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The Smith Family Album: XVI
Such pretty lights, just out of reach! Little Benedict explores the magic of the outside world for the first time.
The outdoor facilities are popular with visitors too. The hot tub is rarely vacant, and on this occasion is occupied by Bennet's parents, the ever-devoted Lizzy and Henry.
With a significant promotion in the bag...
...it's time to install the swimming pool that Bennet has been hankering after. Although he doesn't seem too keen to actually take the plunge!
Friends and family are of course invited over to enjoy a dip...
...giving Bertram and Green Bean a chance to each make a new friend, and discover their shared appreciation of all things Twikkii related.
Anna and Bennet are as solid as ever, still without feeling the need to tie each other down. On the surface anyway...
...but perhaps with Benedict getting older, their unconventional relationship might become harder to maintain.
~ Sagittarius 5 / 9 / 8 / 8 / 8
~ Born Performer / Bookworm / Photographer's Eye
~ OTH: Music & Dance
~ Favourite Colour(s): Black
Benedict's main concern at the moment is catching up after school with his new chum Georgina.
Best of friends!
The Bingley Family Album: Volume XX
Benjamin has the face of a man who is not looking forward to what comes next.
It's nowhere near as bad as he anticipated though, and at the end of it, they have a new son - Joshua!
Another redhead, with his grandma Jane's light turquoise eyes.
~ Aries 7 / 4 / 8 / 6 / 8
~ Athletic / Erratic
~ OTH: Fitness
Another grandchild for both Charles and Frederick to dote on.
And another playmate for Moody.
With two out of three bedrooms now housing cots and toys, Benjamin has to dismantle his dedicated studio and find a new place to work - on the landing.
Annabel meanwhile is getting to know her classmates at school, including Georgina and Francis.
Moody is always Annabel's faithful sidekick in every game.
"Moody, kill!"
Which of course, he won't. Cousin Phineas is in far more in danger of being licked thoroughly than mauled.
Walter is however, living life on the edge. Thankfully, he survives the episode.
Although the TV doesn't.
The Bingley Family Album: Volume XIX
It's party time again! Since being friend-zoned by Henrietta - following her engagement - Miles has been focusing his romantic attentions more on Robert. And it hasn't gone unnoticed by his extended family.
The guest list for Annabel's fifth birthday has been carefully considered, with no one who is likely to cause any ructions being invited on this occasion.
Walter does the honours this time.
~ Aries 9 / 8 / 10 / 6 / 6
~ Adventurous / Dog Person / Sailor (taking after Walter in temperament it seems)
~ OTH: Arts & Crafts (but she shares Benjamin's creative drive)
~ Favourite Colour(s): Brown
Annabel immediately sets out to play with everyone at her party, including her best friend, Moody.
Annabel is looking forward to starting school.
She's taken on full responsibility for Moody's care.
And is a very active child - always on the go.
She's enterprising too.
Well, the maid might not fancy any lemonade after her shift...
...but grandma and daddy were persuaded...
...and a Random Townie (in an unnecessarily loud jacket) too. All in all, a good day's work!
I don't know why, but I adore her - so I'm afraid you're going to be seeing a lot more of her!
Oh, and did anyone spot that Benjamin was in his manternity outfit? Annabel is not going to be raised as an only child.
The Bingley Family Album: Volume XVIII
Looking for inspiration from fellow artists past and present, Benjamin takes a long-awaited trip to the renowned Silk Mill modern art museum in Sanditon.
The gallery has thoughtfully provided upholstered seating, for art enthusiasts to contemplate the art works on display in the utmost comfort.
In addition to its permanent collection (including key pieces by the elusive and provocative street artist Simsy), the gallery hosts carefully-curated, thought-provoking temporary exhibitions too. Avant Garde Benjamin is in his element.
He even runs into his cousin Bennet. Thankfully, there don't seem to be any hard feelings, after Bennet's shenanigans with Walter.
They settle down together at the balcony café for a coffee, and end up comparing notes on Nathan's new fiancée Lillian, and her curious habit of appearing in public dressed as a llama. Benjamin is all for a bit of creative self-expression, but Bennet isn't so sure.
There's quite a view from up here!
Nathan's ears must have been burning. (And since he Can't Stand Art, I have no idea what he's doing here!)
Back home, it's father-daughter bonding time, with Annabel taking a precocious interest in her dads' long-term plans for marriage.
You see here the start of a beautiful friendship. Annabel adores Moody.
And big-hearted Moody loves her too.
More than enough to not mind a bit when she falls asleep in his bed, leaving him to snooze on the floor close by, so he can keep watch over her.
The Tilney Family Album: Volume XVII
Time to meet the nooboo!
As it happened, Eleanor was already pregnant when the alien menace whisked her away, and the baby boy is Esther's, with her deep blue eyes. They name the new arrival Ellis.
