Sammy & Ilna, thanks for being the best of everything.
REALMcRollers & Readers we love you all.
Carnival Adventures
Steve, Catherine, DJ, Angie, and Danny walked under the colorful arc that read, Entrance in blinking lights, taking in the sights and sounds. The vibrant colors of a ferris wheel, the scent of popcorn and cotton candy, and the infectious energy of the crowd at the carnival enveloped them.
"Ohhh, Mommy! A ferris wheel! Can we go on later?" Angie bubbled, squeezing Catherine's hand.
"Of course," Catherine replied with a smile. "I'm looking forward to it." Both kids pointed out various attractions as they made their way deeper into the carnival, their chatter mingled with the sounds of the other guests. They passed games with prizes of all sizes hanging from their stalls and watched as children burst balloons with darts or tested their aim with bean bags in hopes of winning a stuffed animal.
"Hey, Danny, think you can match me?" Steve quipped, pointing to a hoops game nearby.
Danny smirked and adjusted his sunglasses. "Oh, please. You know I could beat you blindfolded. Let's go."
The kids giggled as Steve and Danny playfully bantered their way to the basketball hoops, both determined to outshoot the other. The competition sent the kids into peals of laughter as missed shots and exaggerated celebrations ensued. Finally, Catherine declared it a tie, and the partners each told the kids to choose their prize.
Holding a stuffed parrot, Angie spotted a game with a target adorned with hatchets. As she watched people throw them with precision, she said, "Mommy, you can win that!" with absolute confidence.
Catherine said, "Hold my snack, Steve," handing him her popcorn.
He raised an eyebrow. "Go get 'em, Lieutenant."
With that, Catherine joined the queue and prepared herself for the hatchet tossing challenge. She focused, aiming for the center of the target, her competitive spirit ignited. With a swift flick of her wrist, she let the hatchet soar through the air.
The crowd clapped as the hatchet hit dead center, splitting the wooden target. Cheers erupted, and Steve whooped as Catherine raised her arms in victory.
"Mommy won!" Angie beamed.
"Of course she did," Steve said. "Never doubted it for a second."
Danny couldn't help but chime in, grinning from ear to ear. "I don't know who I'm more wary of now, clowns or making you angry," he said as Catherine chose a travel set of games for her prize.
After a spin on the ferris wheel, a ride on the giant swings and several turns on the spinning teacups, they found themselves in front of a vibrant circus-themed tent.
DJ pointed excitedly. "Look! It's the clown show! Can we go?"
Steve glanced at his partner as he said, "Sure, buddy. Let's go check it out."
They entered the tent, finding themselves surrounded by streamers and an array of oversized props, and a clown with a bright red nose and wild frizzy hair stepped onto the small stage, his face painted with an exaggerated grin.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! Prepare for a barrel of laughs!" the clown exclaimed.
Angie giggled, tugging on Danny's hand. "Uncle Danno, how come you don't like clowns?"
Danny smiled at her. "Clowns and I, we're not exactly on friendly terms. But I know you're here to protect me," he teased, making her giggle.
As the clown performed slapstick routines to the delight of the audience, a mischievous glint danced in Steve's eyes. "Hey, Danny, he's coming your way."
Danny eyed Steve warily. "Seriously? Last week wasn't enough?"
"It's all in good fun," Steve said, with a grin.
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen! We need a volunteer," the clown announced, pointing towards Danny. "How about you, sir?"
Everyone turned their attention towards the detective, who rolled his eyes.
"Prepare to witness the incredible balloon-laden transformation…"
The audience erupted into applause as the clown began twisting and shaping balloons into various animals. Danny mouthed, "Why me?" as he watched the transformation unfold.
Soon, he was presented with a large balloon hat resembling a traffic cone, while a balloon animal snake wrapped itself around his arm.
"Not exactly my idea of a great fashion statement," Danny muttered, glaring at Steve.
Steve couldn't contain a bark of laughter. "Come on, it's not every day you get to wear a traffic cone on your head."
Catherine grinned. "Don't worry, Danny. Between the snake and the hat, you're a fashion trendsetter."
