7th Heaven: An Awesome Summer

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 7, Continued (Last Post for this chapter)...

The next morning, Annie held her hands over Abby’s ears as the fire trucks went by at the Memorial Day parade.

“You should stand over by the road with us, so you can get candy when the people in the parade start throwing it.” Lucy said as she ran over to where Annie and Abby were sitting.

“She might join you after all of the loud trucks are gone, Sweetie.” Annie said as she continued to hold her hands over Abby’s ears.

“Yeah, they’re too loud and the noise hurts my ears.” Abby said.

“Okay.” Lucy said as she walked back over to where Matt, Mary and Simon were standing.

As the parade continued, Abby collected a lot of candy and Bazooka bubble gum. “Auntie Annie, look what I got.” She said as she held out another small handful of candy.

Annie smiled as she opened the sandwich bag for Abby to add another handful of candy. “Wow, Sweetheart! You’re getting a lot of candy, today.”

When the parade was over, they started to walk over to the carnival, when they saw Mrs. Bink and Mrs. Hinkle sitting at some picnic tables, having some lunch.

“Hi, Abby, it’s nice to see you, again.” Mrs. Bink said as she watched everyone walk by.

Abby looked at Annie. “Was she talking to me, or a someone else whose name is Abby?”

“Yes, Honey, they were talking to you.” Annie said as she led Abby over to their table. “They go to our church and they remember seeing you yesterday.”

“Look what I got at the parade!” Abby announced as she held up her bag of candy for everyone to see.

“I got some, too.” Simon said as he held up his bag.

Lucy smiled as she held up her bag. “So, did I.”

“Don’t eat too much candy, or you’ll get cavities.” Mrs. Hinkle said as Mrs. Beeker walked over to the table and sat down, next to her.

Abby smiled. “I have a Care Bears, toothbrush, but it’s at Auntie Annie’s house because that’s where I’m staying right now.”

“That must be fun.” Mrs. Beeker said as she opened her lunch.

“Yeah. Later, we’re going to Michigan.” Abby told them.

Annie smiled as she took Abby’s hand. “We better get going, Sweetie, if you want to ride on the tilt~a~whirl again. Today is the last day for the rides.”

“Okay.” Abby said, before waving to everyone at the table. “See you later!”

Everyone waved at Annie and Abby, as they followed Eric, Charles, Jenny, Matt, Jeff, Mary, Lucy and Simon to the carnival.

After everyone was done riding on the carnival rides, they left to go back home.

“I’m hungry.” Abby said as she stepped into Annie’s car. “Can, I please have McDonalds, again?”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she started the car. “Since we’re making steak on the grill and I know you don’t like steak, I’ll get you some chicken nuggets.”

Abby smiled. “Okay! Can I, please have some French Fries, too?”

“Yes, you can, Honey ~ unless you want some left over Tator~Tots.” Annie replied as she followed Eric, Charles and Jenny out of the parking lot.

“Yeah!” Abby said as she continued to smile.

After they went to the drive~thru and left McDonalds, Annie turned the radio on so Abby could listen to her favorite music.

When they got home, Annie took a paper plate out of the cupboard for Abby to put her chicken nuggets on and then warmed up the Tator~Tots for her.

Abby smiled as she picked up another chicken nugget. “Thank you, Auntie Annie. Can, I please have some Root Beer?”

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she put the steak on the counter to get it ready for the grill.

After Annie poured some Root Beer for Abby, Jenny walked in from outside. “Wasn’t that a wonderful parade?”

“Yeah ~ I didn’t like all the loud trucks, though.” Abby said as she continued to eat. “Are you going to help Auntie Annie make the food?”

“If she wants me to.” Jenny replied.

Annie and Jenny made the dinner, as Abby continued to eat. When it was ready the Hamilton’s came over again and everyone ate outside on the picnic tables.

“Is she eating, again?” Matt asked as he looked over at Abby’s plate filled with potato salad, macaroni salad and strawberry Jell~O.

Abby giggled as she sat on Annie’s lap. “I’m really hungry, today.”

“Oh.” Matt said as he picked up his dirty paper plate and took it in the house to throw in the trash.

When everyone was done eating, Mary, Lucy and Keisha went upstairs to play with Barbie Dolls, while Matt, Jeff, John, Simon and Nigel stayed outside with Eric, Morgan and Charles.

“Auntie Annie, will you please watch Sesame Street with me, again?” Abby asked as she followed Annie and Jenny into the house.

“Not right now, Sweetie.” Annie said as she hugged Abby. “Grandma and I are going to clean up the kitchen. But I’ll tell you what. After we’re finished, I promise I’ll play some Nintendo with you.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she hugged Annie before leaving the room.

After Sesame Street and a few games of Super Mario, everyone had some ice cream, before the Hamilton’s left to go back home.

“Where is Uncle Eric going, with Matt and his friend?” Abby asked as she watched them walk out the door.

“They’re taking Jeff to his house.” Annie replied as she watched Abby play another level on her game. “He and Matt have to go to school tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Abby said. “I’m glad I don’t have to go to school anymore. I’m also happy that I don’t have to see the other children who live on my road ~ they’re really mean to me.”

“I know, Baby Girl.” Annie said as she pulled Abby onto her lap and then hugged her while kissing her on the head.

Annie continued to hold Abby, until Mary came in the room. “Mom, Dad just got home and he wants to see you in his office.”

“Okay.” Annie replied, as she helped Abby off her lap. “I’ll be right back, Honey.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she continued her Nintendo game.

“What are you doing?” Matt asked as he walked in the room.

Abby smiled. “I’m playing Super Mario.”

“Can we play?” Matt asked.

“Okay, but first let me finish my game.” Abby replied. She continued to play, until she felt someone tickling her, but when she looked over at Matt and Mary they weren’t doing anything.

A few minutes later, she heard giggling as she felt someone tickle her, again.

“What?” Mary asked as she pulled her hand back.

“Are you tickling me?” Abby asked as she put her game on pause, again.

Mary smiled as she started to tickle Abby under her arms. “Maybe.”

“Please don’t do that. I’m trying to play Nintendo.” Abby said as Mary continued to tickle her. “Stop it.”

Matt laughed as he pinned her down while Mary continued to tickle her.

“AUNTIE ANNIE! PLEASE, TELL MY COUSINS TO STOP TICKLING ME!” Abby yelled. “AAAHHH! Ow, that hurts! Stop it!”

“What is going on?” Annie asked as she ran in the room.

“We’re just tickling her.” Matt said.

“Please tell my cousins to stop tickling me.” Abby repeated.

“Matt, Mary ~ please get off your cousin. You can’t tickle her too hard like that ~ you have to be gentle or you might hurt her or make her scared.” Annie said, as Eric, Charles, Jenny, Lucy and Simon walked in the room to see what was going on.

“Yeah, that hurt.” Abby said as she sat up, shaky, out of breath with tears in her eyes.

Lucy looked at Charles and Jenny. “Sometimes, they do that to me, too.”

“We weren’t trying to hurt her.” Mary said.

“I know.” Annie said as she picked Abby up and hugged her. “It’s almost time to start getting ready for bed. A few of you have to go to school tomorrow. Let’s all go upstairs and start getting ready.”

After everyone was ready for bed and tucked in, Annie sang Abby another song. When she was done, she was about to turn off the light, when she heard the phone ring. “I’ll be right back, Sweetie.” She said as she left the room.

A few minutes later, she came back, with the phone. “It’s your Daddy, Honey. He wants to talk with you.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she took the phone and started talking. “The day after I got here, Auntie Annie bought me some sundresses and then she took me to see a movie. Then the next day, she took me to the carnival and rode some of the rides with me. She bought me some pudding like the kind you buy me for my lunch and then today, I got lots of candy from the parade. Earlier today, Matt and Mary started tickling me, but I didn’t like that ~ Auntie Annie told them to stop. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot ~ Auntie Annie watched Sesame Street with me, too!” Abby smiled as she continued telling her Dad about the last five days.

When they were done talking, Annie took the phone and put it back on the hook, before turning off the light.

“Goodnight, Auntie Annie. I love you.” Abby said as she turned over on her side, facing Annie.

“I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she kissed Abby on the head, before going to sleep.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 8 ~ Another Lesson Learned

It was Tuesday morning, the day after Memorial Day, when Abby was sitting under the kitchen table, waiting for Annie to come back from the laundry room. “Boo!” She yelled as soon as she saw her.

“Boo!” Simon repeated as he followed Abby, who was crawling around the kitchen table and giggling.

“You two are silly.” Annie smiled as she walked over and helped Abby and Simon off the floor. “Do you want some French Toast for breakfast?”

Abby smiled as she climbed the stool to sit at the Island. “Yeah! Can, I please snack on some Froot Loops while you make it?”

“Yes, you can, Honey.” Annie said as she walked over the cupboard. “But don’t eat too many, okay?”

Abby smiled. “Okay.”

As soon as Annie handed Abby the box of cereal, she dumped some on the counter and started separating the colors and lining them up.

“What are you doing?” Matt asked as he walked passed Abby.

Abby giggled. “I’m eating the yellow and orange ones last.”

“Oh.” Matt said as he picked up his school bag and waited for Eric, Mary and Lucy.

As soon as Eric, Mary and Lucy came down the stairs, Annie hugged and kissed everyone as they walked out the door.

“See you later!” Abby yelled as she waved her hands.

“See you later, Abby!” Eric yelled before Annie shut the door.

Abby smiled when she saw Jenny walk in the room. “Auntie Annie is making French Toast.”

“Wow, that sounds yummy.” Jenny replied.

“We need to get groceries and a few other things today.” Annie said as she took the eggs out of the refrigerator. “Do you want to come?”

Abby smiled. “I do!”

“I know you do, Sweet Baby. I was talking to Grandma.” Annie said as she continued getting things ready to make the French Toast.

“Sure, I’d love to.” Jenny replied.

“Is Simon going, too?” Abby asked.

“No, I think he’s staying here, with Grandpa.” Jenny said.

“Oh.” Abby said as she continued to separate the colors of the Froot Loops. “Are you going to tell him we’re going to the store?”

“Yeah, we will, Honey.” Annie said as she put a slice of bread in the frying pan.

“How many more days, until we go to Michigan?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she took Abby’s Care Bears plate out of the cupboard. “Eight, Sweetie. We leave on Wednesday of next week, after your cousins get out of school.”

“Oh.” Abby said. “Can I please, have some orange juice?”

