the IT girl

A Day at the Park

The following morning, the Norris household was alive with excitement as Gemma darted around the living room with her new sparkly unicorn, giggling uncontrollably. Lando, wearing casual shorts and a McLaren T-shirt, sat on the couch with Daniel cradled in his arms. The little boy was wide-eyed, fascinated by his sister's antics.

"Gemma, slow down before you trip!" Lily called from the kitchen, where she was packing snacks into a small cooler bag. She wore a light floral sundress, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail.

"But, Mommy, Sparkles wants to fly!" Gemma twirled in circles, holding the unicorn above her head.

Lando chuckled, lifting Daniel to his shoulder. "If Sparkles flies into a wall, I don't think the unicorn will be too happy, Gem."

Gemma stopped mid-spin and looked at her dad seriously. "Okay, Daddy. I'll be careful."

"Good girl," Lando replied, giving her a playful wink.

A short while later, the family piled into the car, heading to the park for a much-needed day outdoors. The air was crisp, the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky. Gemma sang along to the radio in the back seat while Daniel cooed, kicking his tiny feet happily.

When they arrived at the park, Gemma bolted toward the playground, her sparkly unicorn in hand. Lando followed closely behind, carrying Daniel in a baby carrier strapped to his chest. Lily trailed after them, holding the cooler bag and smiling as she watched her family.

"Careful, Gem!" Lando called as she climbed up the slide.

"I got it, Daddy!" she yelled back, her confidence unmatched.

Daniel, nestled comfortably against Lando, let out a soft giggle, clearly entertained by his sister's energy. Lando kissed the top of his son's head. "One day, buddy, you'll be chasing her around too."

Lily sat on a nearby bench, pulling out a blanket from the bag. She spread it out under a shady tree and waved Lando over.

"Bring Daniel here; I'll take him for a bit," she said.

Lando carefully handed Daniel to Lily and stretched, glancing toward the playground. Gemma was waving from the top of the slide, her face lit up with excitement.

"Daddy! Watch me!"

"I'm watching, princess!" he called, his hands on his hips as he grinned.

Gemma slid down with a triumphant squeal, landing in the sand at the bottom. Lando clapped dramatically, making her beam with pride.

After a while, they settled on the blanket for a picnic. Gemma munched on a peanut butter sandwich, crumbs sticking to her cheeks, while Lando handed Daniel a small toy to keep him entertained.

"Isn't this nice?" Lily said, leaning against Lando.

He nodded, wrapping an arm around her. "Perfect. I needed a day like this."

Lily smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Me too."

"Mommy, Daddy, look!" Gemma suddenly shouted, pointing to a nearby duck waddling by. She leapt up, running toward it with Sparkles in hand.

Lily laughed. "She never runs out of energy, does she?"

"Not a chance," Lando said with a chuckle.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they packed up their things and headed back to the car. Gemma fell asleep almost instantly in her car seat, clutching Sparkles tightly. Daniel dozed off shortly after, his tiny fists curled against his chest.

Back home, Lando carried the kids inside, one at a time, while Lily prepared their beds. They tucked Gemma in first, her unicorn placed carefully beside her.

"Goodnight, princess," Lando whispered, kissing her forehead.

"Goodnight, Daddy," Gemma murmured, her eyes already closing.

In Daniel's nursery, Lando rocked him gently before placing him in his crib. The baby stirred slightly but soon settled, his soft breathing filling the room.

Lando joined Lily in their bedroom, collapsing onto the bed with a contented sigh.

"Today was a good day," he said, pulling her close.

"It really was," Lily agreed, resting her head on his chest.