"I'll have you know, I'm very trendy," Danny responded, making the kids giggle.
As the clown's performance came to an end, the family made their way out of the tent, still chuckling as the kids paraded the balloon creations around.
Angie looked up at Danny. "Can we take your snake home with us?"
He bent to kiss her head. "Sure, sweetheart. You make sure it has its own VIP spot at your house."
Walking through the carnival grounds, Angie held the balloon snake while Danny's balloon hat wobbled on top of DJ's head.
Steve nudged his partner. "How did it feel to be the most fashionable detective on the island?"
Danny rolled his eyes, pointing to the ridiculous hat. "It's a burden I have to bear. Being a fashion icon and all."
"I think you dress very very fashion-ish, and you always look handsome," Angie offered with a smile at her uncle.
"Then that's all that matters, because you, my birthday buddy, have the very best taste." He clucked her under the chin and she beamed happily.
As they made their way to the grand trapeze performance, the kids' anticipation was palpable.
DJ's eyes widened with excitement. "Mommy! They're going to do tricks in the air and there's a kids' try it spot! Can we try?"
Catherine chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "I don't think we could stop your sister. Look at her face."
Angie was staring, mesmerized as the artists flipped and twirled in the air above the net.
Steve scanned the area, herding them to a small trapeze structure designed for young kids. "Right over there. Let's go give it a try."
As they approached the trapeze, an enthusiastic carnival worker greeted them. "Welcome, little daredevils! Are you ready for an aerial adventure?"
Angie squealed with delight, bouncing on her toes. "Yes! I'm Angie and this is my brother DJ and I'm very very ready!"
The carnival worker handed DJ and Angie their safety harnesses and gestured towards the trapeze. "Just hop onto the swings, and I'll strap you in securely. Remember to hold on tight!"
When DJ and Angie climbed onto the trapeze swings, Steve stepped up and checked the harnesses, tugging on the straps and making sure the clips were solid and in good shape. Once he was satisfied, he stepped back and wrapped an arm over Catherine's shoulders to watch while Danny took his phone out, ready to capture the moment.
"Alright, kids! On the count of three, let go and swing!" the carnival worker instructed.
"Three...two...one!" Angie counted down, her voice filled with excitement.
DJ and Angie released their grips, soaring through the air on the trapeze swings. Angie's squeals of pure joy filled the evening air as they swung back and forth, defying gravity.
Steve turned to Danny. "Do you think you can handle the trapeze? Show the kids a thing or two."
Danny's eyes widened in mock horror. "Oh, hell no, the only acrobatics I do is when I dodge bullets, most of which are aimed at you."
Catherine chuckled when Danny pretended to rub his aching muscles and Steve made a scoffing sound as, with a final swing, DJ and Angie landed safely on the ground.
Catherine applauded with enthusiasm. "Great job, you two! You were like a pair of flying squirrels."
Danny clapped. "That's right, flying squirrels from the circus. Maybe I'll join next year. Uncle Danno, the daring trapeze artist…"
Steve teased, "If you can handle that, maybe I should elect you to be the task force's resident circus performer for Lea's next fundraiser."
Danny let out an exasperated sigh. "Just what I need, the circus following me to work. But hey, if it gets me out of paperwork…" he pretended to think it over as DJ and Angie laughed.
After the trapeze performance, they strolled out onto the midway and were in another area filled with games of chance.
DJ's eyes widened with anticipation as he pointed towards a balloon-popping game nearby. "Hey, Daddy! Can we try that one? The prizes are team jerseys. If we win we can get a Cubs one for Grandma Ang."
Steve smiled, his competitive spirit ignited. "That's very thoughtful, buddy. Let's show these balloons who's boss."
They approached the booth, where a cheery carnival worker greeted them. "Step right up! Pop three balloons using these darts, and you win a prize!"
Catherine picked up a dart with a grin. "Alright, guys, watch and learn."
With quick precision, she aimed her dart, sending it flying towards a cluster of balloons. Pop! The first balloon burst into a shower of confetti.
"Three darts for you, mister?" The kid behind the stand asked. "You gonna let your girl beat you?" He teased.
