@MarianT Thanks! I enjoy Casandra so far (which only has one "S" in it, it turns out!). I think she'll be a nice addition!
The family is currently trying to recover from three deaths by old age in one night. We're down to four sims in the house, which is pretty quiet compared to trying to manage 7. Managing 7-8 sims always feels hectic to me, since I don't typically play such large families in the Sims. On a positive note, when Casandra's family is added to the bunch the house will be nearly full again. On the down side, more deaths will be on the way. Casandra's father is an elder, and Nadia won't live forever either...
This was a great opportunity to redo the dynasty cemetery. I've expanded it, made it much prettier, and added Otto, Miles and Robbie. I think I'll add some more foliage later.
In the back row, from left to right, we have our helpers from Ileana's generation: Mitchell, J, Robbie, Zoe, and Miles. In the row in front, we have Otto, his mother Addyson, and what was a spot I saved for Nadia but later removed because she has another spot.
In the back of the cemetery, behind the benches, is an area saved for the spouses of the heirs. Currently Gavin is the only resident there, soon to be joined by Nadia..... No point in denying the inevitable.
The recent deaths in the family have been especially hard on Ryan, who grew up alongside the twins. He's been forced to face the reality that Nadia won't be immortal like he and his mother. He is dedicated to making the most out of every moment they have left together.
The house was just too quiet after all of those deaths, so we moved in Casandra and her parents. Somehow I failed to get a picture of them all together upon moving in! Here's a pic of Casandra, at least.
As for traits, Casandra is mean, an art lover, and non-committal. Not exactly the best combination of traits, but at least she doesn't hate kids. Her father, Darius, is a loner, romantic, and music lover. Her mother, Aubrey, is childish, a foodie, and a perfectionist. Aubrey is also Ryan's coworker and good friend! She's a lab technician. Darius is a retired vendor. I didn't even realize the game recognized that as a career that could be retired from.
Casandra and Leo decided to hold their wedding the next day in their backyard. The family all took part in cleaning up the house, and Ileana made a beautiful array of meals, and a lovely wedding cake.
Here's the set up for the wedding arch and seating for the actual ceremony. I'm a sucker for outdoor weddings.
Leo invited as many friends as possible, which produced lots of lag. Here we have Elsa Bjergsen's daughters (the two blonds...notice the mustard yellow hair on one, courtesy of Miles Patel), Theodore Longo (the dark-skinned male, Leo's BFF since childhood), and... And I don't remember who the woman with the black hair is. I think she's just someone that Leo made friends with while out bumming donations from people.
Here are the proud parents of the groom.
The ceremony was beautiful, and finally everyone actually sat down during it!
...Well, almost everyone. Ileana and a couple of other guests felt the need to dance while Leo and Casandra were getting married. Ileana's action didn't say she was dancing, though. Just that she was "watching the ceremony" or whatever the action is called while they're watching a marriage. She was also quite far away from the stereo.
Perhaps just a new animation I haven't noticed.
The lovely couple enjoying the first slice of wedding cake... And one of Leo's friends right in the middle of it. I honestly can't remember the name of this one either, and I don't have my game open to check.
I suppose it looks a little better from the other side
Ryan is so proud of his son, who finished his last party requirement with this wedding. He also maxed charisma chatting with guests, and in the process completed his second aspiration! Friend of the World is complete!
Unfortunately, the entire day couldn't be merry... Late that night, when the party was long over, Nadia passed away of old age. Leo jumped out of bed and ran to her room, and experienced the whole thing. Ryan was out in the garden and didn't have to witness his wife's death, but he knew. Ileana felt Grim's presence in her home for the second time in just a few days, and came to comfort Leo.
Rest in peace, Nadia.
Everyone in the family has their own way of coping. Leo buries himself in his work. Casandra goes fishing for hours. Ileana paints her feelings
badly. Ryan repairs things that break in the house instead of replacing them.
Aubrey and Darius seek comfort in each other.
This household just can't seem to catch a break... The next night, Darius dies of old age.
Rest in peace, Darius. It was nice having you in the house for a whole three days.
Up next, Ileana invites someone new to the household.
And Casandra violently vomiting??