our days in the woods

i. camping

Getting the bao settled into their cabin was no easy feat. While some, like Mallow, seemed content to poke around the food rations and see if they could sneak a handful of candy into their mouth, some of the others were a bit more bored... Bao isn't exactly the best supervisor, and it wasn't long before the gyoza twins Puff and Amie started jumping around the top bunks. It's very lucky Amie had his sister nearby when he almost tumbled off! Some of the outdoorsier buns, like Tanager and Elias, were very content to make their bed and talk about all the things they would see on their hike tomorrow. Tanager had prepared a field guide for us all - how sweet of him! And, of course, Eepy did what all of us wanted most to do - got in a good nap.

ii. Snow Day

None of us could have expected what would happen overnight... After we came back to the cabin from our hikes and a night of singing and eating around the fire we snuggled up into our sleeping bags and fell asleep dreaming of dumplings. When we woke up, we couldn't open the door. It had snowed Four! Whole! Feet! overnight! Where did it all come from and how didn't we notice when we checked the weather report?! I was a little distressed, but the baos were unphased. I helped them climb out the windows to help me clear the snow from the door, and then we all took a break to play in the snow! We made snowmen, threw snowballs, and Carmelita showed off her new snow shoes.

iii. The Falls

After the snow melted, we were able to continue with our trip! It was a very long train ride to Gyoza Falls - eight hours. If I thought the baos were restless inside the cabin, I was extremely unprepared for how they would feel being cooped up inside a little train for half a day. They were happy to get some snacks from the cafe car, but man are those little sandwiches expensive... Needless to say, when we finally arrived at the falls, they were more than ready to enjoy them. The seabaos left first, running right toward the water to jump in and start swimming. Tyde and Dashi went out after to rescue them. Bao was supposed to but... well. We already know how good he is at supervising. Baos just wanna have fun! Thankfully, these round little guys are hard to hurt, and had an amazing time swimming through and going over the falls, giggling and asking for another trip when we caught up to them at the bottom.

iv. Painting

When we came home from our long trip, I wanted to relax. I decided to set up outside with my painting easel, a nice drink, and a long smoke. Of course, it wasn't long at all before I had the bao gaggle keeping me company again. When they're this cute, how could I possibly shoo them away? I paused my progress on my painting to just watch the baobears play around instead. Sorrel was very excited to show me the flower they collected - right as I snapped the polaroid of the group! I promise I accepted the flower after I put the camera down, I would never leave a gift hanging like that. Clover and Sprout bonded on my easel over their love of the same plant, Thelmitra took a nice long nap, and Gin warmed up by flying around. When I looked to the side I saw something adorable... several sprouted baobears had taken over my glass of water! Dachi and Dew were watering their protective leaves, and there was a gaggle of other little friends waiting for a sip as well. I decided to let them have that cup and to go get a second one of my own instead.