Everyone ready to get lost? ;)

Mike: What? :p

Micky: Huh?

Davy: Wot?

(We open with a magnificent view of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California. Lauren's Chevy Bel Air, Davy's Jeep, and the MonkeeMobile pull into a large gravel driveway at the base of the mountains, next to a large log cabin-like structure that says "Ranger Station.")

Mike: Ok gang, all out. (He climbs out of the car, followed by Katie. Emma carries Robbie out.)

Katie: Wowee! Look at those big mountains! Are we really gonna climb them, Papa?

Mike: We sure are, darlin'.

Emma: Take your son, Mike. I want to get the picnic basket.

Robbie: (Holds his arms out) Papa!

Mike: I gotcha, Cowboy. (He takes his son and Emma leans back into the car)

*The twins bolt from opposite sides of the car, followed shortly by Micky, who dashes out from the passenger side. Lauren sighs, leaning on the steering wheel.*

Katie: Hi, Shelly n' Mick! We're here!

Robbie: Hi!

Little Mick: Let’s go climbing!

Shelly: Yeah!

Mike: Hi, gang. Nice to see you kids are full of energy.

Micky: *skids to a stop behind the twins* They're still out-running me. This needs to stop.

Katie: Come on! Last one up the mountain's a rotten egg!

Mike: (Grabs his daughter's collar) Whoa, Cowgirl, wait for the rest of us!

Lauren: *joins them with Leah in a carrier* Mick, they're excited. And you just got over being sick a couple days ago. You and Davy are lucky we didn't leave you home.

Davy: *joins them with Daphne holding Lizzie's hand* She's right, mate.

Micky: You can't tell me you weren't itching to get out of the house.

Emma: (Nods as she emerges with the picnic basket) Mike only just got a clean bill of health two days ago, so don't overdo it, ok? You don't want to get sick all over again or make the kids sick.

Davy: I weren't itching. YOU were itching, literally.

Micky: I was not! *pauses* Maybe a little...

Emma: Ok, folks, we need to establish ground rules for all kids big and small here and now.

Lauren: Right.

Emma: The itching comment reminded me that all of you have been told what poison ivy and sumac look like. If you haven't, your parents will be more than happy to tell you. Please stay away from it. We don't want anyone to come home from this trip scratching.

Lauren: Yes, stay away from leaves of three. Actually, don't get grabby with any of the greenery. We're not headed into a jungle, so we SHOULDN'T have to touch any of it.

Emma: Yes. Don't eat anything that didn't come out of a vending machine or a picnic basket. We don't know what's safe to eat here.

Mike: Everyone gets a buddy. Kids, I know you want to run ahead, especially the older ones, but please stay with each other and at least one parent at all times.

* The twins run to Micky and latch onto his legs.*

Micky: (Raises an eyebrow) Why am I starting to think this is a bad idea?

Davy: YOU'RE thinking that, mate? Wow.

Emma: (Chuckles and shakes her head) Parents, you have your communicators. Make sure they're with you at all times and use them if there's an emergency.

Lauren: Right.

Mike: Try to stay on marked trails, or at least recognizable ones.

Micky: Yeah, yeah...

Emma: (As Mike puts Robbie into a carrier) Ok troops, everyone pick a buddy, and we'll move 'em out!

Katie: (She takes her brother's hand in the carrier) I guess you're my buddy, Robbie, even though you don't walk too well yet.

Robbie: (Smiles) 'Kay.

Lauren: Daph, how about you and me?

Daphne: Okay!

Davy: *wraps an arm around Micky's shoulders* 'I, buddy.

Micky: *groans* Baaaabe!

Lauren: *smirks* Sorry, Micky, but you two boys can handle the twins.

Mike: (Takes Emma's hand) You're always my buddy, darlin'.

Emma: Except for when we're in the middle of one of our fights.

Mike: Even then. I just don't show it as well.

Emma: (Looks at the others) Ok everyone, remember, this is NOT a race. We'll meet each other at the picnic grounds at the base of the mountain for lunch before we go to the Old Country Store. No one's working today, so we have all the time in the world.

Daphne: See you boys there. *kiss Davy on the cheek*

Lauren: Good luck, Mick. *kisses him on the cheek*

Micky: You owe me on for this, babe.

Lauren: Perhaps.

Mike: (Takes Katie's hand) See you later, guys!

Katie: (Waves to the twins) See you at the top! I know we'll get there first!

Little Mick: No, we will! Won't we, Daddy? Won't we?

Micky: Of course we will! Unless your uncle Davy gets us lost.

Davy: Me?

