''I can't wait,'' Brooklyn told her brother, Jeffrey. They had just heard the news: They were going to a huge national park! Unfortunately, the forest was three hours away. However, Brooklyn could handle the drive... especially for a chance to see beautiful nature.

    Jeffrey grinned and pushed his hair back. ''I can't wait, either. I love to go on adventures.''

    ''I wish the trail was shorter,'' Acacia grumbled. At thirteen years old, she wasn't an adventure-y kind of person.

    ''It will be fun, 'cacia,'' Timothy said cheerfully. At three years old, he always found something to be cheerful about. He loved nature, too... and the bugs that inhabited the forest.    

    Cordelia shrugged and looked at her feet. ''I just don't like all of the bugs,'' she mumbled. She didn't mention she didn't like getting carsick, either, but her four siblings knew what she was thinking.

    ''The bugs are the best part,'' Timothy grinned.

    That night, Brooklyn was tired, but she couldn't fall asleep because she was so excited. Eventually, she DID fall to sleep... and had a dream...

    The next day, the entire family brought snacks and hiking supplies and piled into the Honda.

    ''Is everyone ready?" Dad asked.

    ''YES!'' everyone shouted, even Acacia and Cordelia.

    Mom turned to smile at Dad. ''Let's hit the road!''

    And the Pearies started toward the trail.

    ''We're here!'' Dad said, after Cordelia had heard about a million, 'We're almost there!'s

    ''Yes!'' Cordelia said and stretched. ''I cannot wait to go smell the fresh air and eat a few snacks on the walk.''

    Jeffrey snorted. ''Well, I cannot wait to go on an adventure!''

    ''Me, too!'' Brooklyn cheered. Her bright green eyes sparkled as she said it.

    Cordelia frowned. ''An adventure would take too much walking.''

    ''Well, it's not a quick in and out walk,'' Acacia said, checking her hair in Mom's side mirror.

    ''I'm going to walk to the entrance while all of you get ready,'' Dad smiled.

    ''Can I come with you?'' Cordelia asked. She wanted to see if the trail would be challenging to walk on.

    ''Sure.''

    A few minutes later, the rest of the family caught up and started to walk on the trail. They weren't walking for long when Mom groaned, ''Oh, no...''

    ''What is it, Mom?'' Jeffrey was the first to ask

    Mom passed her phone around. ''There's a tornado warning close to our area.''

    Dad sighed. ''I guess we'll have to come back another day. Come on, kids,'' he said, turning around.

    ''Psst! Brook!'' Jeffrey whispered.

    Brooklyn looked at her brother. ''Yes?"

    Jeffrey pointed at a small dirt path. ''I think this leads to the parking lot. I bet we can scare them if we hurry.''

    Brooklyn thought  about it. ''We can get lost...''

    ''We'll turn around if it doesn't work,'' Jeffrey promised. 

    Brooklyn smiled. ''Alright.''