(I confess I was a little disappointed by the lack of alien progeny, but I guess there’s still time!)
What more could Esther want from life? She has just married the love of her life, and now she's a mother too!
The new parents take it in turns to stay at home with their young son. One afternoon - shortly after Eleanor has put Ellis down for his nap - the family has an unexpected visitor. Lillian - the fiancée of Eleanor's cousin Nathan - drops in while mysteriously in character.
She's not really known to the family, but it seems that Lillian just happened to be in that part of town, and decided to take the opportunity to introduce herself. And wake up the baby.
Being the curious soul that she is, Eleanor can't help wanting to know just how much Lillian identifies with her llama persona?
Lillian tries to explain that it's not so much about being a llama, as channelling the ineffable spirit of llamaness into everyday life. Well, it's certainly an interesting philosophy.
Lillian has fortuitously coincided her visit with Ellis's first birthday.
No, it's not just Ellis's stinky nappy that is causing Eleanor's nausea...
There's another unexpected arrival, and this time it's a new baby sister for Ellis - welcome to the family, Esme!
He's quite happy to have a new sibling, but can't wait for her to grow up a bit, so that they can play together properly.
~ Gemini 5 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 9
~ Friendly / Slob
~ OTH: Games
Perhaps as a result of being exposed to Lillian's extravagant headgear at such a young age, he also won't do anything or go anywhere without his green monster hat.
The Tilney Family Album: Volume XVI
Esther has moved back into the small house she previously shared with Eleanor. While both are very much looking forward to their impending wedding...
...there are still some trust issues to be worked through.
And adopted pet Buffy won't be there to celebrate their big day with them. At least Sad Random Townie was there to mark her passing, while Eleanor and Esther were both out at work.
It's an intimate affair, with just close family invited.
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the brides!
After a sneaky honeymoon trip...
...there's just time to squeeze in a bit of stargazing, before married life really kicks in.
For the second time in her life, Eleanor gets to hang out with the off-worlders that fascinate her so much.
"You bring my wife back right now, you fiends!"
No need to fret, Esther, Eleanor's soon back home, and no harm done.
Ah...
The Elton Family Album: Volume XIV
Rather than continuing to throw money away by renting from a landlord, Marmaduke has invested his growing wealth in property, and commissioned a compact 'grand design' on an empty plot in Sanditon. (It was actually inspired by a real self-build house featured on one of my favourite TV programs, Grand Designs.)
Just testing out the pavement in front of his new investment, while he waits for a very important visitor.
He's not going to be living here alone...
...girlfriend Henrietta is moving in with him.
First stop, the bedroom. The house is sparsely furnished at present. Marmaduke favours a minimalist environment, although they will inject a bit more personality as time goes on.
After settling in, neither of them much fancy cooking a meal, so they head out to the new seafood restaurant just down the street - Seadrift.
Marmaduke and Henrietta are in tune in every other way, but he is rather lacking in the humour department, and doesn't always appreciate her quirky jokes.
Anyway, moving on swiftly from that awkward moment, let's get a table.
They get a prime spot, with a view over the river and the city lights beyond.
Checking out tonight's specials.
Marmaduke has something of his own to serve up.
Henrietta delightedly accepts his surprise proposal! And I love how her dad Frederick is lurking in the background - accidentally-on-purpose being at the same restaurant, at the same time - keeping an eye out for his daughter with this chap he doesn't really know.
Thankfully, the presence of Frederick doesn't spoil the romance of the evening. Although they never actually got to eat anything, as the waiter didn't seem to be able to serve them any food - maybe because of the candle on the table? (Anyone know how to fix it, so it doesn't block the table?)
The evening ends with a cuddle on the outdoor seating - even though some chilly rain has begun set in.
The next morning, Marmaduke is very excited about their engagement, and thinks they should hold a party, to celebrate their new home and new life together.
He might not always understand his fiancée's humour, but he adores her anyway.
A select group of friends and family is invited over that evening, for a dance party on the mezzanine.
Miles is a little disappointed that Henrietta is bringing their casual relationship to a close, although he understands. Long-term commitment isn't for him, but he accepts that he and Henrietta are now at different places in their lives.
Sophia is very happy for her sister, now that she's finally found her Mr Right.
And Henrietta has other reasons to feel celebratory too!
The Crawford Family Album: Volume XXI
Twins Cecilia and Jonathan are usually to be found playing together.
While younger brother Matthew generally amuses himself.
But since we last caught up with the family, there's been a new addition. After moving out of the bachelor apartment he was sharing with his brother Marmaduke, Ambrose has moved in with Cassandra and her brood, to try out a life of domesticity.
He's making a real effort to get to know the kids better.
And in truth, he's grown fond of all three of them.