Annie poured some orange juice into Abby’s Care Bears cup, and then put butter and syrup on her French Toast, before cutting it up and setting the plate down in front of her. “The sausage will be done in a few minutes, Honey.”

Abby smiled. “YES! Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

Annie smiled back. “You’re welcome, Sweetheart. When we’re done eating, we have to get ready to go to the store, okay?”

“Okay. Isn’t it funny how I used to call this Fried Bread?” Abby giggled as she pointed at her French Toast.

Annie laughed as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “Yes, I remember that, Honey. You were a silly girl; you still are.”

Abby giggled as she hugged Annie. “I love you, Auntie Annie.”

“I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” Annie said, before giving her another kiss on the head. “I think the sausage is done, now.”

Abby smiled. “YES! I can’t wait to have some.”

“Here it comes.” Annie smiled as she brought the pan over to Abby. “How many do you want?”

“Three.” Abby smiled as she held up her napkin. “When we go shopping, can I please bring Teddy Baby?” Teddy Baby is the stuffed bear that Auntie Annie bought for her, right before she was born.

“Yes, you can, Honey, but he can’t come in the stores, okay?” Annie said as she put the sausage links on the napkin for Abby.

“Okay. I’ll hide him when we go in, so no one will kidnap him.” Abby said, before taking another bite of her French Toast.

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she put the rest of the sausage links on her plate.

After they were done eating and the kitchen was cleaned up, they went upstairs to finish getting ready, before telling Eric and Charles where they were going.

“I’ll race you to the car!” Abby giggled as she ran ahead of Annie and Jenny.

“Be careful, Honey.” Annie said as her and Jenny followed Abby over to the car. “I don’t want you to fall and hurt yourself.”

Abby smiled as she ran up to the car and started jumping up and down. “I WON! I WON!”

As soon as Annie started the car, Abby started giggling and dancing to the radio, as she sat in the back seat. “Come on, Teddy Baby, you have to get your seat belt on.” She said as they pulled out of the driveway.

After going to a few stores, they noticed it was almost time for lunch, as they pulled into the grocery store parking lot.

“I’m almost hungry.” Abby announced as they walked across the parking lot, into the store. “Can I please, ride in the back of the cart, again, like I did last time?”

“Yes, you can, Sweetie.” Annie said as she picked Abby up and put her in the cart.

Abby giggled as Annie pushed the cart, down the first isle. “This is fun!”

Annie smiled as she kissed Abby on the head, before putting some cans of soup in the cart. “I’m glad you’re having a good time, Sweet Baby.”

When they got to the cookie isle, Abby smiled as she pointed to the boxes of individually wrapped Twix Candy Bars. “Can we please buy some of those?”

“Twix?” Jenny asked.

“Yeah!” Abby said as she continued to smile.

Annie knew how much Abby liked Carmel Twix, so she took a couple boxes off the shelf and put them in cart. “Here, Sweetie, these will last awhile.”

“Okay! Thanks! Now, we have Twix, spaghetti O’s with meatballs, Ravioli and green Hi~C Punch in a can ~ and other stuff.” Abby giggled as she pointed to all the rest of the stuff that was in the cart.

Annie smiled as she put a few cans of Tuna in the cart and then continued up and down each isle until they were done.

“I’m SO hungry, I could eat this whole store.” Abby said as she watched them put their groceries into plastic bags. “Auntie Annie, what are we having for lunch?”

“Do you want some Tomato soup and a Tuna Melt, Honey?” Annie asked as she lifted Abby out of the cart and hugged her.

Abby smiled as she hugged Annie. “Yeah!”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she continued to hold Abby.

“Is he going to carry our stuff out to the car for us?” Abby asked as she watched them put the last bag of groceries back into the cart.

“He’s going to push the cart out to our car and put them in the trunk for us.” Annie replied, before kissing Abby on the head.

“That’s even better.” Abby giggled. “I think he would drop them if he tried to carry that many by himself.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Honey, he probably would.” Annie said as she followed everyone out to the car, still carrying Abby.

“I hope he can fit all of our food in the trunk.” Abby said as she watched Grandma Jenny help him unload the bags from the cart.

“Oh, it’s okay, Sweetie. Our trunk is big enough.” Annie said as she unlocked the door.

“Oh.” Abby said as Annie kissed her on the head, before putting her back down in the car. She picked up her stuffed bear, as she sat down. “I hope you were good while I was in the store.”

“Was Teddy Baby, good, Honey?” Annie asked as she sat down to start the car.

Abby giggled. “I don’t know. I think I just woke him up and the baby sitter ran away when she saw us coming. Are we going home, now?”

“Yes, we are, Sweetheart ~ as soon as they get done putting the groceries in the car.” Annie replied as she turned on the radio for Abby.

“YES!” Abby continued to giggle as she held up her bear. “Look, Auntie Annie, Teddy Baby is dancing!”

Annie turned around and smiled before kissing Abby on the head.

“Will you please come back here and sit with me?” Abby asked.

Annie looked out the window as she saw her Mom close the trunk. “Actually, Grandma’s coming, Sweetie ~ it’s time to go home, now.”

“YES!” Abby smiled as she sat back down in the seat.

After Jenny shut her door and everyone had their seat belts on, Annie pulled out of the parking lot.

“We’re going home to eat!” Abby announced as they turned onto the road.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 8 Continued...

After they were home and the groceries were put away, Annie started to make the soup and sandwiches.

“Auntie Annie, can we please listen to Walkin’ On Sunshine while the food is cooking?” Abby asked as she sat down at the Island. “I LOVE that song.”

“Yes, we can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she got out a large can of Tomato soup. “I’ll put it on after I get the soup and sandwiches started.”

Abby smiled. “Okay! Can I please have some paper to draw pictures?”

“Yes, you can, Honey. There’s some in Uncle Eric’s office.” Annie replied as she left the room.

“Okay.” Abby said.

“Here, Sweetie.” Annie said as she came back with a few sheets of paper and a pencil. “We have some colored pencils, too.”

Abby smiled. “I LOVE colored pencils!”

“I know you do, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head, before continuing to make their lunches.

After Annie got the soup and sandwiches going, she turned on the tape for Abby before picking her up.

Abby giggled as they danced to the music. “THIS IS FUN!”

In the middle of the song, Annie turned the sandwiches over so they would get brown on the other side, and then stirred the soup as they continued to dance.

“We’re dancing, everyone!” Abby announced as Eric walked in with Charles, Jenny, Lucy and Simon behind him.

“Don’t burn your food.” Eric replied as he looked over at the Tuna Melts.

“Auntie Annie will make sure we don’t.” Abby said as they continued to dance. “She knows I don’t like burnt food.”

When the song was over, Annie put Abby back down on the stool by the Island before getting out some plates and bowls.

“That was fun!” Abby said, out of breath. “Is the food ready?”

“Almost.” Annie smiled as she sat a bowl, plate and cup down in front of Abby. “Do you want some of your green punch?”

Abby smiled. “Yeah.”

“Okay, Honey.” Annie said as she punched a couple holes on top of the large can, before pouring some into Abby’s favorite Care Bears cup. “Here, Sweetie.”

Abby was still smiling. “Thank you, Auntie Annie. Is Uncle Eric, Grandpa, Lucy and Simon eating with us, too?”

Annie smiled as she put some soup in Abby’s bowl. “They can, if they want.”

“Did you eat lunch, while we were gone?” Abby asked them before taking a drink of her punch.

“No. We don’t get lunch at school yet, but the older kids do.” Lucy replied.

“Why don’t you get lunch at school?” Abby asked.

“Lucy is in kindergarten so she only stays there for part of the day.” Annie said as she took a few more slices of cheese from the refrigerator. Do you want some Tomato soup and a sandwich?”

Lucy smiled. “I do!”

“Me, too!” Simon said.

“Is my sandwich done?” Abby asked.

“Yes, it is, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she cut the sandwich in quarters before taking it over to her.

Abby smiled. “Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

“You’re welcome, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head, before making more sandwiches.

“Are those you and Grandma’s sandwiches?” Abby asked as she watched Annie put them on plates.

“They were, Honey, but I’m going to let Simon and Lucy have them.” Annie replied as cut the sandwiches in quarters.

“What are you and Grandma going to eat?” Abby said, before taking a bite of her sandwich.

Annie smiled as she walked past Abby with the sandwiches. “I’m going to make more.”

“Oh.” Abby said as she continued eating.

“Is it okay if they have some of your punch, Sweetie?” Annie asked as she sat the two plates down in front of Lucy and Simon.

“Okay.” Abby replied as she continued eating. “Just don’t drink all of it.”

Annie smiled as she poured some punch into small cups. “They won’t, Honey.”

“Okay. Can I please, have some more?” Abby asked as she held up her empty cup.

After everyone ate their lunch, Abby played Nintendo while Annie and Jenny watched her and folded some more clean clothes.

“Mom, can we go roller skating, today?” Mary asked as soon as she came home from school.

“Do you or Matt have any homework?” Annie replied as she continued folding the clothes.

“No.” Mary answered as she sat down next to Jenny.

“I don’t have any!” Matt said, as he walked upstairs to his room.

“Are we going skating?” Abby asked as she put her game on pause.

“Yes, we are, Sweetheart ~ after Grandma and I finish the laundry.” Annie replied.

“I don’t have any skates and I can’t skate good.” Abby said as she unpaused her game and continued playing.

“It’s okay, Sweet Baby ~ I’ll pay for you to rent some skates and hold your hand, so you don’t fall down.” Annie said as she kissed Abby on the head.

“Okay.” Abby said, nervously. “Should I keep playing or are we going to leave soon?”

Annie smiled. “You can play for a few more minutes, Honey.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she passed another level of Super Mario. “Is Uncle Eric, Grandpa and Grandma coming, too?”

“I think Uncle Eric has some church work to do, but Grandpa and Grandma will probably come with us.” Annie replied as she folded another pair of Abby’s pajamas.

“Are you coming skating with us, Grandma?” Mary asked.

Jenny smiled. “Yes, Honey.”

“Is Simon and Lucy coming, too?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she folded a pair of Abby’s clean shorts. “Yes, they are, Sweetheart.”

After all the clean clothes were folded and put away, Abby turned her game off. “Is he coming with us?” She asked when she saw Annie coming out of Eric’s office.

“No, Honey, he’s going to meet us there later.” Annie replied as she picked up her keys.

“Oh.” Abby said as they followed Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon out to the driveway. “Are we all riding in the same car?”

Annie smiled as she opened the car door for Abby. “No, Sweetie, Grandpa and Grandma are taking your cousins and they’re going to meet us there.”