("What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'Round" begins as all three groups take off up the mountain. They follow the same path at first, but finally come to a path that breaks off into several directions. Katie tugs her father to the right path, pointing at the pretty green fields of colorful wildflowers. She wants to take some home!)

*Lauren and Daphne take the path to the left, chatting and laughing as the little girls tug them along.*

*Davy pulls Micky, who pulls Little Mick, who pulls Shelly along the path in the middle.*

(Emma stops in a large, emerald-green field for a rest. She spreads out an old quilt and sets Robbie down to let him play and crawl around. Mike and Katie run around, collecting wildflowers, rocks, and pinecones, and looking at various wildlife.)

*Lauren and Daphne continue along their path, admiring the scenery and pointing out nature to Leah and Lizzie.*

(We get a shot of the twins rushing along the path into the woods first, followed by Davy and Micky, who move more slowly.)

*Davy calls back to Micky, who's lagging behind him. Micky sticks his tongue out at him.*

(Emma rounds up Mike and Katie and tucks the blanket in the basket. Mike takes the sleepy Robbie into his arms and Katie takes her mother's hand as they make their way across the fields and up the mountain. Emma points out the stunning view to Katie, who chatters about how all the houses and cars look like toys from here!)

*Daphne and Lauren have spread out their blanket in a clearing. The two little ladies play Patty Cake, sitting on the blanket.*

*Davy stops to point out an eagle to the twins. He calls out to Micky to show him the eagle. Davy turns and realizes he doesn't see Micky...*

(Mike rocks Robbie gently in his arms as he, Emma, and Katie find their way to the top of the summit. Katie runs there first as the music ends.)

Katie: (She throws her hands up) We're here first! No one's here! I'm Queen of the Mountain!

Emma: (Sighs as she follows her daughter) Katherine Nesmith, what did I tell you about this not being a race?

Mike: (Grins) Wow, we made good time. Can't wait for Mick to see this...

Emma: Baby, don't encourage her.

*Daphne and Lauren appear with Leah and Lizzie.*

Daphne: Wow, look at this great view!

Katie: (Waves) Hi! We won!

Emma: No one "won," Katie. We arrived right before you did. (Smiles) And yeah, there is a wonderful view here. So different from flat Southern New Jersey!

Mike: Hi, girls. Didja have a nice trip up the mountain?

Leah: *claps* Fun!

Lizzie: Nice greens!

Lauren: They were absolutely in awe of, well, everything!

Katie: Look what I found! (She shows the girls her now slightly wilted wildflowers) They're the prettiest flowers I ever saw!

Daphne: Those are very pretty, Katie!

Mike: Yeah, it's real nice up here. Texas is all flat prairies, so this is new to me, too.

Emma: (Takes a deep sniff) And the air smells so nice and clean!

Lauren: *glances around* I wonder when Davy, Mick, and the twins will show up?

Mike: I hope they didn't go off the paths anyway and get lost.

*Davy and the twins appear from the last path. The twins look unhappy, and so does Davy.*

Lauren: Oh no. I don't like the looks on your faces. Where's Mick? Did something happen?

Davy: Yeah, something 'appened. *sighs* We lost 'im somewhere. I stopped to show the kids an eagle, and when I looked behind me, 'e wasn't there.

Lauren: What!?

Mike: Oh shit.

Emma: If he's lost, why hasn't he called by now? He has a communicator.

Mike: He might have gotten hurt.

Davy: I tried calling to 'im. I tried the communicator. Nothing.

Mike: Well, we have to go down the mountain anyway. We'll look for him. Everyone go back with your buddies or parents, and take the same paths you took going up the mountain. The first person to find Mick, call the others on your communicators right away.

Davy: Right, mate. C'mon, kids, let’s go find your silly daddy.

*The twins chuckle a little.*

Lauren: If Mick did this on purpose...

Daphne: Let’s find him, first, Lauren, then decide whether to yell at him or not.

Emma: (Chuckles) I agree.

Katie: (Goes to the twins) "What happened? Is your daddy ok? Can you do that feel thingie?"

Little Mick: "I don't know! I think I can feel him, but I'm not sure what it is."

Shelly: *nods* Me, too.

Katie: "I hope Unca Micky's ok. I'd be scared if I were all alone in those big woods!"

*The twins just nod.*

Mike: (Takes Katie's hand) Come on, Cowgirl. We're gonna go find your uncle.

Katie: 'Kay, Papa.

Emma: Good luck, everyone!

Lauren: As long as someone finds him!

Mike: I'm sure they will, darlin'. (Softly) I hope.