Steve smirked. "Won't be the first time," he watched Catherine with proud eyes as she popped a second balloon. "Or the last." He handed over the fee. "Can't let her have all the fun, though."
The bystanders erupted in applause as Catherine popped a third balloon, and turned to DJ, who happily hugged her and said, "We want the Cubs shirt for our Grandma Ang, please."
He beamed with pride at his mother and presented it to Angie, who squealed with delight as Steve popped three balloons in quick succession and Danny slapped down cash and did the same.
"Matching Cubs shirts for the kids," Steve said and they cheered.
After examining their new jerseys, they passed them to Catherine to hold and hugged Steve and Danny in turn.
Stepping to the next stand, Danny turned to Steve, a competitive glimmer in his eyes. "Alright, hotshot, let's see if you can handle the milk can toss. It's trickier than it looks."
Steve raised his brow, a determined look crossing his face. "Challenge accepted. Prepare to be defeated."
They made their way to the milk can toss booth, where stacks of cans were neatly arranged. The carnival worker handed each of them three softballs.
"Alright, gentlemen, knock down all the cans, and you win a special prize!" the carnival worker explained.
Steve prepared to throw, squaring his shoulders. "This is all about precision and control."
Danny scoffed playfully. "Can't wait to see you knock down all the cans, except the ones that count."
Steve released his first throw, knocking down a few cans but leaving the main stack untouched.
Danny grinned, readying his own throw. "Alright, McGarrett, this one's for all the marbles. I have years of practice from the boardwalk in Jersey."
Danny tossed the softball, hitting the target dead center. The cans crashed down, much to Steve's exaggerated dismay. The kids celebrated his victory with cheers and applause.
Steve shook his head, clapping Danny on the back. "Nice one, but I think that first can was weighted off kilter..."
As they continued bantering down the midway, the family accumulated an array of prizes, from a giant box of Twizzlers for Grace (one of her favorites), a stuffed I love you heart Angie insisted Uncle Danno win for Aunt Gabby who was at a conference on the big island, to a fluffy teddy bear to send Joan. Each win brought more laughter and friendly banter, and the kids' enjoyed every second.
At the end of the midway, they came across a booth that had a sign that read, Guess Your Age or Weight! Can You Stump Our Carnies?
DJ looked up at Catherine, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Mommy, how do they guess your age and weight? Can we try?"
Catherine chuckled. "Sure, let's see if they can crack the code."
They approached the booth, where a carny with a twinkle in his eye welcomed them. "Step right up, folks! Let's test our guessing skills, shall we?"
Steve crossed his arms. "Alright, buddy, let's see if you can guess my age."
The carny studied Steve for a moment before taking a confident guess. "I'd say you're…" he paused for dramatic effect, "forty!"
Catherine playfully nudged Steve. "Looks like your gray temples aren't giving you away."
Steve grinned, not missing a beat. "Maybe my gray has so much character, it throws off the guessers."
Danny chuckled, examining the carny. "Alright, my turn. What's your guess for me? I'll give you a hint: Bon Jovi is my eternal youth potion."
The man observed Danny's youthful energy and choice of music reference. "Dude! No way! I'm from West Orange. And, I'd say... thirty-nine!"
Danny laughed. "Let's just say I'm a few years past that. Must be the Jersey spirit keeping me young." To Steve he said, "A year younger than you," with mock seriousness.
Angie took Catherine's hand, unable to contain her excitement any longer. "Mommy, can he guess my age too? Please?"
Catherine smiled down at her daughter. "Okay, baby girl. Let's see if he can figure out how many years you've been setting the world on fire."
The carny crouched down to Angie's level, studying her intently. After a thoughtful moment, he exclaimed, "I'm going to take a wild guess and say… six!"
Angie giggled, clapping her hands. "I'm six! That was very very good, even though Daddy and Uncle Danno are older than you said."
He took a bow, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thank you, thank you. A carny's always got a few tricks up his sleeve."
As they walked away from the booth, Steve couldn't help but tease Danny. "He was being nice to you because you're both from New Jersey."
Danny rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, please, you're just jealous of my youthful charm."