“Oh.” Abby said as she sat down in the seat. “Can I please listen to the radio on the way there?”

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she helped Abby put her seat belt on.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 8 Continued (Last Post for this chapter).

After everyone paid their way in and had their skates, Annie helped Abby, Lucy and Simon. “Does Abby know how to tie her shoes?” Mary asked as she watched her Mom and cousin from across the room.

“Not yet, Honey.” Jenny replied as she sat down next to Mary. “Things that come easy for us, are hard for Abby, so it takes her longer to learn them.”

“Isn’t her school helping her with her motor skills?” Charles asked.

“I’m not sure. Annie or John will probably know.” Jenny replied as she watched Matt and Mary skate away and join everyone else who was already out on the floor.

“Auntie Annie, I can’t stand up very good.” Abby said after everyone had their skates on.

“Here, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she held out her hand.

Annie, Abby and Lucy went out onto the floor, while Simon stayed on the carpet where Charles and Jenny were sitting and watching him.

“Ouch!” Abby said, after getting a static shock off something she touched while sliding her hand on the wall. “I wish this wall wouldn’t shock me.”

“I know, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she continued to hold Abby and Lucy’s hands.

After falling down a few times Abby fell down again, hitting her head and her knees. “I don’t want to skate anymore.” She said, frustrated, as she started to cry.

“Okay, Baby Girl.” Annie replied as helped Abby up and led her away from the other people.

“My head hurts and my knee hurts.” Abby said as she continued to cry, while hugging Annie.

“I know, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she held Abby and kissed her on the head. “Let’s take our skates off.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she rubbed her eyes. “Where did Lucy go?”

“It’s okay, Baby, she’s over by Grandpa, Grandma and Simon.” Annie replied after looking around the room.

“Oh.” Abby said as she watched Annie untie the laces on her skates. “Are you going to take your skates off, too?”

Annie smiled. “Yes, I am, Sweetheart. Do you want some Nachos?”

“Yeah.” Abby replied. “I wish I could skate so I don’t have to fall down.”

“Maybe you can try again.” Annie replied as she helped Abby put her shoes back on. “I’ll bring you back here when there aren’t so many people, okay, Sweet Baby?”

“Okay.” Abby said, not sure if she wanted to go skating, again.

After Annie finished helping Abby, she took her own skates off before returning the ones Abby was wearing. “Let’s get some Nachos, now. Grandma is going to meet us in the snack bar.” She said after everything was put away.

“I don’t know if I can walk yet. My legs still hurt.” Abby said, as she was a little shaky, trying to stand up.

“Okay.” Annie replied as she picked Abby up.

“Hey, there’s Uncle Eric.” Abby said, as Annie carried her into the snack bar.

“Are you done skating, already?” Eric asked.

“No, just us.” Annie replied as put Abby down on the seat, before sitting down next to her. “Matt and Mary are still out there somewhere.”

“I got hurt.” Abby said as she showed Eric the bruises on her knees. “Auntie Annie is going to order some Nachos.”

“I’m going to see if I can find our children, but I can order the Nachos for you first.” Eric offered.

“Okay. Thanks, Honey.” Annie said as she helped Abby onto her lap. “Lucy and Simon are with my Mom and Dad.”

“I don’t think I want to skate again on any day.” Abby said as she hugged Annie.

“It’s okay, Sweet Baby ~ you don’t have to.” Annie replied as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

Abby smiled. “Okay. Did Uncle Eric tell them we want Nachos?”

“Yes, he did Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she continued to hold Abby.

“Did he remember something for us to drink?” Abby asked.

“I don’t know, Honey.” Annie said, as she watched Eric move to the front of the line. “We’ll ask him when he comes back.”

“Okay.” Abby said. “Grandma’s coming.”

“Okay.” Annie said, after kissing Abby on the head.

Abby smiled as Jenny sat down. “Uncle Eric is ordering Nachos for us.”

Jenny smiled. “Yum, I love Nachos.”

“Baby Girl, do your legs still hurt?” Annie asked as she looked down at the bruises on Abby’s knees.

“Yeah.” Abby replied. “I would ask you if I can play Pac Man, but my legs hurt too much to stand up.”

“Oh.” Annie replied, as she rubbed Abby’s legs to make them feel better.

“Grandma, I fell and bumped my head and my legs got hurt, too.” Abby told Jenny.

When the skating session was over, Abby’s legs were still hurting as Annie carried her out to the parking lot.

“Is Uncle Eric going to drive home by himself?” Abby asked as she watched everyone walk to their cars.

Annie smiled as she helped Abby with her seat belt. “Yes, he is, Sweetheart.”

After everyone was back at the house, Abby played Nintendo while Annie started dinner.

“Hey, Abby.” Matt said as he walked into the room.

“Please don’t tickle me again.” Abby said as she put her game on pause.

Matt smiled. “Don’t worry, I didn’t come in here to tickle you.”

“Oh.” Abby said.

“Did you know that you’re not coming to Michigan with us?” Matt said, not knowing that Abby wouldn’t be able to tell he was joking. “We’re dropping you off at home on the way there.”

Abby started to cry as she ran into the kitchen. “Auntie Annie!”

“What’s wrong, Baby Girl?” Annie said as she opened a box of macaroni.

“Matt said I can’t go to Michigan and that you’re taking me to my house on the way there.” Abby said as she continued to cry. “I don’t want to go home, I want to stay with you.”

“You’re still coming with us, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she picked Abby up and kissed her on the head. “Who told you we were dropping you off on the way?”

“I was just joking.” Matt said as he ran into the kitchen.

“Why would you joke about that?” Abby asked, confused and still crying as she hugged Annie.

“Matt, I would like to have a talk with you about some things before you go to sleep tonight, okay?” Annie said as she continued to hold Abby.

“Am I in trouble?” Matt asked.

“No, Honey, we just need to talk.” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Matt said. “I wasn’t trying to be mean or anything, I thought she knew so I was trying to make her laugh.”

“I know you were, Sweetie. I’ll explain it tonight, before you go to sleep.” Annie said.

“Okay.” Matt said as he left the room.

“I think I’ll stay out here with you. Can I please sit on the counter again?” Abby asked.

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head, before putting her down on the stool.

Abby smiled as she hugged Annie. “Can I please, have some cheese and crackers? I really like those.”

“Here, Sweetheart.” Annie smiled as she handed Abby another pack of cheese and crackers from the cupboard.

Abby ate her cheese and crackers as she drew pictures with colored pencils while Annie continued to make dinner.

After everything was cooked, Annie combined the hamburger and macaroni and then added the canned tomatoes.

Abby smiled as she continued drawing. “I’m making this one for you, Auntie Annie.”

“Oh, thank you, Sweet Baby. That is so nice of you.” Annie replied as she kissed Abby on the head.

After everyone had dinner and Abby was in bed, Annie left the room to talk with Matt. “Are you ready for bed, so we can talk?”

“Is it about Abby?” Matt asked as he sat down on the edge of his bed.

“Yes, it is.” Annie replied as she sat down next to Matt. “Abby can’t read people, so she can’t tell the difference between joking and serious. She was really upset when she thought we were leaving her off at home on the way to Michigan next week.”

“Oh.” Matt said. “Can I tell her some jokes ~ as long as I tell her they’re jokes before I tell them?”

Annie smiled. “Yes, Honey, I think that’s a good idea. Just make sure you tell her first.”

“Okay.” Matt said. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

“Yes.” Annie replied as she hugged Matt. “Goodnight, Honey.”

“Goodnight, Mom.” Matt said.

Annie smiled as she turned off the light and left the room, before checking on Mary and Lucy.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 9 ~ Going To Grandpa and Grandma’s

“Auntie Annie!” Abby stood outside, crying as she watched the house burn. “Where is my Auntie Annie!” She continued to cry, until she felt someone hug her.

“Shh...I’m right here, Baby Girl.” A voice whispered.

Abby opened her eyes and sat up, shaking and crying as she saw Annie holding her.

Annie wanted to ask Abby what her bad dream was about, but she saw how hard she was crying and knew she wouldn’t be able to get her words out until she calmed down, so she just started rocking her.

It was a week after Memorial Day, just two hours before daylight and also the day that Charles and Jenny would be packing to go back home.

“Your house was on fire ~ and they couldn’t ~ find you.” Abby finally said a few minutes later, having trouble getting her words out. “I thought your house was really on fire.”

Annie kissed Abby on the head as she continued rocking her. “Did we wake you up?” She asked as she saw Eric open the door a little.

Eric smiled. “No, I was already awake.”

“I’m cold and thirsty.” Abby said.

“Honey, can you please get Abby some water from kitchen?” Annie asked. “Her Care Bears cup is on the counter by the sink.”

“Okay.” Eric said as he closed the door and left.

“Thank you, Uncle Eric.” Abby said, a few minutes later as he handed her the cup of water. “Auntie Annie, I want to go back to sleep, but I’m afraid your house will burn down.”

“Uncle Eric went back downstairs to the kitchen, so if the house catches on fire he will let us know, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she wrapped Abby up in her blanket and started rocking her, again.

“He’s getting up in the middle of night?” Abby asked, confused.

“Yes, he is, Sweetheart. It’s almost time for the sun to come up.” Annie said, after looking at the clock.

“Oh.” Abby said, as she rested her head on Annie while she continued rocking her.

A few minutes later, Abby was asleep, so Annie tucked in sheets and blankets around her and kissed her on the head, before leaving the room to take her shower.

“I’m ready for my bath.” Abby said, a few hours later as she rubbed her eyes.

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “We can’t take too much time in the bathtub, though, Grandpa and Grandma are packing to go back home.”

“When are they leaving?” Abby asked. “Are they going to use the bathtub, too?”

Annie smiled as she helped Abby pick out some clean clothes. “They’ll be here for a few more hours, Honey. They won’t need the bathroom, but Uncle Eric will need to give Simon a bath, soon.”

“In your bathroom?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “No, Sweetie, he’s going to use the one in the hallway.”

After Abby had her bath and the rooms were picked up, she followed Annie and Jenny into Simon’s room. “Are we going with Grandpa and Grandma?”

Annie smiled as she started putting some clothes into Simon’s dark blue suitcase. “No, Simon is going to spend a few nights with Grandpa and Grandma and then we’re going to pick him up on the way to Michigan.”

“Oh.” Abby said. “What are we going to do, today?”

“Do you want to pick Lucy up from school this afternoon and then go bowling?” Annie asked. “It looks like we’ll have a rainy day.”

