Notes: Thanks to Mari and Sammy for being their always awesome selves. You're the best, ladies!

Readers and REAL McRollers - Thank you for your amazing support! It is always appreciated.

Hope you enjoy!

Pack the Earplugs (A McRoll in the REAL World Story by Mari, Sammy, and Ilna)

The sun was shining brightly on the final hole of the mini-golf course as Steve, Catherine, DJ, Angie, Ashae, Michael and their families lined up for their last shots. Laughter and giggles filled the air as the kids took their turns.

"Get it in the hole!" Angie encouraged as Ashae swung her putter for her final putt.

Ashae bent her knees trying to will the ball to go where she wanted sheerly by the power of her body language.

A few seconds later it dropped into the hole with a satisfying PLUNK.

"You did it, Ashae!" DJ was the first to high five her as the six year old beamed.

Catherine chuckled, watching the children. "They're having a blast."

Steve nodded, his gaze lingering on Angie. She was so excited to go to New Jersey and see Nonna and all the east coast family and to hopefully play in snow. She'd confided in him the night before as he tucked her in that the only things she didn't like about going on this trip was how much she'd miss the animals and her best friend, Ashae.

"This was a great idea," Raina said. "With everyone traveling over Christmas, it's good for them to spend time and exchange gifts today."

"I love Philadelphia and can't wait to see all our family," Justin said. "But I am not looking forward to ten days of cold weather. I'm just not built for that anymore."

"Last time we were home in the winter there was a lot of snow but Ashae barely remembers." Raina smiled. "She's really hoping there's enough to build a snowman."

"We're havin' a special surprise when we're at my aunt and uncle's house," Ashae bubbled. "Mommy and Daddy won't tell me what it is but they said I'll love it."

Catherine and Raina exchanged a glance.

"I'm so excited to hear what it is." Angie clapped her hands. "I bet it'll be very, very fun."

"Michael absolutely didn't want to wait until we're all back on the island to give DJ his present," Rebecca said. "He's had a hard time keeping it secret as long as he has."

"Same," Catherine agreed. "And those two," she pointed to where Angie was giving Ashae a congratulatory hug, "haven't been apart more than a few days since pre-k, they definitely needed this."

After the mini-golf session, the group had headed to the beach house where Steve set up a barbecue on the deck. When lunch was over and the leftovers were all put away, the kids ran around with Cammie until Catherine called everyone inside to exchange Christmas presents.

Angie and Ashae had unknowingly chosen matching gifts, and as their parents chuckled at how well they knew each other, the girls squealed and hugged while showing off their Disney Princess Activities Totes.

"We match! We love each other so much we picked the same present!" Angie exclaimed, her excitement making her bounce in place.

"We can bring them to each other's house for sleepovers!" Ashae beamed, and they dissolved into squealing giggles yet again.

"Your turn, boys," Catherine prompted and DJ and Michael exchanged brightly wrapped presents.

"You go first," Michael offered.

"No, you go," DJ said and they laughed.

"How about together?" Nick suggested and they nodded, tearing into the paper at the same time.

"Woah! It's the Blue Crab Baseball marbles and dice game!" DJ gasped. The box showed an engraved birchwood board with dice indicating plays and marbles that moved to create a nine-inning baseball game. "This is so awesome, thanks, Michael!" He beamed as his best friend finished opening his own gift.

"It's the one I wanted! Daddy, look!" He swiveled to hold up a baseball bag with Michael and Cubbies emblazoned on it. "Look, Coach Steve! I love it. Thanks, DJ, thanks a lot!"

"Maybe since we're gonna be in Chicago over Christmas you can take it with you and we can snap a picture of you holding it in front of Wrigley Field," Nick suggested.

"YAY!" Michael and DJ cheered in unison.

The hug they gave each other included the back-slapping gesture older boys and adults often exchanged, and it made Catherine smile softly to herself at how they were growing up.

Angie sniffled as she hugged Ashae. "I wish I could see you on Christmas."

"Me, too. I'm gonna miss you very much."

"If we get snow in Philbadelphia and I get to build a snowman I'll send you a picture." Ashae turned pleading eyes to her mother. "Can I pleeeeease?"

"Of course you can," Raina said.

"I'll save you some of Nonna's cookies," Angie promised.

Everyone in the room knew what that promise meant coming from Angie.

"Stay strong, sailor," Catherine whispered, squeezing Steve's hand as the girls clung to each other.

"Maybe we should just tell them. Look at their faces," he suggested, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Catherine shook her head with a soft smile. "Imagine those faces when they see each other in New Jersey."

Steve grinned. "They'll be able to hear the squeals from here."

She grinned back. "Remind me to pack earplugs."

Hope you enjoyed! The tenth annual Holiday Marathon starts Friday!

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