Chapter 3
"Okay guys. Here are the Ten Rules For the Adventure:
One - You are only allowed one bag.
Two - Bring something for the ride: we're taking mom's car, so make a communal car bag. Bring something like a book or your Gameboy's, and your iPod's. I don't want to hear anything about being bored.
Three - Bring one stuffed animal.
Four - Bring one blanket and one pillow.
Five - Bring your laptops and chargers.
Six - Cell phones are a must.
Seven - If you have any cash, bring it. I'm grabbing mom's emergency credit card.
Eight - The older kids need to help the younger kids. I'll take care of Hazel. Heath and Basil, help Tala and Callia. Griffan, Kaie and Aithne, you guys help each other. I'm always here if you need me.
Nine - If you need to bring an instrument and/or something for your sport or sports do so.
Ten - No arguing. We know how to get along better than that, okay?
Alright. We meet back here in 15 minutes. We're going out my window."
Tristan tiptoed to Hazel's nursery and quickly packed her bag full of spare clothes, diapers, wipes, her bottle and other things to keep her occupied. He grabbed a blanket, her favorite stuffed animal, a couple toys for her to play with in the car and stuffed these into a second bag. He glanced at his watch and had just over five minutes left.
"Shit," he softly swore to himself. He ran back to his room, careful to make as little noise as possible. He laid Hazel down on his bed, placed her bags next to her, and grabbed a duffel bag from his closet. He quickly stuffed in shirts, shorts, boxers, socks and an extra pair of shoes.
Running to the bathroom he grabbed everyone's toothbrushes and some toothpaste. He stuck these in a smaller bag along with everyone's shower stuff. He stuck this second bag in his original duffle bag and added his favorite blanket and pillow.
"Tristan?"
"What's up sweetheart?" he asked Cali.
"Can you pretend that this is your stuffed animal?"
"Of course sweetie."
"Thanks"
Just as Callia's head disappeared, Tala stuck her head in his other door, asking the same question.
"Sure thing sweetie. Give him to me. I'll put him in my bag. How's that sound?"
He stuck the two stuffed animals in his duffel bag, thought for a minute, and grabbed his old teddy bear off the shelf and added it to his bag. Something told him he might need it.
Reaching in his closet he grabbed another bag and added his laptop, iPod and two of his favorite books. He debated over whether or not to add his game system, realized they wouldn't have a TV and grabbed his old Gameboy instead. The rest of his siblings started to trickle in.
He directed them to place their electronics and such in his second duffle bag. The money went into Aithne's oversized purse, and with one more look at his room, Tristan headed to the window.
"Okay, here's what's going to happen: Basil, Heath and me are going to move all our bags to the tree-house, and then we're going to come back for you guys ok? Hold on, Kaie, do you still have that sling thing from your Health class? Can I have it? I need something to put Hazel in."