Abby smiled. “YEAH! Is Lucy coming, too?”

“Yes, she is, Sweetheart.” Annie replied.

“Are Matt and Mary coming, too?” Abby asked.

“No, Baby, they’ll be in school. Uncle Eric will pick them up later.” Annie said as she continued putting things into Simon’s suitcase. “Lucy is in Kindergarten, that’s why she gets out early.”

“Oh.” Abby said.

After Annie finished packing Simon’s suitcase, she carried it downstairs and put it with Charles and Jenny’s things. “What does everyone want for breakfast?”

“I want Lasagna and green punch.” Abby joked.

Annie laughed and smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “I think you’re being silly.”

Abby smiled. “Can we all get Egg McMuffin’s from McDonalds?”

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie said, still hugging Abby. “I’ll have Uncle Eric pick some up on the way home from taking Matt, Mary and Lucy to school.”

“Yeah.” Abby said, still smiling. “And then we can have a breakfast picnic outside.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” Annie said. “You are just full of great ideas today.”

Abby giggled as she turned on her Nintendo game and started to play.

“Simon is ready.” Eric said as he came down the stairs.

“Okay, Honey.” Annie replied.

Abby continued to play Nintendo, while everyone else left the room.

“Uncle Eric just left.” Annie said, a few minutes later as she sat down next to Abby. “He’s going to pick up some Egg McMuffin’s and Hashbrown’s for everyone.”

“Are Grandpa and Grandma ~ and Simon going to eat some, too?” Abby asked as she put her game on pause.

“Yes, they are, Sweetheart.” Annie said.

“Did Matt, Mary and Lucy eat, too?” Abby asked.

“Yes, they did, Honey. Grandma made something for them earlier.” Annie replied.

After Eric came home with the food, Abby turned her game off and followed everyone outside. “Did you get sausage?”

“Yes, he did, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she took Abby’s sandwich out of the wrapper and cut it in half, before giving her a Hashbrown and Orange Juice.

“Are you going to sit by me?” Abby asked, before taking a drink of her Orange Juice.

Annie smiled. “Do you want to sit on my lap?”

Abby smiled back. “Yeah!”

After everyone finished eating, Eric and Annie helped Charles and Jenny put their bags and suitcases in the trunk, while Abby and Simon played in the front yard.

“This is fun!” Abby giggled as she ran around the front yard, with Simon chasing her. “I’ll race you to Auntie Annie!”

“Don’t get too tired, Sweet Baby, or you won’t have any energy left for bowling.” Annie said.

Abby ran over to Annie, laughing and giggling, so much that she could hardly talk.

“It’s time for Grandpa, Grandma and Simon to leave, now, Sweetie.” Annie said to Abby as she got Simon’s car seat ready.

“See you later everyone.” Abby said as she continued to giggle.

“See you later, Abby, have fun.” Charles said.

“See you soon.” Jenny added.

“I will?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, Honey, we’re leaving on Wednesday to spend the night with Grandpa and Grandma and then we’re leaving for Michigan on Thursday morning.”

“YES!” Abby smiled as she skipped around in circles in the driveway, singing. “WE’RE GOING TO MICHIGAN...”

After everyone was ready, they all exchanged hugs and kisses before getting in the car and pulling out of the driveway.

Abby giggled as she stood next to Annie, making funny faces and waving her hands. “See you all later!”

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 9 ~ Continued

Annie smiled as she picked Abby up, and hugged her while kissing her on the head. “Do you want to move all your stuff into mine and Uncle Eric’s room?”

“I thought we were going bowling today.” Abby replied.

“We still are, Sweet Baby, but not until this afternoon, right after we pick Lucy up from school.” Annie said as she started walking back in house, still carrying Abby.

“Where did Uncle Eric go?” Abby asked as she looked around.

“He’s in his office, Sweetie, he went back in the house before we did, so he could get started on work for the church.” Annie replied as she walked up the stairs.

Abby giggled as she put her blanket over her head and started walking around the room. “Look, Auntie Annie, I’m a ghost!”

Annie laughed as she picked up a few of Abby’s bags. “You are just about the silliest girl I’ve ever met.”

Abby continued to giggle as she rolled up in the blankets on her air mattress. “When we move my bed, I’m carrying my pillow!” She announced.

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she carried Abby’s bags down the hall, to her and Eric’s room.

“I’ll carry my blanket, too ~ on my head.” Abby giggled as she skipped through the hall, following Annie.

Annie smiled as she put the bags down on her side of the bed. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

After everything was moved into Eric and Annie’s room, Abby played Nintendo for awhile.

“Sweetie, it’s time to pick Lucy up from school.” Annie announced as she watched Abby pass another level of Super Mario.

“Okay.” Abby replied as she turned her game off. “Can we eat snacks there? I’m starting to get hungry, again.”

Annie smiled as they walked outside to the car. “Yes, we can, Sweet Baby.”

“Does Uncle Eric know we’re leaving.” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she started the car. “Yes, he does, I told him right before I told you.”

“Oh.” Abby replied as she started to dance to the music on the radio.

When Annie turned into the parking lot of the school, she pulled into a parking space and turned the car off. “Come on, Sweetheart, we have to go sign Lucy out.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as Annie helped her out of the car. “I smell rain.”

“Yes, I do too, Sweet Baby.” Annie agreed. “The clouds are getting darker, too.”

“The other children will probably wonder who I am if any of them see me.” Abby said, as they continued walking.

Annie smiled as she held onto Abby’s hand. “If they ask, we’ll tell them you’re Lucy’s cousin.”

“Lucy knows a lot of children.” Abby said, as she noticed this was a much bigger school than the one she goes to.

“Yes, this is a very big school with lots of children.” Annie replied as they walked in the door.

“Are we going to her classroom?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, we are, Sweetheart, but first we have to sign her out at the office.”

“Oh.” Abby said.

After Lucy was signed out and everyone had their seat belts on, Annie started the car.

“Lucy, you have a BIG school!” Abby said as they pulled out of the parking lot.

“It is?” Lucy asked.

“At my school, we have Aide’s everywhere and some of them help the children who can’t walk and talk. Some of them can’t even see and hear!” Abby said. “I wouldn’t like it if I couldn’t see and I wouldn’t like it if I couldn’t hear.”

“Sweetie, Abby’s school is made for children with special needs, so it’s a lot different than yours.” Annie explained.

“Oh.” Lucy said.

Annie smiled as she turned onto another road. “We’re almost there, girls.”

“Do they have chicken nuggets?” Abby asked.

“Yes, they do, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “I hope I can eat some ~ and I want some Root Beer and M ‘n M’s from the candy machine.”

“Okay, Baby Girl.” Annie replied.

“I think we’re going to get wet when we go in the bowling alley.” Abby announced a few minutes later, when she saw rain drops on the car windows.

“Is there and umbrella laying on floor back there, Baby?” Annie asked as she pulled into the bowling alley parking lot.

“Yeah.” Abby said after looking down at the floor.

After the car was parked and everything was paid for, Annie led Abby and Lucy to the lane they would be using.

Abby smiled as she pointed over at the bowling balls. “Can I please, use that bright pink one over there?"

“Yes, you can, Sweetie, as long as it’s not too big or heavy for you, okay?” Annie replied as she remembered Abby has low muscle tone.

“Okay. Let’s get some Root Beer!” Abby announced.

Annie smiled. “Shh…Let’s get our bowling shoes on, first, Sweet Baby.”

“These shoes feel funny.” Abby said, as she watched Annie tie them for her.

After everyone was ready, Annie ordered the chicken nuggets and Root Beer before they started bowling.

“My ball keeps going in the gutter.” Abby said after taking her third turn.

As the game continued, Annie went up with Abby each time that it was her turn, to help her.

“Can I please, get some M ‘n M’s out of the candy machine?” Abby asked an hour later as they were getting ready to go home.

“Yes, you can, Honey.” Annie replied as she handed Abby and Lucy some quarters. “You can each pick one thing.”

“Auntie Annie, I’m still hungry.” Abby said as they walked in through the kitchen door.

Annie smiled as she took the leftover Lasagna out of the refrigerator. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

“Can I please, have some green punch, too?” Abby asked.

After the Lasagna was warmed up, Annie poured some green punch into Abby’s Care Bears cup before they started eating.

“Sweetie, are you still hungry?” Annie asked as she saw Lucy coming back down the stairs. “We have some leftover Lasagna from last night. Do you want some?”

“No, I’m full.” Lucy replied. “Where’s Mary?”

“Mary is still at school, Honey. Your Daddy just left to pick her and Matt up, so they should be back soon.” Annie explained before taking another bite of Lasagna.

Lucy was surprised as she watched Annie put the last of the Lasagna on Abby’s plate. “You’re eating, more?”

“I’m still hungry.” Abby giggled.

After everyone finished eating lunch, Annie started some laundry for packing suitcases while Abby played Nintendo and watched Sesame Street.

The laundry and packing continued on Tuesday as Annie helped Abby pick out what she was going to wear the next day.

“What time are we leaving tomorrow?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she folded Abby’s clean clothes and pajama’s. “We’re going to load all of our stuff into the van tomorrow morning and then we’re going to leave to pick Matt, Mary and Lucy up from school.”

“Are we going to have lunch before we pick them up from school?” Abby asked as she rolled up in the blankets on her air mattress.

“No, Sweetie, I think we’re going to stop somewhere on the way, so Matt, Mary and Lucy can eat with us, too.” Annie explained.

Abby smiled as she watched Annie move all the bags over by the door, so they would be ready to go, the next morning. “Can I please, bring my Nintendo, too?”

“Yes, you can Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she picked up Abby’s pajamas. “You, Matt, Mary and Lucy will need showers tonight and then we can rent some movies.”

“Can I please, have my shower before we eat so I don’t have to later?” Abby asked.

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie smiled. “But we can’t take too long in the bathroom, I still need to get dinner started, okay?”

Abby smiled. “Okay! Thank you, Auntie Annie!”

After everyone had dinner and showers, Eric and Annie took the children to the video store to pick out a few movies and snacks.

Abby giggled as she watched everyone wait for her to decide what snack she wanted. “I pick cheese popcorn!”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie smiled as she took Abby’s hand. “Let’s go pay for our stuff.”

“My movie I picked, will make me laugh all night!” Abby continued to giggle as they stood in line.

As soon as they walked in the door, Annie helped Abby get her pajama’s on and then poured some Root Beer for everyone, before putting Abby’s movie in the VCR.