Catherine laughed, interjecting. "Alright, you two, let's focus on the rest of the carnival. We've conquered age mysteries. Time for more adventures, right?" She asked the kids.
"Yes! We love adventures!" Angie gushed, and they continued their exploration, going on more rides until they found themselves drawn to the section overflowing with an array of food.
Catherine's eyes lit up with delight as she surveyed the options. "Where do we begin?"
Steve, his stomach growling in agreement, scanned the booth hungrily. "How about we start with those candy apple-coated pineapples? They look incredible."
Angie hopped up and down, her face shining with excitement. "Yes, Daddy!"
The vendor handed each of them a juicy pineapple slice coated in a colorful layer of candy shell. The sweet aroma wafted through the air as they took their first bites.
DJ's face lit up. "Wow, this is so good!"
Steve, his mouth full, nodded in agreement as he tried to speak. "I have to agree. Candy apple coating on pineapple, great idea."
Danny chuckled, "I'll stick to a candy apple, like a normal person. Who ever heard of candy coated pineapple?"
Steve wiped Angie's face with a napkin, his smile widening. "You're just jealous you didn't think of it first."
Catherine, her laughter piercing through the night air, handed DJ a napkin and kissed his cheek after he wiped the corners of his mouth. "There, all cleaned up. You need to be presentable before the next snack, after all."
Angie's eyes sparkled with anticipation at the next booth. "Mommy, can we have cotton candy too? Please?"
Catherine looked at Steve, silently communicating 'sugar high'. "How about if we get one small one and share it?"
The carnival vendor chuckled at Angie's declaration, "We're having lots of sugar so we're sharing one pink cotton candy, please," as he handed over the cloud-like tuft. They immediately took bites, their faces quickly turning into sticky, sugar-coated masterpieces.
Danny pointed at Catherine. "Looks like you've got a little stuck in your hair. A new fashion statement?"
Catherine reached up, her hand covered in sticky cotton candy. "Ugh," she took a wipe from her purse and ran it over the sticky area. "Did I get it all?"
Steve laughed, taking the wipe and finishing a part she missed. Kissing her cheek he said, "Just proves my wife is the sweetest girl at the carnival."
As the night wore on, the kids began to get tired, and it was time to head home. People with younger children and families started to disperse as older kids and young couples started to fill the midway for the later hours.
As they reached the parking lot, Angie sighed wistfully, her eyes still glowing with reflections of the lights. "I wish the carnival could stay here forever."
Catherine smiled as Steve lifted the drowsy six year old. "I know, sweetheart. But sometimes, things that we don't do every day can be even more special."
Danny, his arm draped over DJ's shoulder, chimed in with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It's like the Bon Jovi song says: 'hold on to what you've got'. You'll remember all the fun we had tonight, even when the carnival is gone."
DJ, ever the observer, spoke up with a touch of wisdom beyond his years. "I think it's like the rides. They're super exciting, but they're only meant for a little while. But the great memories like the feeling of flying on the trapeze or winning all the prizes stay with us forever."
Catherine nodded, her eyes gleaming with pride. "You're absolutely right, my smart boy. Memories are the real treasures and we have them and the pictures and videos of tonight to remind us."
As they started to make their way towards the cars, a soft melody began to play, drifting through the air. It was a familiar tune, one that had played throughout the carnival.
Danny hummed along, a smile on his face. "Listen, guys. It's the song that played when you tried the trapeze. It's like a soundtrack to your adventure."
The kids both nodded sleepily, the memories of the evening already etched in their minds.
"Uncle Danno?" Angie murmured from her place in her father's arms.
"What, sweetheart?" He stepped closer and brushed the hair out of her eyes.
"It was a very very fun adventure."
# End thanks for reading
Find all our stories (in chronological order!) on our website: marirealmcroll dot wixsite dot com backslash real-mcroll
Or in the McRoll in the REAL World community here on fanfiction dot net Find us on Tumblr: mcrollintherealworld dot tumblr dot com
You can join our mailing list by emailing us realmcroll at yahoo dot com with: Add me, please! in the subject line. Or just drop us a line to say hi! We love hearing from our readers