little ones and set the rapscallions in their booster seats. I'll take care of the rest."

JJ and Hailey nodded. They quickly rounded up the giggling boys and ushered them to their chairs. After they were safely settled in their seats with their travel mugs, the ladies sat back down.

Diana smiled at the three precious children. "Spencer, what was your favorite *yawn* part of our morning adventures?" she innocently questioned.

Reid thought for a moment before answering. "I enjoyed the wides but I fint the Wiss Fam'ly tweehouse was the most wemawtable. All the *yawn* diff'ent inventions fey had wewe weally intwiguing."

"They most certainly were." Diana agreed. She then turned to Jack. "What about you, Jack? What captured *yawn* your attention?"

Jack yawned. "I liked the Dumbo ride and the Aladdin one cause we went *yawn* went way up in the air." He explained.

"What a brave boy" Diana complimented before gazing down at the littlest of the three. "How about you, my sweet little Henry? What *yawn* did you find the most *yawn* exciting?"

Henry yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Henwy lited widing in the boat and *yawn* seeing all the aminals." He replied.

"Do tell" Diana urged, letting out another yawn.

The other ladies fought down laughter as Mrs. Reid talked, letting out yawns every once in a while; yawns that the boys unintentionally copied. Her ploy was working perfectly. All three youngsters had gone from energizer bunny speed to turtle speed in the blink of an eye. They were yawning and knuckling their now droopy eyes.

By the time the men got to the table the boys were quickly fading. Seeing this, they swiftly passed out the meals, drinks, and napkins. They then sat down to eat. They just hoped they finished before the kids conked out.

"That was so awesome!" Penelope exclaimed when Diana came back into the room. "And simple. I can't believe it worked! How did you ever come up with that?"

Diana grinned. "Mothers are the world's most imaginative problem solvers. We have to be. Regardless of what some have said there is no instruction book when it comes to parenting. One day a doctor just hands you a beautiful, bundle of joy and sends you out into the world. You're left to muddle through the best you can." She explained. "Little tricks like the yawning technique are what we develop to get us through."

"And to get the kids to do what's best for them without arguing about it first or dealing with a temper tantrum." JJ added.

"You mean things like giving Henry Pedilyte when he's sick and telling him its chocolate milk?" Emily asked.

"Guilty as charged" JJ responded.

Garcia giggled. "Oh, this is just too good!" she squeed. "Tell me more. What else have you done to my little snookums?"

"I'm afraid show and tell will have to wait, Pen. We need to get to wrapping. The boys won't stay asleep long and we have a ton of stuff to gift wrap." Will told her. "Unless you want to stay up half the night."

"Wrap first, girl talk later. Got it." Garcia happily replied. She grabbed JJ and Emily by the hand. "Come on girls! Let's go get Santa's stash!"

Laughing, the group cleared off the table, gathered their supplies, and got down to work.

After a long productive break, the family piled into their vehicles and drove the short distance to Sea World. Once there they checked the times for the various shows and feedings before deciding what to see first.

Spencer alternated between his mother's arms, Dave's shoulders, and his own two feet as they slowly made their way through the Dolphin Cove, Manta Aquarium, the Dolphin Nursery, and Shark Encounter. There was even a pool he could reach in and touch stingrays. It was awesome!

After the boys tired of playing with the stingrays, the family moved on to the child friendly shows. They explored the frozen Artic and the animals living there as well as seeing the journey sea turtles endure through the turtle's eyes. From there, they split into two groups. Aaron, Dave, and Diana took the boys to Shamu's Happy Harbor where the kid friendly rides were while the others headed for the adult roller coaster and adventure rides.

When the group got back together a couple of hours later, they were worn out and extremely hungry. So they quickly made their way to their next Trickster made reservation.

"You are three lucky little boys." Rossi announced as he led his family down a pathway and around the corner. "You get to eat with Santa and Mrs. Claus tonight."

"Really?" Jack asked, the awe clear in his voice.

"Yes really kiddo" Dave replied. "Mrs. Claus and the elves made a huge feast for Santa's big night and they made so much that they decided to invite some families for supper."

"That's right" Garcia agreed, picking up the tale. "So they had Santa look over his good list and he picked out the kids who had been the very best all year long."

"Henwy be good!" the toddler shouted.

"You sure have, buddy" Will responded, hugging his son. "That's why Sandy Claus picked you."

"That's why he chose all my lucky little elves." Penelope amended. "Now get a move on! You don't want to keep Santa waiting!"

Jack and Henry's eyes went wide. Tugging on their parents' hands, the boys excitedly urged the adults onward. With the youngsters spurring them on it didn't take long at all for the group to make it to Santa's Fireside Feast. They checked in and then followed an elf to their front row table.

Spencer's gaze jumped from one magical thing to another. The stage right in front of their table seemed to be set up for a show of some sort. There was a fireplace complete with stockings and Christmas cards, an ornate rocking chair, and a beautiful Christmas tree. A plate appeared in front of him, causing him to turn his attention back to the table. Spying the delicious looking turkey and dressing his mother had loaded his plate with, Reid picked up his fork and eagerly dug into his meal.