Abby walked over to Annie and sat down on her lap, as the movie started. She giggled as she ate her cheese popcorn and drank her Root Beer. “This movie is already funny!”

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “The movie just started, Sweetie, it will get funnier.”

Abby continued to laugh and giggle throughout the movie, until she started to fall asleep at the very end.

“Abby must have laughed herself to sleep.” Matt said as he stood up.

“I’ll take care of the snacks.” Eric said as he helped Annie stand up.

“Okay, Honey.” Annie replied. “I’ll take Abby upstairs to bed.”

“What should we do with Abby’s cheese popcorn?” Eric asked.

“Just put a clip on it and Abby can eat it on the way to Arizona and Michigan.” Annie replied as she carried Abby up the stairs.

“Okay.” Eric said as he left the room.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 9 ~ Continued (Last post for this chapter)

The next morning, Abby heard Eric and Annie packing the rest of their stuff while she hid under the covers. She decided to play a funny trick on Annie to see how long she could pretend to be asleep before she would try to wake her up.

“Are you going to wake Abby up?” Eric asked as he started taking the bags and suitcases downstairs to the van. “We still have to pack her air mattress.”

Abby tried not to giggle, but she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

Annie smiled as she pulled the covers off Abby and kissed her on the head. “Hey, you’re awake Sweet Baby. I thought you were still sleeping.”

Abby giggled even louder as Annie helped her up. “I wanted to play a funny trick on you and Uncle Eric!”

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby. “You sure tricked me, Sweetheart, but if you stay in bed too long, you’ll miss Sesame Street. Let’s go get your bath water started so we can get ready to go.”

“Okay.” Abby giggled as they walked into the bathroom behind Eric and Annie’s bedroom. “Did I miss Sesame Street?”

“No, Honey, it’s only Eight~O~Clock, so you still have an hour.” Annie replied as she turned on the water. “Don’t forget to brush your teeth, too, since you fell asleep before you had a chance to do it last night.”

“Will the toothpaste make my food taste funny?” Abby asked.

“Here, Sweetie.” Annie said as she put some toothpaste on Abby’s toothbrush. “If you brush your teeth before a bath or shower, the taste should be gone by the time you’re done and ready to eat.”

Abby smiled. “Okay! Are my cousins awake yet?”

“Yes, they are, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied. “Uncle Eric is going to take them to school soon.”

“Oh.” Abby said as she picked up her toothbrush.

After Abby brushed her teeth and had her bath, Annie picked up around the bathroom and continued the rest of the packing, while Abby watched Sesame Street and played Nintendo.

“Here, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she walked in the living room, carrying a McDonalds bag. “Uncle Eric picked up some breakfast for us.”

Abby smiled. “YES!”

After everyone finished their breakfast and everything was loaded into the van, it was almost time to pick the Camden children up from school.

“Are we coming back here after we pick up my cousins?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as they carried Abby’s pillow and Nintendo out to the van. “No, Sweetie, we’re going on, to Arizona.”

“Oh.” Abby said as she sat down. “Auntie Annie, will you please sit back here with me? It’s really warm and everything.”

Annie smiled. “Okay, Sweet Baby.”

After Eric locked all the doors around the house and everything, he started the van and pulled out of the driveway. Their first stop was the video store where he returned the movies and then the gas station.

“I’m thirsty.” Abby announced. “Can I please, have some Root Beer.”

Annie took Abby in the store, while Eric put some gas in the van.

Abby smiled. “Look, Auntie Annie they have umbrella’s with Care Bears on them! And Sesame Street ones, too!”

“Do you want one, Honey?” Annie asked.

“Yeah!” Abby said, still smiling. “I wish they had one with Care Bears AND Sesame Street on it because I like both.”

After a few minutes, Abby finally picked the one with the Care Bears on it and then they walked up to the counter to pay for everything.

“Look, what Auntie Annie bought for me!” Abby said to Eric as he walked in to pay for the gas. “It’s an umbrella with Care Bears on it!”

“That is very nice, Abby.” Eric smiled as he grabbed something to drink, before joining them in line.

“They had some other ones that had Sesame Street on them, too ~ but Bert wasn’t on any of them.” Abby explained.

After they left the gas station, they stopped at the school to pick Matt, Mary and Lucy up.

“Auntie Annie, where is my cheese popcorn?” Abby asked as they sat in the school parking lot.

Annie handed Abby her bag of cheese popcorn as Matt, Mary and Lucy came running up to the van.

“Are we going to Grandpa and Grandma’s now?” Lucy asked as she sat down on the other side of Annie.

“Yes, we are, Sweetheart.” Annie replied. “But first, we’re going to Uncle John’s and Aunt Dawn’s for a few minutes.”

“Can I sit up front with Dad?” Matt asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, you can, Honey, as long as you put your seat belt on.”

“I’m hungry.” Mary said as she sat down.

“Me, too.” Lucy added.

Abby giggled. “Me three!”

“Are we stopping somewhere to eat?” Matt asked as he put his seat belt on.

“Yes, we’re going to KFC as soon as we find one.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “Now, I can dip my chicken in my mashed potatoes!”

After driving for a half~hour, they finally came to a KFC where Eric pulled into the parking lot and found a parking space.

“Can we please eat outside where it’s warm?” Abby asked as soon they walked in the door. “The air in here is cold.”

Annie smiled as she looked out the windows and saw the picnic tables. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

As soon as everyone had their food, they sat down at one of the picnic tables outside and started eating.

“Auntie Annie, I invented a new Casserole!” Abby giggled as she mixed her cut up dark meat chicken with her mashed potatoes and corn.

Annie smiled as she put her arm around Abby and hugged her. “You’re very creative, Sweetie.”

Abby was still eating her food, by the time everyone else was finished. “Auntie Annie, I think I just saw a bee ~ can I please eat my food in the van?”

Annie took Abby back inside, where they gave her a container to put her food in. “Here, Sweet Baby, they put your food in here so you can take it with you.”

Abby continued eating her lunch as Eric started the van and pulled out of the parking lot. When Abby was finished, she rested her head on Annie and fell asleep. “Where are we?” She asked a few hours later as she rubbed her eyes.

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “We’re in Phoenix, Sweetheart ~ just a few minutes away from your house.”

“How long are we staying there?” Abby asked.

“Just a few minutes, Honey and then we’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house to spend the night.” Annie replied.

“Oh, NO, Brutus is outside, playing in his yard!” Abby said a few minutes later as she looked out the window and then unhooked her seat belt, before crawling under the seat.

“Sweetie, where are you going?” Annie asked.

“I think I’ll stay in here and hide while everyone goes in the house.” Abby said from under the seat. “I don’t want to go in.”

“Oh, Honey, he wouldn’t be able to see you from where you were sitting ~ the windows are tinted so other people can’t see in here.” Annie said as she got down on the floor of the van, where Abby was.

“Are we at Uncle John’s house?” Lucy asked as soon as the van was turned off.

“Yeah.” Matt said as Mary and Lucy followed him out of the van.

“Watch your sisters, they’re right behind you.” Eric said as he opened the door on his side.

“But, I can see him.” Abby said as she looked over the seat, out the window and across the road.

“We can see outside from here, Sweetie, but anyone who is outside will only be able to see a reflection of everything around them. It’s like looking into a mirror. They make windows like that so other people can’t see inside.” Annie explained.

Abby was still a little confused. “I still want to stay in here.”

“Don’t you want to see your Mommy and Daddy, before we go to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for the night?” Annie said as she helped Abby onto her lap.

“Can they come out here and see me?” Abby asked nervously. “I don’t want Brutus to see me.”

“I’ll walk in with you, and I won’t let him or anyone else hurt you, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby.

Abby put her arms around Annie and started to cry.

“Do you want me to have her Mom and Dad come out here?” Eric asked as he stood outside, waiting for Annie and Abby.

“Yeah. Thanks, Honey.” Annie replied as she continued to hold Abby.

“Okay.” Eric said, before closing the door.

About a minute later, John came out of the house and walked over to the van and opened the door. “Hi, Annie.”

“Hi, John.” Annie said.

“Abby, Honey, why don’t you come inside? I invited Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Annie, Uncle Eric, Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon, to eat dinner with us, before all of you go to Grandpa and Grandma’s for the night. Your Mommy is inside making spaghetti.” John explained.

“I don’t want Brutus to see me.” Abby repeated.

“I’ve never seen Abby so scared before. How mean, are they, and what kind of things do they say and do to her?” Annie asked.

“They throw things at her, they call her nasty names, they shoot rubber bands at her, kick dirt at her and a lot of other mean things. Some of them just come into our yard uninvited and start making fun of her and cause a lot of problems. I yelled at them for being nasty and everything, but I think I scared Abby, more than anyone else.” John explained.

Annie kissed Abby on the head, as she continued to hold her.

“Brutus and his family, moved in across the road, a couple months ago and he’s pretty mean. It didn’t take him long to start all of this.” John continued to explain, as Charles and Jenny pulled into the driveway.

“Grandpa, Grandma and Simon are here, now, and Matt, Mary and Lucy are outside again. Why don’t we all walk in the house together and we can go ahead of everyone so Brutus won’t see you.” Annie said as she looked out the window and then at Abby again.

Abby was still crying, a little. “Will he see me when I come out?”

“Probably not, Honey.” Annie said as she gave Abby another kiss on the head. “It will be dark out, by then.”

“He usually goes inside before dark, so he won’t see her.” John said.

“I won’t ever let anyone hurt you.” Annie said as she hugged Abby even more, and started to rock her. “I love you, so much, Sweet Baby Girl.”

Abby hugged Annie, while kissing her on the cheek. “I love you, too, Auntie Annie.”

“Come on, Sweetie, let’s all go inside and everyone will be right behind you.” Annie said, as she watched Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon walk over to the van.

“Okay.” Abby said nervously, as Annie helped her off her lap and then took her hand as she helped her out of the van. They walked up to the door, and into the house, with Charles, Jenny, John, Eric, Matt, Mary Lucy and Simon following behind them.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 10 ~ The Long Road Trip Part 1

“Auntie Annie, can you please put pigtails in my hair?” Abby asked, Thursday morning, as Annie helped her dry off from her morning bath.

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

After Abby was dry, dressed and the bathroom was cleaned up, Annie took a couple bright pink hair ties with Care Bears on them.

Abby smiled. “Are we having Egg McMuffin’s again? I really like those.”

“Yes, we are, Sweetie. Grandma is in the kitchen making them right now.” Annie replied as she combed Abby’s hair.