*We cut to a clearing in the woods. The camera pans the area. It turns downward where we find Micky laying on the ground, arms folded, eyes closed. He's taps the fingers on one hand on the opposite elbow.*

Micky: *without opening his eyes* I knew this was a bad idea. *sighs*

Mike: (Voice off-camera) Mick? Micky, are you there?

Katie: (Off-camera) Unca Micky?

Emma: Micky, where are you? Are you ok?

Micky: *fingers stop tapping; calls out* Mike? Emma? Is that you?

Emma: Micky? (She finds her way into the clearing first; Robbie is in her arms) Oh, thank goodness! We were so worried! Are you ok?

Robbie: Unc!

Micky: *opens his eyes, wincing against the sunlight* Yes and no. I'm not hurt. I just feel like sh...crap.

Emma: Oh, dear. I knew you guys weren't completely recovered.

Mike: (As he and Katie walk into the clearing) You found him, darlin'?

Emma: Yes. (Nods at Micky) He's not really feeling up to this.

Micky: *closes his eyes again; sighs* I just overdid it again.

Mike: Need a hand, Mick?

Katie: Unca Micky still sickie?

Micky: Yes. I lay down because I got dizzy.

Katie: Here, let me sit with you. (Sits next to Micky) Do you wanna hear a story? Mama reads stories to me when I'm sick.

Mike: (Grins and shakes his head) Man, Katie...

Micky: Thank you, Katie, that's very nice of you, but I don't really need a story right now.

Katie: Ok. Can we go now? I wanna catch up to the twins!

Mike: Need some help, Mick?

Micky: *holds a hand out* Yes, please.

Mike: Up ya go, Mick. (Mike pulls him up...with some assistance from Katie on the other end)

Micky: Now, can you make the world stop spinning around me?

Mike: We'll just wait here a few more minutes, Mick. We have to call the others, anyway. Lauren's worried sick about you!

Emma: Mick, what happened to your communicator?

Micky: *frowns* I accidentally broke it.

Emma: I'm going to call Lauren and tell her you're ok, Mick. Mike, take your son.

Mike: Ok. Come with Papa, Cowboy.

Robbie: 'Kay. (He goes into his father's arms)

Micky: Thanks, Em.

Emma: (Flips open her communicator; to Mick) Anytime. She's worried sick about you. (Into the communicator) Lauren? Lauren, come in. It's Emma.

Lauren: Did you find him?

Micky: *calls out the best he can* Hi, babe.

Lauren: What happened?

Emma: He was feeling a little dizzy and stopped to rest.

Mike: Fool broke his communicator.

Katie: Unca Micky got sick!

Robbie: Unc!

Lauren: *sighs* As long as he's in one piece, that's all I care about.

Emma: Yeah, he's in one piece. We'll meet you guys at the bottom of the mountain. Could you or Daph call Davy and tell him and the twins that Micky's ok?

Lauren: We will. Thanks.

Emma: You're welcome. See you there! (She closes her communicator)

Mike: You up for walkin' down the mountain, Mick? I could always carry you.

Micky: I don't think walking's really possible right now. *looks at Mike & blinks several times* I'm seeing about three of you right now.

Mike: (Sighs) Get on my back, Mick.

Micky: I promise not to jump. *He climbs on Mike's back & wraps his arms around Mike's neck and sighs.* I'm really sorry, Mike. :

Mike: That's ok, Mick. It happens.

Katie: (Giggles) Papa, you have a Monkee on your back!

*Micky snorts.*

Emma: (Giggles too, then composes herself) Very cute, Katie. Micky, do you think you'd be up to a trip to the Old Country Store after lunch? Maybe that would clear your head a bit.

Micky: Maybe...if this goes away as quickly as it came on...

Mike: Just hold on, and we'll get you down the mountain.

Micky: Thanks.

Emma: (She puts Robbie on her shoulders) Let's go.

Robbie: Wheeee! Fun!

(Cut to the bottom of the mountain. Emma sets up the contents of her picnic basket and a cooler for Lauren, Daphne, Mike, Micky, and the kids.)

Emma: How did you guys manage to get down here first?

Katie: (Makes a face at Lizzie) You beat us!

Robbie: Wow!

Davy: When Daph and Lauren contacted me, we decided to just blue light it.

Mike: (As he finishes off his sandwich) Is everyone up for a trip to the Old Country Store now?

Lauren: How about it, Mick?

Micky: Everything seems to be holding still for now. Yeah, lets go.

Emma: Let me just pack the picnic basket.

Mike: (Puts Katie on his shoulders) Let's go.

