Team8s and Counting

124. A Family Stroll

As the dozen occupants of the Team8s house began to find a rhythm to their crazy family, the adults thought it would be a nice idea for the twelve of them to take a little stroll. It sounded simple on paper, but getting 5 kids that are aged three and under ready for an evening out was anything but easy.

Barf Bag had just gotten the twins, now 2 months old, up from their nap. They were relatively energized, but were calm enough to be easily placed in their little double stroller.

"Donut!" Barf Bag whispered. Donut came over to Barf Bag, who had just put the twins in the stroller. "Don't they look adorable?" she said, excited to take them out.

Donut nodded, "Let's hope they stay this way for the next hour."

Barf Bag gently adjusted the tiny blankets covering the twins, making sure they were snug and comfortable in the stroller. The twins, Sprinkle and Sack, gurgled softly, their wide eyes taking in the flurry of activity around them.

Across the living room, Pin was attempting to put sunscreen on a very wriggly Dimey, who did not like getting the lotion smeared all over his face.

"Dimey, hold still for just a second," Pin pleaded, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

Dimey squirmed in Pin's grasp, his little arms flailing as he tried to escape the sunscreen. "No, Mama, it's sticky!" he protested, his face scrunching up in distaste.

Pin sighed but managed a smile. "I know it's sticky, sweethe

Thread was excited as ever for the stroll, as she wheeled around the living room, ready for the rest of the family to get ready.

"Easy on the wheels, kiddo!" Coiny exclaimed, "Save your arms for the walk, you're gonna need it where we're heading!"

Thread continued to keep her eagerness up, "I'm just warming up dad! I'm all set to go!"

Needle chuckled at Thread's enthusiasm, glad that at least one of the kids was ready without much fuss. "I'm glad you're excited, Thread," she said, finally managing to get Dimey's sunscreen applied. "But remember, it's not a race!"

Bladey, who was playing with blocks, was not happy to be interrupted by her parents as they told her the itinerary for the night.

"Come on, Bladey," Saw said, her voice filled with enthusiasm, "It'll be fun!"

Bladey groaned, "No, I want to play with my blocks."

Gaty, thankfully, was prepared, and knew an easy way to get her interested, "You know...Auntie Barf Bag could use some help with pushing the twins in their stroller...but I'll just have to tell them you're not interested."

Bladey almost instantly stopped what she was doing and ran to the door. "I'll help!" she exclaimed, her earlier reluctance forgotten in an instant. She hurried over to Barf Bag, her small hands reaching for the handle of the stroller. Barf Bag smiled, handing her the handle alongside her own.

"Thank you, Bladey," Barf Bag said warmly, "You're such a big helper!"

With everyone finally ready, the family set off down the sidewalk. The twins, Sprinkle and Sack, were wide-eyed as they took in the changing scenery, their little hands occasionally reaching out to grab at the air. Bladey walked proudly beside Barf Bag, helping to guide the stroller with a determined expression on her face.

Saw and Needle walked behind them, keeping an eye on Dimey, who was now happily skipping along, pointing out every interesting rock, leaf, and bug he encountered. Coiny and Pin followed close behind, laughing at Dimey's endless stream of discoveries, while Gaty and Thread brought up the rear, the rhythmic sound of Thread's wheels humming softly against the pavement.