The Bedtime Routine Race

It was late in the Cow Bell family's living room. Two little round calves lay sprawled on the carpet, bellies down, legs kicked up, shiny rainbow glitter-tipped ears twitching. Their names were Lolly and Lumpy. They stared at the ceiling, not even thinking about sleeping.

"I'm not even thinking about sleeping," Lumpy said.

"Me neither," Lolly said.

Mom Cow peeked her head in.

"Kids, it's time for bed. Tonight, let's practice your bedtime routine yourselves. I'll let you pick your favorite songs to play in the car tomorrow on the way to the creek park," Mom Cow said.

"The creek park? We can bring our boots and splash in the water," Lolly said.

"And collect rocks to make up the solar system. Wait, we get to pick the songs the whole way?" Lumpy said.

"Yes, the whole way," Mom said.

Their ears perked up.

"Lolly, let's do it. We can make it a race," Lumpy said.

"Okay, but we've got to do it right," Lolly said.

They agreed on the order. Lolly starts listing.

"One, put away toys. Two, put on pajamas. Three, brush teeth. Four, wash face. Five, hop into bed. Easy!" Lolly said.

In their bedroom, the floor looked like a toy store through a tornado. Lumpy scooped toys by the armful, magnet tiles, jumbo LEGOs, planet LEGOs, and all of the Pup Patrols.

"Lumpy, careful! Put it in the right bin," Lolly said.

Lolly picked up each toy slowly, lined them in a little parade to say good night, and placed them neatly in the bins. "Now, on to task number two." Lumpy flung open the dresser. Pajama pants shot into the air like a parachute. He jumped into both legs at once and toppled sideways into the laundry basket.

"I'm good at this," Lumpy said.

As for Lolly, she slid one leg in, then the other, smoothed the fabric, and gave a proud nod. In the bathroom, Lumpy squeezed a giant blob of bubble gum toothpaste. His cheeks puffed up like a puffer fish. He flashed a pink foamy grin at Lolly. They giggled so hard, foamy bubbles dripped down their chins. Next, Lumpy cranked the tap full blast and dunked his whole head in the sink. He popped up dripping, shaking like a puppy after a bath.

"Easy there, that's a sink, not a swimming pool," Lolly said.

"Can't talk, off to the last stop," Lumpy said.

Lumpy took a running start and cannonballed into bed. His blanket wrapped around his horns like a lasso.

"That's one way to do it," Lolly said.

Lolly climbed in slowly, pulling her blanket neatly up to her chin. Then came Mom Cow's final surprise test, the breath check. She leaned over Lumpy first. He puffed his cheeks, held it, then blew.

"Hmm, toothpaste and maybe a little mac and cheese. Dinner's still hiding in there," Mom said.

"Maybe," Lumpy said.

Then she bent to Lolly. Lolly took a breath in, then blew gently.

"Minty fresh! We have a winner!" Mom said.

"Tomorrow's playlist is so mine," Lolly said.

Mom clicked off the light. The night light twinkled two crescent moons and an array of rainbow stars across the room. Two little calves, one speedy, one steady, drifted into dreams of muddy boots, splashing creeks, and the kind of giggles that last all day.