“When we leave, is Uncle Eric going to drive the van all day?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, he is, Honey ~ it takes at least two or three days to get from here to Michigan.”

“WHOA! That’s a long time!” Abby said. “I wish the van had a TV in it.”

“Okay, let’s go eat.” Annie said a few minutes later as she finished putting Abby’s hair in pigtails.

Abby smiled as she skipped ahead of Annie. “Okay!”

“The bathroom is free.” Annie said on her way to the kitchen to help Jenny.

“Okay.” Eric replied. “Matt and Mary look like they’re almost done eating so they can brush their teeth first.”

“My Daddy is here!” Abby announced as she ran into the kitchen from the living room.

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she followed Abby into the living room.

“Here he comes!” Abby said, before opening the front door.

“Hi, John.” Annie said.

Abby smiled. “Grandma is making Egg McMuffin’s before we go to Michigan.”

“Hi, Annie, Hi, Abby.” John replied as he handed Annie a white envelope. “Here’s some spending money for Abby when you’re in Michigan.”

“Okay.” Annie replied as she took the envelope.

“Daddy, do you want some Egg McMuffin’s?” Abby asked. “Grandma is making them ~ you can have some, too.”

“Yeah, I’ll take one, but I’ll have to eat it on the way to work.” John replied as he looked at the watch on his wrist, before following Annie and Abby into the kitchen.

After John had his sandwich and coffee, he hugged everyone before walking out the door.

“Do you want us to call you as soon as we get to Michigan?” Annie asked.

“Yeah ~ thanks.” John replied as he looked back and then continued walking.

“Have fun at work!” Abby joked as she waved her hands.

“Okay, I will!” John laughed as he climbed up into his truck.

Annie smiled as she closed the front door. “Let’s go eat, Sweet Baby, I think Grandma has your sandwich ready.”

Abby giggled as she followed Annie to the kitchen table. “My Daddy just told me he would have fun at work!”

“Awe, your Daddy does like work, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she cut Abby’s sandwich in half for her.

“He does?” Abby asked, confused. “I wouldn’t like it.”

Annie smiled. “Well, your Daddy loves his job. He likes going to business meetings and talking with people. That’s why he took the job, Sweetie.”

“Oh.” Abby said, still confused, but decided to change the subject. “Where did my cousins go?”

Annie smiled. “Matt and Mary are brushing their teeth, Honey, and Uncle Eric is getting ready to put everything back in the van so we can leave soon.”

“Oh.” Abby said, before taking a bite of her sandwich. “Can I please, watch Sesame Street?”

“No, Sweetie, it’s too early and we’re going to leave as soon as we finish eating and packing.” Annie replied as she put her arm around Abby and hugged her. “But you can watch it when we’re in Michigan, okay?”

“I pack my pillow!” Abby announced a few minutes later as she watched Eric fold blankets and sleeping bags while she continued eating her sandwich.

“Okay.” Eric said. “I’ll leave it out for you.”

Annie smiled. “You can leave all of her stuff there, Honey, I’ll help her pack after we brush our teeth.”

“Can I help, Dad?” Matt asked as he walked in the room.

After all the blankets and sleeping bags were folded and everyone was done eating, Annie, Abby, Lucy and Simon brushed their teeth while Eric, Matt and Mary started putting everything back into the van.

Abby smiled as she sat down on the couch, holding her pillow, blanket and bear. “I’m ready. Let’s go to Michigan, Auntie Annie.”

Annie smiled back as she finished packing the last of her and Abby’s bags. “I’m almost done, Sweet Baby.”

“And then we can go?” Abby asked.

“Yes, we can, Baby.” Annie replied as she put some of the bags by the door to be taken out to the van.

“Mom, can I please sit up front with Dad, again?” Matt asked as he walked in the room.

“That’s fine, Honey, as long as you wear your seat belt.” Annie said as she looked in Abby’s bag to make sure she had everything.

“I know, Mom. You tell me that every time.” Matt said as he started to pick up some of the bags.

Abby smiled. “Are you going to sit by me, again?”

“Yes, I am, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she smiled back.

Abby was still smiling. “YES!”

“Do you want me to take these bags?” Matt asked.

“Yes, please ~ except for that really big one. I’ll carry that.” Annie replied as she closed Abby’s bag.

“Okay.” Matt said as he carried the bags out to the van.

“Okay, I think we’re ready to go.” Annie said as she looked around the room to make sure she wasn’t forgetting anything.

“Okay. Let’s go to Michigan!” Abby announced to anyone else who might be listening.

After everything was put back into the van, everyone exchanged hugs before leaving.

“See you when you come to Michigan!” Abby said, waving her hands.

“Okay.” Jenny replied. “Did you remember your blanket, pillow and Teddy Baby?”

Abby smiled as she held everything up, one at a time. “Yeah.”

“Here’s an extra Egg McMuffin if you want to warm it up somewhere later and eat it.” Jenny said as she handed it to Abby in a sandwich bag. “I cut it in half for you.”

Abby smiled. “Is it a sausage one?”

“Yes, it is, Honey.” Jenny said as she hugged Abby.

“See you later, Grandpa!” Abby said as she waved her hands.

“See you later, Abby.” Charles replied as he helped Simon and Lucy into the van before hugging Abby.

Abby smiled as she rested her head on her pillow. “Auntie Annie, can we please make this seat into a bed, again like we did last time?”

“Yes we can, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she hugged Jenny.

“I love you, Annie.” Jenny said. “See you at the family reunion.”

Annie smiled. “I love you, too, Mom.”

“It was nice seeing you, again.” Eric said as he hugged Charles.

“Eric, nice as always.” Charles nodded before walking over to Annie and hugging her.

“Please call us when you get there.” Jenny said as she hugged Eric.

“Okay.” Eric said as he opened the door to the van.

“Let’s go to Michigan!” Abby announced.

“I love you, Dad.” Annie said as she hugged Charles.

Charles smiled. “I love you, too, Annie.”

After Charles and Jenny helped Simon into his car seat and hugged all the children, Eric started the van.

Abby giggled as the back seat folded out into a bed. “This ride is fun!”

“I love you, Grandma and Grandpa!” Lucy yelled.

“See you at the family reunion.” Mary added.

Everyone waved as Eric pulled out of the driveway and started the trip to Michigan.

“Auntie Annie, that sun is too bright.” Abby said after Eric turned onto the road.

“Okay, Baby.” Annie said as she closed the shade on the side window, where the sun was coming in.

Abby giggled as she put her blanket over her head. “It’s dark in here!”

After driving for a few minutes, Eric stopped at a gas station to put some gas in the van.

Abby smiled as she watched Eric open the door. “Auntie Annie, can we please go in the store part and see what stuff they have?”

“Yes we can, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she opened the door. “We’ll be right back, Honey.” She told Eric.

“Okay.” Eric replied as he started pumping gas into the van.

Abby gagged and plugged her nose as Annie helped her out of the van. “Eeewww, that gas stinks!”

Annie smiled as she shut the door to the van, before they started walking. “Let’s go fast.”

“I hope they have fun stuff in there for me to do when I’m in the van.” Abby said as they walked through the door.

“We have to get back before Uncle Eric comes in to pay for the gas, so your cousins won’t be alone in the van, okay, Sweetie?” Annie said as she followed Abby to a shelf that had some toys and magazines.

“Look what I found!” Abby said as she ran over to a big box filled with Neon, rainbow colored, star shaped sunglasses with sparkles on them. “Can we please get some?”

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 10 ~ Continued

“Yes, we can.” Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “They will look beautiful on you and keep the bright sun out of your eyes, Sweet Baby.”

Abby smiled as she held out another pair for Annie. “You should get one, too ~ and then we’ll match!”

Annie smiled back as she took the sunglasses from Abby. “Okay, Honey.”

After Abby had her sunglasses, she picked out a Care Bears coloring book, and a Sesame Street magazine. “I have my fun stuff.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she picked out four juice drinks and seven small boxes of Barnum’s Animal Crackers for everyone.

“Can I please, have some Root Beer?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she took out three bottles of Root Beer and handed one to Abby. “Yes you can, Honey.”

“Are you going to buy sunglasses for my cousins, too?” Abby asked as she followed Annie to the counter, carrying her magazine, coloring book, Root Beer and Animal Crackers.

“No, Baby, they already have some.” Annie replied as she put the Animal Crackers, juice and Root Beer on the counter to be paid for. “Put your stuff on the counter, Sweetie.”

“Look, what Auntie Annie bought for me!” Abby announced a minute later as they walked up to the van, where Eric was standing.

“Kewl shades, kiddo.” Eric said as he left to pay for the gas.

Abby giggled. “Now, Uncle Eric wants to buy some?”

Annie smiled as she helped Abby into the van. “No, Sweet Baby, he’s going to pay for the gas he put in the van so we can leave.”

“Auntie Annie, do we have crayons in here?” Abby asked as she sat down.

“Not in the van, Honey, but I’ll buy you some at the next K~Mart.” Annie said as she passed out Animal crackers and juice drinks. “Be careful, don’t spill anything.”

“We’re going to Michigan…!” Abby sang a few minutes later as they pulled out of the gas station parking lot.

“Will you, please open this?” Simon asked as he held up his box of animal crackers.

After Annie opened the box of animal crackers, she took out her book and started to read, while Abby and Lucy fell asleep ~ After eating a few animal crackers, Simon fell asleep, too.

A few hours later, Eric pulled into the parking lot of a party store with a Deli where he stopped so everyone could take a lunch break.

“Where are we?” Abby asked a few minutes later as she rolled over on her back, rubbing her eyes.

“Sweetie, we stopped here for something to eat.” Annie explained. “Uncle Eric just took your cousins inside to get some sandwiches.”

Abby smiled. “I was sleeping like a baby. Can I please, eat my food in here?”

“Yes you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she kissed Abby on the head. “But first we have to go in so we can order our food.”

“What kind of food do they have here?” Abby asked.

“I’m not sure, Honey.” Annie said. “It’s a deli, so they probably have cold meat sandwiches and chips.”

Abby smiled. “I pick Bologna!”

Annie smiled back as she helped Abby sit up before hugging her and kissing her on the head. “Okay, Sweet Baby.”

“All that sleeping made me hungry.” Abby said. “Let’s get some lunch.”

“In a minute, Honey.” Annie said as she took a comb from her purse and a squirt bottle from one of their bags.

After Annie wet Abby’s hair and combed it, she helped her into a sweatshirt, before opening the door to the van.

“I’m so hungry, I want one of all the food they have.” Abby said as Annie carried her inside.

