The morning greeted the Watterson family with yet another gorgeous sunny day, the family members all enjoying their breakfasts' and preparing for the day ahead. Gumball was helping Penelope solve a jigsaw puzzle (something that he was struggling to do, due to his short attention span). Nicole had taken immediate notice, and started to walk over to the small fairy and blue cat.
"Oh how wonderful, a jigsaw puzzle! Gumball, I thought you hated these sorts of activities?"
The blue cat forced a smile.
"Oh no worries Mom, I've actually grown quite an affinity for jigsaw puzzles over the years, it truly is a wonderful bonding activity!"
The older cat then glanced towards the table filled with puzzle pieces, with a very minimal amount of the pieces actually being solved to the overall puzzle. She then gave a hearty chuckle at the spectacle.
"I see, might I ask as to how long you've been at this so far?"
The blue cat scratched his head, trying to formulate the words to tell his mother.
"To be honest, I'd say only a few minutes, but the puzzle is 400 pieces and the main objective is spending quality time with Penelope."
The female feline was so glad to hear such a response from her son.
"Well personally, I've loved puzzles and challenges since I was a young girl! I remember Anais and I thoroughly enjoyed solving them, while you, Darwin, and your father did...other activities to occupy yourselves with..."
The male feline blushed in embarrassment, while the small yellow fairy turned to her father with a confused look.
"Dad, what is Grandma Nicole referring to?"
The blue feline, still beet red on his cheeks, slowly turned to face his daughter.
"Oh it's nothing sweetheart, just had other interests that intrigued us more than solving jigsaw puzzles...they were quite educational in nature I assure you!"
Nicole raised an eyebrow with a wide grin.
"If playing butt puppets was embracing your inner theatrical acting, then sure; it was VERY academic!"
Both the blue feline and the yellow fairy laughed, Gumball smirked, still blushing in the process.
"Thanks for bringing up the memories..."
"Anytime Gummypuss! Now do you mind if I join you guys to complete this puzzle?"
"Sure, Mom!"
The three then proceeded over the next few minutes to complete the puzzle, which revealed itself to be a beautiful recreation of Big Ben.
"Wow, that was rather interesting, I retract my previous opinion on jigsaw puzzles being boring!"
The male cat then placed the final piece of the puzzle onto the board.
"It's the teamwork that makes it fun and interesting sweetie, and knowing that the completion of the puzzle and its final contents are a result of bonding and sharing your thoughts and ideas together."
The three then did a group hug, and began returning the individual pieces back into the box.
Anais, who was sitting at the dining room table on her laptop finishing an ecological report, then turned to the three at the coffee table; who had just finished placing the lid back on the jigsaw puzzle covering containing its pieces.
"Hey, have you guys tried the hiking trail in the park yet?"
Gumball then turned to his sister.
"No, I can't say we have just yet!"
Anais then presented a shocked expression.
"You're in Elmore National Park, and you haven't tried the 5 mile hike yet?!"
The three sitting at the coffee table shook their heads in a horizontal fashion.
Anais sighed.
"Well it really connects you to what makes this a national park! It's full of interesting flora and fauna, not to mention the immense topography of the land; along with stunning vistas and rivers..."
Gumball then provided a confused expression towards his sister.
"Uh Anais, would you mind putting that into layman's terms if you don't mind?"
Anais facepalmed.
"It's very pretty Gumball, the park is very pretty..."
Gumball then busted out laughing.
"I know, I understood it the first time; I just find it hilarious when you're irritated!"
The pink bunny soon had flaming eyes to display her discontent.
"Okay sorry sis, no need to get all irate!"
Nicole then placed her paw on her son's shoulder.
"Well, if we are going to have any daylight left to enjoy this hike we better get going soon, I'll inform the rest of the family!"
With that, Nicole navigated the large lake house informing the rest of the family of today's plans.
Gumball looked to Penelope.
"Why don't you inform your brother and cousins of todays plan, while I go help your Mother prepare sweetie?"
"Okay Dad!"
The yellow fairy providing a quick hug, before sprinting off to the kid's bedroom on the second floor.
