The Callahan Life States Dynasty--Ch 61: Arrival in Sunset Valley 20 August

[azokka361]

All the Callahan's are being hilarious--as usual! Zack and Marjorie . . . such interesting parents! Such developed methods for training their children! I am in awe!

[Rhoxi]

Doting mothers, eager for grandchildren. "Yes, my baby has learned to talk! Awesome: when do I get her married and get grand-nooboos?"

[RainBeau]

All the Callahan's are being hilarious--as usual! Zack and Marjorie . . . such interesting parents! Such developed methods for training their children! I am in awe!

Yes, the best in Sim parenting. Leave your nooboo on the ground. Haha.

Doting mothers, eager for grandchildren. "Yes, my baby has learned to talk! Awesome: when do I get her married and get grand-nooboos?"

Exactly. The funny thing is, I didn't even notice that thought bubble until I was editing the story.


I actually planned this chapter somewhat, so hopefully it's better than the standard fare lately.


Chapter Thirty-Six: Friends Both Real and Imaginary

Rose? I thought you were done! You still have more requirements?
Rose: I'm not the Watcher, you are.
Well you certainly learned how to speak. Maybe next you can learn some respect for the Watcher.



Well, you vampires are all overachievers. I'm sure you're just going above and beyond.

Look who else was coincidentally at the library at the same time!




Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Vervain: I can't fish anymore! I'm too tired.



Whoa, what's this?



V: Lucky, you're real?
Lucky (a name I made up because spares' IF's names are not important enough to remember years later): Yup! Can we go catch a movie now?
V: I dunno, I'll have to ask the Watcher. I know what we can do for sure though!



L: This is super fun!
V: I know right?



Rose is also...enjoying her imaginary friend.




Yay! Chaotic birthday cake-candle-blowing time! Complete with anxious father (Zack: What if she talks to boys now?), disinterested sister (V: Hey Lucky, you want to pillow fight again?), and of course sister's imaginary friend, although no one else knows about that one.



Oh, now you're paying attention.
V: My little sister is getting more interesting? Why didn't anyone tell me?



V: WHOA! She's as big as me now! This is weird!


Marjorie (thinking): Hmmm...another one?



R: A laptop! Daddy, thank you! It's exactly what I wanted! Oh huzzah!
There's something different about that one.




*Cue dramatic music*



R: Hi, I'm Rose. My Watcher told me I had to meet you.
Gator: Gator. Pleasure.
R: I'm sure the pleasure's all mine.
She's very polite, but I think the feeling is missing. For now. Muahaha *rubbing hands together*



Now that the task of meeting that were-boy is over, Rose fulfils her wish to play tag with her beloved father. Vampires playing tag is really something to see.
Pizza delivery girl: I have the pizza here for the party...what? What just happened?
Zack just ran so fast it broke the house rendering, that's what just happened.
Z: Can't catch meeeee!



R: Oh yeah? Wait 'til I start trying!
Zack slows to a walk to make her feel accomplished. It's her first time running, after all.
Gator (thinking to himself): Well, that was abrupt.
Pizza Girl: Wait 'til Mum hears about this!



Meanwhile, two old ladies stand in the nursery arguing over whose turn it is to feed the baby.
You feed him, it's you his crying's bothering!
But I hate crying nooboos, I don't want to get near one!



M (thinking): All these people in here and no one can hand a nooboo a bottle! I'm tired, and I wish everyone would just go home and leave us alone.



Rose has come back into the kitchen to be sociable again.
R: It's my birthday, you know.
Gator: Really?
Very kind of him not to say, "Oh, is that what I'm doing here at this party? Birthday, is it?"



R: My favourite colour's Aqua. I'm lucky to have aged up into my favourite colour.



Gator: Mine's red. I aged up into my favourite colour, too! That's so cool!



R: How come sometimes you look different?



Gator: Can you keep a secret?
R: Yes.
Gator: I'm a werewolf! All my family are.
R: Wow!



R: I like that you're a werewolf. I think that's really brilliant.
Gator (thinking): Hey, she's Excitable, just like me!



Z: *grumble*
What's up, Zack?
Z: Well...I like that kid all right. I've kind of looked after him in the past, when his dad wasn't always around.* But I don't like him getting close to my daughter. She's still my nooboo girl.
She's not likely to agree with that in a hurry. Don't you want her to make friends?
Z: Well--yes, I suppose. But girls.
With the trait she got for her birthday, you should be glad with any friends she makes at all.





*In case you've forgotten what Zack's talking about or just how old Gator is, it's here in Chapter 21.