While they were eating dinner, the show began. The audience watched as elves took the stage. They talked and cleaned for a few minutes and then called for Mrs. Claus who quickly joined them. She talked to the boys and girls of the audience and the elves before calling Santa onto the stage. When Santa entered the room, he waved at the kids as he waited for the cheering and shouting to tone down and then went into a well-rehearsed spiel with Mrs. Claus and the elves. Afterwards, Santa sat down in his rocking chair and told the mesmerized audience some Christmas tales.

Spencer smiled as he watched his god-son and Jack. They were both so excited they were practically vibrating. And he could understand why. Even with knowing that Santa wasn't real there was just something magical about visiting with him on Christmas Eve. It was, was…his thoughts ground to a halt as Santa explained how the elves would come to tables and escort the children onto the stage so he could talk with them individually. Seeing said elf heading towards their table, Reid swiftly scooted closer to his mother and latched onto her arm.

Diana glanced down at the tug on her sleeve. Taking in her son's frightened eyes and expression, she frowned. "Spencer, what's wrong?" she asked. She scooped up the trembling boy and set him in her lap. "What's scared my sweet baby?"

"Hi boys! Are you three ready to go see Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas?" a shapely young elf questioned.

"YES!" Jack and Henry hollered. They jumped out of their chairs and scurried over to their waiting escort.

The elf glanced from the bouncing boys beside her to the one attempting to bury his face in his mother's shirt. "What about you, little one? Don't you want to come?" Getting a head shake in response, she smiled reassuringly at mother and son. "How about if mama comes with you? I bet Santa would love to meet her, too."

Diana leaned down. "What do you say, baby? Will you go with mommy to see Santa?" she inquired. "We could ask him to explain how he manages to fly around in the world in one night and he gets millions of presents in his tiny sleigh for the trip. We could even demand he explain how those reindeer of his take flight without wings of any kind."

That earned her a slight smile.

"There you are." Diana softly said, palming his cheek. "Are you ready to go see Santa now baby?"

"Yes ma'am" Spencer replied even though that was the last thing he wanted to do.

Smiling, Diana stood taking her son with her. She settled him on her hip and then followed the elf and Spencer's friends up onto the stage. Once in front of the jolly old elf, she allowed Jack and Henry to go first. When they were both through, she carefully sat on the man's lap and set Spencer on her knee.

Spencer whispered his request for a stuffed animal and politely answered all the man's questions. He even managed to smile for the camera when their picture was taken. Thankfully, that was the end of the visit. The elf ushered them back to their table and the tiny profiler was finally able to relax. He climbed back into his booster seat. Spotting an enormous piece of chocolate cake on his plate, he happily chowed down.

A freshly bathed Spencer toddled over to his go bag. He unzipped it and sifted through the contents for a moment before coming up with what he wanted. He pulled the heavy tome out of his bag and shuffled over to the bed. "Mommy wead?" he asked, holding up the well-worn book.

Diana took the offered masterpiece. "Of course mommy will read to you." she stated. She picked up her son and settled him on the mattress beside her. "What shall we read tonight?"

"The Faewie *YAWN* Queene! Spencer replied, knuckling his eyes.

"Wonderful choice" Diana praised. She thumbed through the book to the correct page, wrapped an arm around her son, and began to read.

"Pen and I are going to fix some hot chocolate! We'll be right back!" JJ quietly announced. She looped an arm with her friends and ushered her out of the room. After pouring water into the coffee pot and turning it on, she turned to the bubbly blond. "Pen, I know it's not technically Christmas just yet but tomorrow morning is going to be really wild and I've been dying to give this to you and well, here." She handed the tech goddess a sea turtle shaped jump drive.

"Ohhhh! Isn't he just the cutest little thing?!" Garcia gushed.

"I thought you'd like it." JJ said. "And I know you'll love what's saved on it." Seeing her friend's curious look, she smiled. "I was kind of upset about spoiling that funny story you were reading so I decided to make it up to you. Will and I went to the humor part of that site and picked out and saved any we thought you would like. We even found some parodies for you."

"JJ, I'm not sure…"

"It's okay Pen. We checked every author and every story out thoroughly." JJ assured her friend. "We made sure there was nothing bad or hateful. The author that wrote the parodies even put a warning on top of each of her chapters saying that bashing the stories parodied was forbidden; that if they didn't like that type of story, it was okay to say they didn't like it but that trashing the story would not be tolerated. She said she was a Harry Potter fan that was sick and tired of people who hadn't even opened the cover of the books spreading nasty rumors about them and bashing them."

"Thank you my slayer of story trolls!" Garcia said, giving her friend a big hug. "This is, is wonderful!"

"You're welcome honey" JJ responded. "Just be prepared to share with Em and I."

"Anytime my sweet!" Penelope told her. She smiled as the light on the coffee maker went out. "Come on! Let's get this hot chocolate ready and passed out before the natives get restless."

Laughing, JJ worked with Garcia to fix the hot brew. Once they had enough ready, the ladies added some Hershey's Kisses to their trays and then carried them out of the kitchen. There was still a lot of work to do before morning.

AN- The part about the stories (in this chapter and an earlier one) is unfortunately true. There are some authors out there on the different sites that seem to encourage bashing of the stories they are parodying or trash in their stories. As a person who has been judged by my appearance (and not in a good way) most of my life, that kind of thing really ticks me off! After starting (and quickly stopping) to read a couple of those, I was angry enough that I just had to add it in to my story. Sorry for the long note, just thought I needed to explain myself.