Gumball quickly placed the puzzle box into a nearby storage closet where the kids kept their toys and board games. He then walked up the grand staircase of the lake house, and made his way towards the master bedroom where Penny was folding laundry that has just dried outside on the clothesline earlier this morning.
Gumball slowly opened the door and crept into the room, careful not to make any noise on the carpet. He retracted his claws and used his natural cat stealth to approach the unsuspecting fairy.
Suddenly he picked her up and spun her around in a hug, the fairy at first was bewildered; but quickly laughing and chuckling at recognizing it was her furry blue husband.
"Didn't see that one coming did you?"
"Gumball! My goodness what a fright you gave me!"
The blue cat quickly put down the golden fairy, allowing her to catch her breath and regain her composure.
"I thought it would be a good idea, and also would bring back some memories of our junior high days."
The yellow fairy gave her signature giggle at this remark.
"Ah yes, who could ever forget the legendary Halloween scares that the legendary Gumball Tristopher Watterson pulled off on the unaware students of Elmore Junior High?"
The blue cat then bowed in a flamboyant manner.
"Oh you're too kind my dear, I always wanted to ensure that the Halloween spirit was alive and well in the school, Of course with the approval of Principal Brown.
The fairy chuckled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. The blue cat blushing as she did this.
"Hey do you mind if I help you pack this laundry? I'm always happy to help!"
"Yeah, sure! Thanks honey!"
Both parents neatly organized and folded the family laundry, Gumball taking the couples laundry; while Penny organized Tristan's and Penelope's.
"Hey honey? I wanted to let you in on something that we're all going to be doing today..."
The fairy still folding a t-shirt, glanced over to the blue feline.
"Oh this sounds exciting! What's on the agenda for the Watterson family today?"
"Well, we're going to be doing the national park's 5 mile hike, I caught a glimpse of one of the tourist signs on the way in, it should take us through Reedsville valley and all the way up to Mount Elmore!"
The fairy soon dawned a shimmering expression of anticipation.
"Oh Gumball that sounds wonderful! Does everyone else know of this?"
"Mom is doing just that right as we speak, everybody should be making the necessary preparations soon to prepare for it!"
"Fantastic! I'll get changed into the proper attire and get some snacks prepared for the journey! Should I bring some of our tent equipment should we have the need to stay somewhere in the wilderness for the night?"
Gumball brought the fairy in and looked her in the eye, caressing her cheek.
"Don't worry I'll handle that, you just take your time and do what you need to do."
The two lovers gave a warm kiss, before departing to get things ready.
(If I can't get down by The Great Big Sea is compatible with your device, please press play now)
Soon the entire Watterson family was dressed in hiking attire with their backpacks and necessary equipment needed for the journey. Richard, Gumball, and Darwin carried the tent equipment, while everyone else carried provisional items and essentials should the need arise while they are in the wilderness.
Gumball soon stood in front of the family at the entrance to the trail.
"Alright everyone, I know this is very exciting and should be a very memorable experience for us all, but I need to stress some important reminders before we commence this trek; okay?!"
The blue cat let out a deep sigh.
"Rule one, whatever you do stay on the trail, we do not want to have anyone stray off the beaten path and have to alert park authorities of a missing person! Rule two...uh um, well actually that is really the only rule I can stress the most at the moment. Alright, LET US COMMENCE THE HIKE!"
Gumball raised his paw in the air with an extended index finger, while the rest of the family cheered in unison.
The family soon moved into the dense forest of Elmore National Park, the towering sequoias and redwoods soon surrounded the family; all marveling at the sheer scale of the trees.
"Hey everyone! Look over there!"
Tristan soon pointed to a deer who was gracefully grazing some vegetation, all of the family were quickly silent as to not disturb or scare away the lone fawn.
"Oh it's so cute!"
Carrie soon pulled out a camera and took a picture, but the flash was still activated; which caused the fawn to run away.
"Ah shoot!"
The ghost quickly put away her camera in frustration.
"Well at least the picture came out okay, that's the main thing!"
The Watterson children were soon captivated by something else.
"Woah, is that a cave?!"
Anais soon came to inspect the entrance to the cave.
"Oh yes this is Miller's cave, a famous gypsum cave here in the park! Don't worry, it's structural stability hasn't shown signs of excessive erosion; so it's safe for hikers to inspect. Would all of you like to go in and see?"