Author's notes

In the next update, stay tuned for...Ash's toddler birthday! Also, based on the little clues I've sprinkled here and there, any guesses on Rose's skills, new trait, or Lifetime Wish?

[azokka361]

Yay, Gator! He's my favorite Wolff, and for a second I thought he was Waylon, so knowing that he's Gator is quite a relief . . .

 And I'm pretty sure she's a Computer Whiz!

[ladyaya]

Yay, Gator! He's my favorite Wolff, and for a second I thought he was Waylon, so knowing that he's Gator is quite a relief . . .

 And I'm pretty sure she's a Computer Whiz!

Nah, i'm thinking loner, and her main skill will be writing, and her LTW will be the - have 30k royalties a week - wish.

Z: *grumble*
What's up, Zack?
Z: Well...I like that kid all right. I've kind of looked after him in the past, when his dad wasn't always around.* But I don't like him getting close to my daughter. She's still my nooboo girl.
She's not likely to agree with that in a hurry. Don't you want her to make friends?
Z: Well--yes, I suppose. But girls.
With the trait she got for her birthday, you should be glad with any friends she makes at all.

See? ^^

[azokka361]

Nah, i'm thinking loner, and her main skill will be writing, and her LTW will be the - have 30k royalties a week - wish.


See? ^^

Eh. Why use reason when you can have a trampoline?

[RainBeau]

Yay, Gator! He's my favorite Wolff, and for a second I thought he was Waylon, so knowing that he's Gator is quite a relief . . .

 And I'm pretty sure she's a Computer Whiz!

It couldn't have been Waylon, he starts the game a teen. Gator is my favourite too, that's why I had Zack stalking him so early. Wow that sounds creepier than I meant it...

Nope, not a Computer Whiz 

Nah, i'm thinking loner, and her main skill will be writing, and her LTW will be the - have 30k royalties a week - wish.


See? ^^

Two out of three is not bad...good use of reason there.

Eh. Why use reason when you can have a trampoline?

Indeed.


Chapter Thirty-Seven: Changes

Rose: And I get my own bed and bedroom now!
That certainly impresses you much more than it did your sister.



Rose is still chattering away to Gator as her baby brother Ash is brought to the cake.
R: Did I mention my favourite colour is aqua? Well, it is.
For a Loner, she sure talks a lot. I guess when you find that one special friend...



R: Oh hey, Ash is ageing up! Wooo!
Despite all the people in the house, only the family (minus mysteriously absent Vervain) and the maid cheer Ash on as he ages up to toddler.



Gator, upset that he was blocked to the cake, leaves the party early. That or he saw his chance when Rose's attention was diverted and he took it.



Oops, no, looks like he was trying to stand on the chair. So sorry, Gator. At least you liked the party.


What is it with you and putting that poor baby on the ground?
Marjorie: I want him to be down-to-earth. *giggle*
Baaaad Marjorie. Very bad pun.



Aaaaah, no Ash, you got the awful dreadlocks! Those only look good on big people. Let's fix you up.



Now that's much better, isn't it?



Awww, isn't he adorable?





R: An easel! Oh Mom, it's just the other thing I wanted!



Since Rose, unlike Vervain and Ash, needs a bed, I also built her and Vervain a bedroom. It's aqua and black for their favourite colours. Yes, the fairy's favourite colour is black and the vampire's is aqua. It doesn't make sense to me either.





What could a Child want in the business building?
R: Taking a Writing class.
Rose, that was a rhetorical question. I was trying to create what's called suspense.
R: Hmmm, those weren't covered in the class. *scribbles down a note to look it up later*



What are you doing, Marjorie? Whose birthday is it? I thought I got everyone.



M: (gritted teeth) It's mine! You let me get old!
Oh. Whoops.
Zack: Lookit me, I can blow this horn through the door! Woo! I'm so cool!
Well, at least one of you is still immature.



Hmmm, looks like I left out a few things when I was putting this room together. Here you go, Rose. It's finally time for your makeover.
R: Yay!



R: Oh, not this! This is Vervain's hair!
I was trying to see if the two of you look similar.
R: Yuck. Can I have something classier, please?
Sure, sure.



How's this?
R: Much better.



This is either sleep wear or swimwear, can't remember which. Maybe it's both.



R: I don't need Athletic wear, I'll never use it.
Oh well.



She gets her favourite colour for all except Formal. There, she keeps her "vampire colour". I think it looks smashing.




And what's the first thing you do after I get you new clothes? Change into something else and climb on the furniture.



This is how the house looks now. Oh, and someone has put Ash in the crib again. I need to put that away.



Finally, I leave you with Creepy Zack, whose mission it is to scare his children into going to sleep. It never works, because unlike a sensible person, they are not frightened of that face.