"Do you think mummy and Ambrose are going to get married?!"
On a rare evening when the youngsters are all playing contentedly together...
...Ambrose finds the nerve to ask Cassandra a question that's been on his mind for a while. Although he's had his fun with other girls along the way, and even been engaged before, she's really been the one for him since they first met as teenagers.
To everyone's enormous surprise - hers included - Cassandra says yes!
Congratulations, Cassandra and Ambrose! Not sure how this is going to play out with their Romance Primary/Secondary Aspirations though...
The Elton Family Album: Volume XIII
Chase has become a regular fixture in Ellen's life.
And is there to welcome Olivia and Elliot's second child to Merybury. Hello, Philippa! Named after her deceased grandfather, of course.
Elliot has yet to meet his new daughter. He's been dispatched to lay Harley to rest, and in so doing bumps into his brother-in-law Ambrose. Seeing a chance to build some bridges, Elliot tries to engage him in conversation. Ambrose, however, still hasn't forgotten how Elliot humiliated his family, and has no time for him - Olivia might have forgiven her now-husband, but he certainly hasn't!
The pet cemetery is a regular hunting ground for the Unsavory Charlatan - he has no respect for the dead! Poor unsuspecting Edward!
Impatient Olivia has take surprisingly well to motherhood, and is currently embracing her role.
Although it's good to see the little ones growing up.
~ Virgo 6 / 3 / 10 / 7 / 3
~ Adventurous / Equestrian
~ OTH: Nature
And while she has been happy to continue the family line, two tots are quite enough, thank you, and it's time to start progressing her career plans.
Especially as their oldest child Phineas is becoming more independent by the day.
~ Scorpio 4 / 3 / 10 / 4 / 3
~ Slob / Dog Person / Computer Whiz
~ OTH: Games
~ Favourite Colour(s): Orange
Ellen is also making some changes in her life. Interestingly, neither she nor Philip ever felt the need to put their relationship on a more formal footing, so something is different with her new love Chase - perhaps just the fact that neither of them is getting any younger!
But cruelly, her intuition was correct, and their newfound happiness is snatched away from them almost immediately!
Poor Ellen - it really does seem most unfair that she's been deprived of companionship twice in her elder years!
The Elton Family Album: Volume XII
The happy expectant parents. Children were always on the agenda, and although Elliot and Olivia's firstborn will arrive a little earlier than intended, perhaps it's no bad thing, to get the early years done and dusted before their careers really take off.
Sadly, Philip is not destined to meet his grandchild.
Ellen: "boohoo, my life partner is leaving me!"
Ellen: "anyway, yes, very sad, and now I can get to know Chase better..." Enter Chase Evans, Townie, and Ellen's new squeeze.
Chase seems to have removed most of his hair, along with his clothes.
Chase swiftly integrates himself into family life, and is present for the birth of the first of the new Elton generation.
It's a boy! Welcome, Phineas Elton. Rather fittingly, he has his granddad Philip's eyes.
Getting to know Uncle Chase.
Elliot appreciates Olivia's disciplined approach to getting back into shape after giving birth, as she sticks to a regime of healthy, low-carb, high-protein salads.
It's flying baby time!
He has his Uncle Ambrose's hair!
~ Scorpio 4 / 3 / 10 / 4 / 3
~ Slob / Dog Person
~ OTH: Games
Keeping grandma company while she works.
While Olivia discovers that their son will soon have a sibling.
I saw this post today and I wanted to tell something:
I think that when there is a problem with an object, one should inform the creator so they can have the chance to solve the problem themselves and learn something (or you can help teaching them, if you know more than them) instead of going to another creator or taking their work and fix it only to critize them publicly and not to really help. That is what a community should stands for.
This kind of things upsets me so much. There is so much work behind the making (or conversion) of a cc, everyone should respect the time and effort creators gives to add more to the game, even when the creation is not on top because everyone is constantly learning and wanting to improve.
Even more if the items we are sharing are free.
What do you think about it?
Que coisa feia, tô chocada!
Well said!
The Elton Family Album: Volume XI
We're going to be spending a few days with the Eltons, as there's been a lot going on!
Elliot is taking a gamble - that he has done enough to redeem himself in Olivia's eyes. It's obvious that they're meant to be together, and he wants to put his foolishness firmly behind him.
Thankfully, Olivia seems to agree!
Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Philip is pursuing his affair with Anna.
One in, one out. Ellen can't help wondering what Anna was doing in her bedroom...
It's Wedding Day, V2! This time it's a much less formal affair, with only close family attending, and Elliot's sisters Henrietta and Sophia as bridesmaids.
To everyone's delight, it all goes smoothly.
Elliot was determined not to blow it!
Their families are also very relieved that it all went without a hitch!