Katie: Yay! I can't wait to see the Country Store!

Davy: 'Ere, Mick, I'll watch the twins for you.

Micky: Thanks, Dave.

(Emma stops to put the picnic basket and cooler in the MonkeeMobile, and everyone heads down another path, this one towards an old farmhouse on the main highway. Cut to inside the farmhouse. The shelves are filled with all kinds of old-fashioned goodies - old-time penny candy, locally-made organic pancake and baking mixes, odd kitchen items, soft hand-knit, flannel, and leather clothing, real fruit syrups and California wine vinegars, tin toys and old-fashioned board games, rag dolls, some woven Indian and Mexican items, California-themed merchandise, and all kinds of unusual soaps, lotions, and drug items.)

Katie: Wow! Look at all this great stuff!

Mike: (Nods at a slingshot hanging with others on the wall near the door) I had somethin' that looked just like this when I lived with Aunt Kate. (Makes a face) She caught me after I knocked out her bedroom window with it and took it away. I never did find it again.

*Micky, dragging Lauren with him, goes over to a table with woven blankets on it. He pulls one off the table and holds it by the corners, letting it fall open.*

Lauren: I take it you want that one, Mick.

Micky: How'd you know?

Lauren: I'm psychic.

Katie: (She brings the twins and the little girls over to the toys) Look at all this great stuff! (She points to a small wooden children's guitar on a display base; it's next to a box that says "Cowboy Guitar") "They have guitars just our size!"

Emma: (She browses the fruit syrups) These orange and lemon syrups look delicious, but they're so expensive...

Robbie: Papa! (He grabs a small square of caramel) Canny!

Mike: Sorry, Cowboy. You're too little for the chewy stuff. (He takes it away) We'll get you somethin' soft.

Robbie: Awww!

*Lauren looks over a table of bath items and grins. She picks up a jar and hands it to Micky.*

Micky: "Tired Old Ass Soak?" *whines* Baaaabe!

(Mike browses baby clothes. He shows Robbie a bib in the shape of an orange. Robbie tries to grab it.)

Katie: "What do you guys want? I want the guitar, or the slingshot, or some candy! Mama said I could only get one thing."

Little Mick: "Candy!"

Shelly: "Yeah, candy!"

Davy: *grins* 'Ow would you well-behaved tots like some candy?

Katie: Candy! Candy!

*Davy scoops candy into brown paper bags and hands a bag to each child.*

Davy: There you go.

Mike: (He shows up with a slingshot, two ties, and the orange-shaped bib for Robbie) Hey, guys. What did you end up gettin'?

Katie: We gots candy, Papa! Lots n' lots!

Mike: (Groans) I don't know if that's a good idea...

*Davy looks every where but at Mike.*

Emma: (She arrives next, carrying a bottle of syrup) This lemon syrup isn't too bad. It should be good enough for all of us for a while.

*Lauren, Micky, and Daphne join them. Micky carries a cloth shopping bag that appears to be chock full.*

Emma: Micky, did you buy the whole store again?

Micky: No, I didn't. I'm getting one of the woven blankets, plus a few smaller things.

Emma: Tell me some of those "small things" can't light up or make noise.

Micky: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Mike: (As he and Emma take their things to the registers) Mick, did you by fireworks?

Micky: They had fireworks?

Lauren: *warningly* Micky...

Micky: *smiles at Lauren* Babe...

Lauren: *sighs* I give up.

Mike: Ok. It's gettin' late, and I"m sure the kids are tired after all the excitement, not to mention Mick. Why don't we head home?

Emma: I'll make everyone pancakes with lemon syrup before the kids take their naps!

Mike: I'm there already, darlin'. You make the best pancakes.

Robbie: (Yawns, but he's smiling) Yummy!

Katie: Let's go! I wanna eat!

*The twins nods their agreement!*

Mike: Well then, pancakes wait for no Monkee. Let's go, kids! (He ushers the kids out)

Davy: *moves next to Micky* Did you really buy the fireworks?

Micky: *smirks* Yup.

Davy: Everyone's gonna kill you for that.

Micky: Then it's a good thing I'm still sick.

Lauren: What're you two muttering about?

Micky: Nothing.

Lauren: You know I don't believe that, Mick.

Daphne: What were you just talking about, Davy?

Davy: Nothing of any importance.

Mike: Are you guys comin', or what?

Micky: We're coming! *wraps an arm around Lauren's shoulders as they head out*

Lauren: I'm gonna find out all of what you bought, you know that, Mick.

*Davy and Daphne follow them, chuckling.*