Annie smiled. “You can’t eat everything, you’ll explode, Sweet Baby.”

The Deli didn’t have, Bologna, so Abby ordered a ham and cheese sandwich with Ketchup and Mayo, and some potato salad, a dill pickle and a ninety-nine cent bag of Doritos.

“I’ll race you to the van!” Lucy said as she started to run ahead.

“I can’t, Lucy, I’m carrying my lunch!” Mary said as she started to walk faster.

“Don’t run ahead, Sweetie.” Annie said as everyone continued walking.

“Auntie Annie, can I please have my Root Beer?” Abby asked as she sat down and opened the take out container with her food in it.

“Here, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she took the Root Beer out of the cooler and handed it to Abby.

“Auntie Annie, can I please get a Hot Fudge Thursday?” Abby asked a half~hour later after taking the last bite of her potato salad.

“What’s a Hot Fudge Thursday?” Mary asked.

“It’s just her way of saying Hot Fudge Sunday, Honey.” Annie explained.

Abby giggled. “Today is Thursday, not Sunday!”

After everyone finished their lunch and had their ice cream, they continued the road trip with Abby looking at her Sesame Street magazine some of the time and sleeping other times.

“What is this place?” Lucy asked five hours later as Eric pulled into another parking lot.

Annie smiled. “We’re going to stay here for the night, Sweetie.”

“You’re stopping before it gets dark?” Matt asked.

“Yes, Honey, Dad is tired of driving.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “Are we going to eat here, too?”

“Yes we are, Baby Girl, as soon as we find a place to order our food from.” Annie replied, as she started helping Abby put her stuff into a bag.

“Okay, we have our room.” Eric said about ten minutes later as he opened the door to the van. “They also have a recreation center with a pool and gym.”

Abby smiled. “AWESOME! Can I please go swimming, Auntie Annie?”

Annie smiled as she helped Abby out of the van. “Yes you can, Sweetheart, as soon as we have all of our stuff in the Hotel room.”

“Are we going to sleep in someone’s apartment?” Abby asked as soon as they walked in the room. “This looks like a living room.”

“It kind of looks like one, doesn’t it?” Annie said as she put the suitcases on the floor by the couch.

“Hey, there’s a table, too!” Lucy said as she ran over by it.

Abby smiled. “Now, I can look out the window when I’m eating ~ Auntie Annie, what are we having?”

Annie looked at Eric. “Do you want to order a pizza from Little Caesars, Honey?”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Eric replied as he put the last of the luggage on the floor.

Abby smiled as she started dancing. “But first, I want to go swimming!”

“I want to go to the gym.” Mary said.

“Yeah.” Matt agreed.

“I want to go swimming.” Lucy said as she walked over to where Annie and Abby were standing.

“Okay.” Eric said. “I’ll take the boys and Mary to the gym, while you take Abby and Lucy swimming.”

“Great idea.” Annie replied as she looked at her watch. “Why don’t we meet in the lobby at six~o~clock, so we can head back to the room for dinner.”

“Sounds good.” Eric agreed as Matt, Mary and Simon followed him out the door. “We’ll see you there.”

“How long is six~o~clock?” Abby asked as she followed Annie into the bathroom.

Annie smiled as she helped Abby put her bathing suit on. “It’s about five~o~clock, Sweet Baby, so we’ll have at least an hour.”

Abby smiled as they left the Hotel room fifteen minutes later. “I can’t wait to jump in.”

“Me, too.” Lucy said.

“I LOVE this room!” Abby said as soon as they walked in. “Look at all the colored lights, Auntie Annie!”

“I do, too, Sweetheart.” Annie agreed as she looked around the room. “It will be even more colorful when it gets dark outside.”

“We’re going to be here that long?” Abby asked.

“We’ll come back sometime after dinner.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

Abby smiled. “I get to swim two times? This is AWESOME!”

“Yeah.” Lucy agreed as Annie kissed her on the head.

“I see Uncle Eric and my cousins!” Abby announced a few minutes later as she pointed across the room, to some glass windows where she could see inside the gym.

Annie smiled. “That’s the gym, Honey.”

As soon as Abby and Lucy were ready, they jumped in the water while Annie watched them.

“Come in, Auntie Annie, the water is really warm.” Abby said as she moved herself along the edge of the pool, to where Annie was sitting with her feet in the water.

“I think I’ll just watch you girls for now.” Annie replied. “I’ll swim after dinner, okay, Sweetie?”

“Okay.” Abby giggled as she tickled Annie’s feet.

Annie smiled. “You’re full of giggles, aren’t you?”

Abby continued to giggle as she splashed around in the pool with Lucy, until it was time to go back to the room for dinner.

“Daddy, where are you going?” Lucy asked after everyone was back in the Hotel room and had their dry clothes back on.

“I have to pick up the pizza, Sweetie.” Eric replied as he waited for Annie to make a small list of what to get. “I’ll be back soon.”

Abby smiled. “Uncle Eric, I saw you when I was in the pool room. They have windows in there.”

“I saw you, too, Honey.” Eric said as Annie handed him the list.

“Matt, where are you going?” Mary asked as she watched him follow Eric out the door.

“He’s going to help Dad carry our dinner into the Hotel.” Annie replied.

“Are we going to have a case of food, this big?” Abby giggled as she held out her arms.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 10 ~ Continued

Annie smiled as she helped Abby up onto her lap. “We’re going to have two pizza’s and Matt will carry the Crazy Bread.”

“And then I can go crazy!” Abby said as she continued to giggle.

Annie continued to smile as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

“Is Dad getting the pizza from Little Caesars?” Mary asked as she sat down on the couch, next to Lucy.

“Yes, he is, Honey.” Annie replied.

“Auntie Annie, do we have any crayons yet?” Abby asked.

“Uncle Eric is going to pick some up, while he waits for them to make our pizzas.” Annie said as she held Abby.

“We’re back.” Matt said about twenty~five minutes later as he walked in, carrying some Crazy Bread, pizza sauce and a K~Mart bag with crayons, paper plates, paper cups, plastic forks, napkins and couple 2 Liter bottles of Root Beer.

Abby smiled. “Did you buy some crayons, Uncle Eric?”

“Yes, he did, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied after Matt handed her the bag. “But it’s time to eat, now, okay?”

“We got our pizza from Little Sneezer’s and their bread is crazy!” Abby giggled as she sat on Annie’s lap and started making up silly songs.

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “I know who else is crazy.”

“You don’t like Little Caesar’s?” Matt asked, confused.

“She does, she’s just being silly.” Annie replied as she took a slice of pizza from the box.

Abby giggled. “It’s my favorite pizza place ~ but I like Auntie Annie’s pizza even better.”

“Thank you, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she cut Abby’s crust off for her.

Abby continued to giggle throughout dinner and the whole time they were in the pool.

“Sshh...” Annie said as she wrapped Abby up in a towel, before picking her up.

“Is Simon still in the baby pool?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Uncle Eric is getting him out, Honey.”

After everyone was back in the room, Annie helped Abby put her pajamas on, while Eric blew up the air mattresses.

“Where am I going to sleep?” Abby asked.

“We’re going to put your air mattress next to this bed, in case you need anything.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “Awesome! Are my cousins going to sleep in here, too?”

“No, Baby, they’re going to sleep in the living room part.” Annie explained. “Uncle Eric is putting up their air mattress right now.”

After all the beds were set up and everyone was ready, Abby was the first one to fall asleep.

“Abby must have tired herself out from giggling so much.” Eric whispered as he turned over on his side.

“It’s almost time to leave, Sweet Baby...” Annie whispered, the next morning as she kissed Abby on the head, trying to wake her up. “Baby Girl...”

“I’m cold.” Abby finally said a few minutes later, only half awake as she covered her eyes from the light of the room.

After helping Abby into some warmer pajamas, Annie picked her up and put her on the bed that she and Eric slept in, while she let the air out of her air mattress.

“Can I please sleep in the van?” Abby asked as she watched Annie put the folded air mattress back in the box. “I’m still really tired.”

“Yes you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she handed the air mattress box to Eric. “Are Lucy and Simon awake yet?”

Eric looked over to where Lucy and Simon were still sleeping. “Matt and Mary are trying to wake them up, now.”

“Are you going to get our stuff ready to leave, now?” Abby asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“We just did, Sweetie.” Annie replied as she picked Abby up. “We’re going to leave as soon as we can get your cousins awake.”

“Did you fold up their beds, too?” Abby asked as she rested her head on Annie’s shoulder.

“Uncle Eric is going to do that, now.” Annie explained, as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

“Even with Simon and Lucy still sleeping on it?” Abby giggled.

Annie laughed a little as she continued to hold Abby. “No, Honey, he’s probably going to pick them up and put them somewhere else while he does that.”

“Oh.” Abby said, before yawning.

After Eric had all the air mattresses taken care of and put back in the van, he carried Simon, while Annie carried Abby, who fell back asleep and the rest of the children followed them as they checked out.

“Can I please, sleep in the back, too?” Lucy asked as she rubbed her eyes. “It’s still dark outside and too early for me to get up.”

“Yes you can, Honey.” Annie replied as she made up the bed in the back.

After everyone was settled in, Eric started the van and they continued their trip to Michigan.

Later that morning, about three hours after they left the Hotel, they ran into some hazy and humid weather, with temperatures already in the low 80’s. Storm clouds were starting to develop across the sky, and it looked like it could start to rain any minute. The back seat of the van was still folded out into a bed, with Abby and Lucy sleeping on it. Eric was driving, Matt was sitting up front with Eric, Mary and Simon, were sitting in the seat behind Eric, and Annie was sitting in the back, with Abby and Lucy.

“Honey, I think we should start looking for a place to eat. Most of the children are awake, now, and they’re probably hungry.” Annie said, breaking the silence.

“Okay.” Eric replied. “Do you want to get off at the next exit?”

Annie looked over at Abby and Lucy. “Yes ~ it looks like Lucy is starting to wake up, now.”

“Okay.” Eric said as he slowed down for the next exit.

“I’m hungry, Mommy.” Lucy said as she rubbed her eyes.

“Okay, Sweetie.” Annie replied. “We’re looking for a place to eat, right now.”

“Okay.” Lucy said as she sat up.

After they got off at the exit, and have been looking for about a minute or two, Annie noticed a country style restaurant. “That looks like a good place to eat.”

“Yeah, it does.” Eric agreed as he slowed down. “We’ll stop there.”

“Mom, do we have to wait for Abby to wake up, before we can eat?” Mary asked.

