Daddy Steve: In the New York City of olden times, all residential leases expired simultaneously on May 1st, causing thousands of people to change residences all at the same time.
Here at Gregoropolis, we have a spring rite that's only slightly less chaotic: the changing of the outfits. Our standards may be a bit lax here at times, but there's one thing that I absolutely will not give up. All the kids must have their outfits changed seasonally, in spring and fall. When you have this many kids, it's a major undertaking!
Moving Day in Little Old New York, 1827
Clothes Moving Day in Little Old Gregoropolis, 2025
I actually got an early start this year, changing some of the girls who were wearing more wintery dresses in March, thus buying me a little more time for them.
Sally: We did an early spring change.
Robin: Well, well, aren't you clever.
Farrah: As a matter of fact, we are.
Sally: It's about time you realized that!
Right now, the big push is to get all of the boys in summer clothing. I make sure to rotate outfits every year.
Frederick: Are you sure I didn't wear this last year?
Lewis: Oh, no, Daddy Steve has a good memory for that kind of stuff.
Logan: He just can't remember anything else.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Patrick and Ravi are two of my favorites, so they naturally always wear the same favorite outfits.
Patrick: It's illogical to change a successful strategy.
Ravi: And just plain silly.
Patrick: That too.
Another boy who always wears the same two outfits year in and year out is Rolf. You see, Rolf is just not big on change...
Rolf in winter.
Rolf in summer.
This year, however, I thought it would be really cute to have him and Hermey wearing matching outfits.
Hermey: But Rolfie, it will be fun!
Rolf: Nein!
Helpfully, Gino provided a little push...
Gino: I'm wearing your outfit now! If you want it, you'll have to catch me!
>Tee-Hee!<
Rolf: >Mutter, mutter, grumble, grumble<
Eventually, Rolf gave in.
Hermey: Don't we look swell?
Rolf: >Humpf< I vear it better.