The entire Watterson family nodded in agreement.
"Alright, well stay close to me and make sure to use your flashlights sparingly, the batteries for these are high powered; and with that comes a high price tag to keep the park supply going".
The family soon moved into the cave, with scattered bats flying from cavern to cavern. Sounds could be heard from farther within the cave which startled Anastasia, who clung to her fish father, Darwin.
"There there sweetie, there's nothing to be afraid of! It's just the sounds of some rocks... or bats...I think..."
Anais smiled at her brother.
"There's no worries Darwin, I can see where Anastasia picks up the uneasiness."
Nicole soon accompanied Gumball, who had been walking with Tristan. Gumball soon turned to face his Mother.
"Oh hey Mom! This cave is massive huh?!"
"Indeed it is Gumball! Quite marvelous as well, something about the silence and emptiness of it is disturbing; but calming at the same time."
The male feline then scratched the back of his head.
"Hey listen Mom, I'm really glad you organized this trip with Penny. I was deciding on something big for our holiday; but was really indecisive on what the kids would enjoy. You really went all out by bringing the entire family together".
Nicole then provided a warm smile.
"Oh no problem Gummypuss! When you become a parent, especially a mother, you begin to become attuned to what the family around you enjoys; and what their interests are. I soon thought about what helps people relax and to clear the contaminated air in their busy lives, and Penny and I soon came to the conclusion that the nearby national park was the best way for everyone to connect and share in the sights of what is right outside waiting to be viewed...also because I wanted to give you guys the proper camping vacation you never received as kids..."
Gumball soon wrapped his arm around his mother's shoulder, kissing her on the top of her head.
"Thanks Mom..."
Soon the Watterson family reached the end of the cave, and were greeted to an entire vein of gypsum and quartz deposits.
Tristan ran over to one of the veins and pulled out a piece of quartz.
"Hey Dad, do you mind if I keep this as a souvenir?!"
Gumball then turned to Anais.
"I don't know, are we able to take things from inside a national park Anais?"
The pink bunny then looked at her nephew with a smile.
"Yes it's perfectly fine Tristan."
"Awesome!"
The family collectively shared a laugh, making their way out of the cave and back onto the trail where they previously had left off.
Gumball soon was walking with his Father and Mother, as they reached a lookout that served as a rest stop for hikers to recuperate and regain their energy.
Richard soon noticed a pine tree with acorns, and quickly picked one off.
"Hey honey, want a piece?"
Nicole quickly smiled and realized why he picked it off of the tree in the first place.
Both the rabbit and cat took a half of acorn and ate it. Gumball sat with a confused expression on his face.
"Uh, Mom? Dad? We have plenty of snacks packed for the trip you know? You don't need to be eating acorns from pine trees."
Nicole then turned to her son.
"Oh Gummypuss, your father and I share sentimental value for acorns. It goes back to when we first met..."
Gumball then dropped the confused expression and then turned to one of curiosity.
"So, how did acorns tie into when you first met?"
"I was on my way to a karate tournament when I stumbled on your father stuck inside of a log, eventually freeing himself. He showed me that there was more meaning to life besides winning, and presented a new perspective on things, and in doing so; presented me with an acorn. It eventually led to you, Darwin, and Anais."
Gumball now turned his expression to one of guilt and surprise.
"Wow! I-I-I didn't know that's how it all began, that's truly nice to hear Mom!"
Richard placed his hand on Nicole's shoulder.
"No, thank YOU son..."
The three exchanged a warm hug.
Penny quickly rushed up to the two felines and rabbit.
"Gumball! You need to come quick! Our son is moving down the rapids in a nearby river! We got to save him!"
Gumball and the rest of the family quickly rushed to the cliff overlooking the rapids.
"HELP! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME! MOM! DAD!"
The small blue cat was being submerged by water and reemerging from the river, gasping for air every time he resurfaced. The tide and current were overpowering the kitten from maneuvering to the shore on either side.
Gumball looked on in horror and shock.
"Aw man, why did the rescue part of this have to be in water of all places?!"
*END OF CHAPTER*