Annie looked over at Abby and then at Mary. “No, Honey. I’ll stay with her for a few minutes and you can go with your Dad when he goes in to get us on the list for a table.”

“Can I go, too?” Lucy asked.

“Yes you can, Sweetie.” Annie replied.

“I’ll take Matt and Simon, too, and then you and Abby can meet us inside.” Eric said as he pulled into a parking space.

Annie smiled. “Okay. Thanks, Honey.”

“All of you, please stay with me and don’t run off anywhere.” Eric said as he opened the door.

“Okay.” Matt said as Mary, Lucy and Simon followed him out of the van.

“We’ll meet you in a few minutes.” Annie said.

“Okay.” Eric replied, before shutting the door.

“Where are we? That door woke me up.” Abby said as she rubbed her eyes.

“We stopped here to get something to eat, Sweetie. Uncle Eric took your cousins inside and they’re getting us on the list so we can be seated.” Annie explained as she kissed Abby on the head.

Abby sat up. “I’m hot.”

“It’s a lot warmer outside, than it was when we left the Hotel this morning.” Annie said as she helped Abby take off her sweatshirt. “Do you want me to help you into some cooler clothes, Honey?”

“Will it be cold inside?” Abby asked.

“I don’t know, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she held up Abby’s blanket and sweatshirt. “We can bring these inside in case you get cold.”

Abby smiled. “Okay!”

After Annie helped Abby into some cooler clothes, she put her sweatshirt and blanket into a bag, and then grabbed a sweatshirt for herself, in case she got cold, too.

“Okay, let’s go meet Uncle Eric and your cousins inside so we can have some breakfast.” Annie said as she took Abby’s hand and helped her out of the van.

“Okay.” Abby said as she jumped down. “I hope it’s not cold in there ~ I don’t like air conditioning.”

Annie picked Abby up and hugged her after shutting the door. “I know, Sweetheart.” She carried Abby, who was still a little sleepy, into the restaurant, where she told the waitress who they came with.

“That was fast.” Eric said as he watched the waitress lead Annie and Abby to their table.

“Yeah, you woke her up when you shut the door to the van.” Annie said as she pulled out a chair before sitting down.

“That ceiling is too high.” Abby said as she looked up and giggled. “And it has windows!”

“Sshh....Don’t talk too loud, okay, Sweetie?” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

“We have to be quiet when other people are eating, too?” Abby asked. “I thought we only had to be quiet when they were sleeping.”

“No, Honey, we can’t be too loud in restaurants, either, okay?” Annie whispered.

“Why is the ceiling too high?” Matt asked.

“Really big rooms scare me.” Abby said.

“Sometimes, Abby feels overwhelmed in wide open spaces.” Annie explained.

“Do they have omelet’s here?” Abby asked. “I really want one for my breakfast.”

“I don’t know, Baby Girl.” Annie said as she picked up her menu.

“I want an omelet, too, Mommy.” Lucy said.

Abby smiled. “On mine, I want sausage, eggs and cheese ~ and I want Tomato Juice for my drink.”

“It looks like they make them, but we should ask the waitress how big they are, first ~ okay, Sweetie?” Annie said, still looking at the menu.

[BabySilly1980s1111]

Chapter 10 ~ Continued (Last post for this chapter.)

“Okay.” Abby replied. "I hope it’s not too big so I can have one.”

“They have Tomato Juice.” Annie said as she read the drink options.

“YES!” Abby said in a loud whisper, before giggling.

“Do they have any blueberry pancakes here?” Mary asked.

“I’m not sure, Honey.” Annie said as she picked up the menu, again.

“I really like that Hotel we stayed at last night.” Abby said. “Uncle Eric, can you please find us another one like it to stay at for tonight?”

“I could try, Honey, but I can’t promise anything.” Eric said as he looked at his menu.

Abby smiled. “Okay. I hope you can find one.”

"Can I take your order?" The waitress asked as she walked over to the table.

“Can you, please tell me how big the Omelet’s are?” Annie asked.

After the waitress showed Annie how big, they were, she decided she would split one with Abby and Lucy. “Could we please have three Hashbrown’s and one Omelet with two extra plates?”

“Okay.” The waitress replied as she wrote down the order.

“Are we going to split one?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes we are, Sweetheart.”

“YES!” Abby whispered, remembering not to talk too loud. “I want sausage, eggs and cheese on my part ~ and tomato juice for my drink.”

“We should all go wash up before we eat.” Annie suggested, after all the food was ordered. “I’ll take Abby, Mary and Lucy first.”

After everyone ate their breakfast, they continued the road trip, with Abby sleeping most of the day.

“Are we in Michigan, yet?” Abby asked as she rubbed her eyes.

“Almost, Baby.” Annie replied as she helped Abby get ready to go in the restaurant. “After we eat, we’re going to look for another Hotel and stay there for the night. We should be in Michigan, sometime tomorrow.”

Abby smiled. “YES! Will the Hotel have a swimming pool like the other one?”

“I don’t know, Honey.” Annie replied. “It’s getting kind of late, so we might not swim again until we get to Michigan.”

“It’s almost dark outside!” Abby said, surprised, as she looked up at the sky, through the back window of the van. “Did I sleep all day?”

Annie smiled. “Most of it, Sweetie. Are you hungry?”

“I don’t know.” Abby said, confused. “Are we at a restaurant?”

“Yes we are, Sweetheart. We’re at the Cracker Barrel.” Annie replied as she helped Abby sit up.

Abby giggled. “Every time I go to sleep and then wake up, we get to stop and eat! I should go to sleep all the time!”

Annie laughed as she hugged a very sleepy Abby. “You’re a silly girl, but I love you, Sweet Baby.”

Abby continued to giggle as she rested her head on Annie’s shoulder. “I love you, too, Auntie Annie. What kind of food do they have and where is Uncle Eric and my cousins?’

“They went inside a few minutes ago, Honey. We’re going to catch up with them as soon as I comb your hair.” Annie replied as she took a comb from her purse and a spray bottle. “I don’t know what kind of food they have here.”

“What was the name of that restaurant when we had lunch?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she combed Abby’s hair. “Shoney’s?”

“Oh, yeah!” Abby giggled.

“Okay, let’s go eat.” Annie said, a few minutes later after putting the comb and spray bottle away.

“I don’t know what I want.” Abby said, after they went inside and found the table where Eric and the children were sitting.

“Do you want a cheeseburger with pickles, ketchup and mustard?” Annie suggested as she looked at the menu and then at Abby.

Abby smiled. “Okay. Do they have Root Beer, too?”

After all the food was ordered, Abby, Lucy and Simon colored on a paper from the Children’s Menu, while Matt and Mary did the crossword puzzles.

“I don’t understand crossword puzzles.” Abby said as she looked over at Mary’s paper.

“Yeah, I would rather color.” Lucy said as she picked up a red crayon.

Abby smiled. “I’m going to give mine to Auntie Annie.”

“Here’s our food.” Annie said, about a half~hour later as she looked up and saw the waitress.

“Did they forget to cook my bun?” Abby asked, confused. “It looks funny and it smells funny, too.”

“Is that sourdough bread?” Matt asked as he looked over at the cheeseburger on Abby’s plate.

“Yes it is, Honey.” Annie replied.

“Oh.” Abby said as she looked down at her plate. “I thought they were going to give me a bun.”

After the waitress brought a bun for Abby and everyone finished their dinner, Eric found another Hotel.

“Matt, Mary and Lucy, you’ll need showers tonight.” Annie announced as they walked in the room.

“Are we going swimming again?” Lucy asked.

Annie smiled. “Not tonight, Honey, it’s getting late.”

“Do Abby and Simon have to take showers, too?” Mary asked as she sat down.

“They’ll have baths in the morning.” Annie replied as she picked out some clean pajamas for Mary and Lucy.

Abby smiled. “This room has a really small kitchen, Auntie Annie!”

“Yes it does, Sweetheart.” Annie agreed. “I’m going to help you get your pajamas on and then I’m going to help Mary and Lucy, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby giggled. “Can I please, lay on your bed when you’re helping Mary and Lucy?”

“Yes you can, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “Let’s go get your pajamas on.”

“Okay!” Abby giggled as she skipped off to the small room where the bed was.

“Matt is going first.” Eric said as he watched Annie and Abby leave the room.

“Okay, Honey.” Annie said, before closing the door.

“BOO!” Abby giggled an hour later as she jumped up from the other side of the bed to surprise Annie. “Are you done helping everyone take a shower?”

“Yes, I am, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she folded Mary and Lucy’s dirty clothes and put them in a plastic bag. “Uncle Eric is going to take one, now.”

Abby continued to giggle as she crawled around on the bed. “When you were helping Mary and Lucy, Uncle Eric put my air mattress up and then he read a book.”

Annie smiled at Abby as she sat down on the bed and then looked at Eric. “Honey, thanks for watching her for me.”

“Any time, Honey.” Eric said as he closed his suitcase and started walking to the bathroom.

Abby started to giggle even harder, as she rolled around on Annie’s side of the bed. “Have fun, taking your shower, Uncle Eric!”

“Sweet Baby, I’m going to call your Daddy and then Grandpa and Grandma.” Annie said as she picked up the phone. “Do you want to talk with them?”

Abby continued to giggle as she crawled under the covers, before pulling them over her head. “Okay!”

Annie smiled as she looked over at her side of the bed. “It’s ringing.”

“What’s so funny?” Mary asked as she walked into the room.

“I’m in Auntie Annie’s bed!” Abby giggled.

“Actually, it’s the Hotel’s bed.” Matt said as Lucy and Simon followed him from the other room.

“So, what is Abby, doing?” John asked after they’ve been talking for a few minutes. “Is she having fun?”

Annie smiled. “She’s laying here under the covers on my side of the bed, giggling.”

“She sounds a lot happier than she was before Mom and Dad brought her to your house a few weeks ago.” John replied. “I was getting worried about her when we kept getting reports from her teacher that she was sneaking off to hide somewhere and cry.”

“I know, she really missed me.” Annie replied sympathetically. “I should have taken the children for a ride down there on the weekends.”

“I’m glad she’s spending time with you, now.” John said. “I can hear her giggling.”

“Yeah.” Annie smiled as she put her hand on Abby’s back and kissed her on the head.

After Annie finished talking with John, Abby took her turn before they called Charles and Jenny. Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon each took a turn talking with Charles and Jenny, while Annie helped Abby finish getting ready for bed.

Chapter 11 Welcome To Michigan Part 2 ~ Coming Soon.