As the guests head home, the newlyweds head off for a brief honeymoon trip...
...which seems to have been rather productive!
The Morland Family Album: Volume VIII
With her recent promotion, Hester is feeling extra motivated to work on that Body Skill.
She's a fine physical specimen, if a bit smelly.
There's just time to soothe her tired muscles in a bubble bath...
...before her girlfriend Gina comes over.
Not so long ago, Gina wasn't too keen on Hester being such a fast mover, but now she's the one making all the running - with a surprise proposal!
It was the last thing Hester - and I - were expecting, but it's a definite yes!
Well, Gina had better move in then! After a little de-Maxisifying, she starts building a relationship with her new family, by making herself useful in the kitchen.
~ Cancer 8 / 8 / 5 / 0 / 4
~ Loves the Cold / No Sense of Humour / Proper / Can't Stand Art / Schmoozer (she's a whole heap of fun, isn't she?!)
~ OTH: Sport
~ Favourite Colour(s): Purple
~ Aspiration: Family / Fortune
~ Turn-ons / -off: +Athletic / +Tidy / -Unique
~ LTW: Become Hall of Famer
It looks like she's already found some common ground with her money-oriented new sister-in-law-to-be, Sally. On another note, now that there are five adults in this household - including a Family Sim, who will surely want children at some point - I think I'm going to have to cave in and turn it into a two-storey house, rather than the cosy bungalow it started out as. Maybe when Gina gets a job and starts contributing to the family funds, it will be time to start work on the extension.
I am slowly losing my mind over the shift towards video as the default media format.
I do not find this to be an efficient way to absorb information. I am bored and distracted by the time the largely unnecessary introduction is over. I can't use ctrl+f to find the specific information I'm looking for. If there are instructions to follow, I don't want to have to constantly pause and back up to the part I need.
At least give me a fucking transcript.
I can read faster than you can talk and these videos are wasting my time.
I’m not the only one then?
The Morland Family Album: Volume VII
Entirely of her own volition, Hester has found herself a new love interest - meet Townie Gina Ingram! I genuinely don't know how they met, but hot on the heels of Eleanor's engagement, Hester decided to call up her new acquaintance (while in her nightwear) and ask her over, to get to know her better.
Well, that's a good start - Hester very much has an attitude of love me, love my dog. But that's actually where Gina's first visit ended, and Hester becomes a little distracted by other events over the next couple of days.
There's some good news...Thank goodness - hopefully she can get out of that sweaty, synthetic llama costume now!
But unfortunately some bad news too. Farewell, Penny! Sadly, there was no one around to see the last canine member of the family on her way, except a disinterested Random Townie. 😞
However, Hester is still keen to progress things with Gina, although it looks like she's moving a bit too fast.
Or maybe not. Sim logic eludes me at times!
Younger sister Sally's life is not taking off quite so well. But who cares about being demoted in your first job!
Well, actually Sally does, it turns out. Ultimately, she has dreams of establishing her own personal training enterprise, but in the meantime, she figured that getting some business experience couldn't hurt. It's all a lot harder than her Economics degree studies led her to believe though.
Anyway, she's really not in the mood to humour the annoying colleague who insisted on following her home from work.
And neither does she appreciate Hester's interference in her love life. Sally knows it's well meant, and coming from genuine sisterly concern, but whether or not she continues her association with the recently-engaged Louie is her decision to make, and no one else's.
The Willoughby Family Album: Volume VII
Caroline's political success continues unabated, and it seems she can't put a foot wrong with the electorate. Being the most popular Mayor in over a half a century certainly has its perks, but sometimes they're more trouble than they're worth.
At the same time, everything is really coming together for Louie very nicely indeed. Promotion after promotion, and now a lucrative book deal - even better that it focuses on her culinary passion for the cuisine of Takemizu.
To celebrate their recent success, Louie hosts a sushi evening at home. Although Bennet seems to prefer low-quality, pre-packaged, grease-laden snacks to Louie's lovingly handcrafted offerings.
It all starts well, with everyone having fun in their own ways.
Until John can't resist hazarding a flirtatious exchange with the lady who has recently caught his eye - Ellen.
Just when he had finally regained some ground with Caroline. 🙄
He never learns, does he?
Louie might be dismayed over their dad's behaviour, but they have their blind spots too. Still cheating at chess with their mother...
...and apparently having no intention of remaining faithful to their new fiancée, Joanna, by continuing to string Sally along as well.
This time, John has run out of chances to repair his relationship with his wife, as Grim comes to claim him.
There's no way that Caroline is going without a fight though!
And she wins! (Thanks to @episims super Alternative for Permaplat mod.)
Louie is somewhat traumatised by losing one parent, and then almost losing another, on the same day. John might have been a big disappointment as a husband, but he was always a much-loved father.