[azokka361]

Ash and Rose are both simply adorable/beautiful! Of course, what else can be expected of a Marjorie-Zack child?

[Rhoxi]

They know Zach's secretly a softie, but I still like the idea of trying to scare the children to sleep. "Boo!" *faint . . . zzzz*

[RainBeau]

After much too long a hiatus, I am posting on the Callahans again. Good news! I have been playing this file for the first time in I don't know how long! The OS upgrade and new RAM paid off. I am too happy, I tell you. I have been so focused on playing it that I haven't really updated (The Bachelorette has been taking a lot of my time, too) so now I shall attend to my writerly duties.

By the way, I checked the game clock and I was completely wrong about when Marjorie finished her requirements. We are only in week 26 now and Rose has been a YA for awhile. I exaggerated ridiculously out of a bad memory. It was actually Week 13 when Marjorie completed her requirements. Sorry, everyone!

Ash and Rose are both simply adorable/beautiful! Of course, what else can be expected of a Marjorie-Zack child?

Indeed. Very fine genes.

They know Zach's secretly a softie, but I still like the idea of trying to scare the children to sleep. "Boo!" *faint . . . zzzz*

Hahaha! I like it.


Chapter Thirty-Eight: Weird Ageing and Family Love

For those of you who guessed that Rose's main skill would be writing...



Good on you. I couldn't resist, with a Loner vampire who Hates the Outdoors, it's like the game handed me a gift.

She can't always be in at the computer though, so she also spends time outside now and then. She seems to think she requires protection from the elements.



Meanwhile, Ash has his toddler training.



Good heavens, man, what are you doing?
Zack: Have you ever smelled the stuff that comes out of a toddler? I'd rather tend the bees!
Can't blame you, mate.



Marjorie: It's okay, Ash, Mummy loves you, even if you do smell like a rancid pickle.
Ash doesn't seem to know how to take this.



Hey lady, where are you taking that baby?
. . .
Why did I even expect her to tell me?



The salon? Really?
M: Thanks to the age you have allowed me to become, I am now having a Midlife Crisis and I need to get new clothes.
Good thing Zack makes so much money then.



M: Do you think I'm gaining weight?
Not even a little bit.
M: Hmmm...



M: You're right. I'm still totally hot.
I'm sure Zack agrees with you.



M: Since I've got it, I should flaunt it!
Because it's completely appropriate for an Adult mother of three to bare her midriff.
M: Since when have I claimed to be appropriate?
Good point.



The updated girls' bedroom.



What are you doing, Marjorie?
M: I think I'm ageing backwards. This is weird.
Hmm.



Rose: I'm not sure if I should blow this horn or not. This is an unusual situation, to say the least.
I'll say. Why didn't I get better screenshots? I can't remember what was happening! It must have been Marjorie taking Young Again, though. We're going with that.



Z: How did you sleep, princess?
Vervain: On my back, Daddy.



Z: That's my clever girl. Want to play a bit before school?
V: You know it, Daddy!
Z: Come on, let's go in the other room so we don't wake your sister.



Z: I'm gonna catch you this time!
Tiny Vervain voice: Not a chance!





V: Let's play with fire next!
Z: Ohhh, no, honey. Let's not.



V: Well then I wanna plant some flowers. Flowers are pretty.
Z: Just like you, sweetheart.



Z: Always remember, Daddy loves you, baby girl.
V: I know, Daddy. I love you, too!

[Tilia]

Aw.  Early morning bonding time is so sweet.

[azokka361]

Awww . . . I'm going to miss little fairy-girl when she moves out. On the other hand, I can't wait to see her as a teenager! So conflicted . . .

Ash is sooooo cute! And have I mentioned that I love Rose's wardrobe? She looks great in teal, but extremely vampiric in red!

[maisie]

When I first read your story I decided to start a Life States Dynasty on my own. It was so inspiring! Well, my Immortal Dynasty got in the way but I managed to start the other one, too.
Now, months after reading it for the first time I finally have to make a post. I really like the Callahans, they are such a unique family.
I'm happy you managed to fix your game. It would be crucial to let us not know what is going to happen to Rose, Vervain (What a wonderful name! I have to admit that I'm totally obsessed with every kind of naming themes. ) and little Ash.
You did a great job with their house, too. It's small but mighty and I love the way it's furnished, especially the girls' bedroom.
So, I'm looking froward to read more about Marjorie and her family.

[Rhoxi]

Hehe, the "tinkerbell" playing action is really cute. I miss out on seeing these things doing Immortal instead of Life States.

[RainBeau]

Aw.  Early morning bonding time is so sweet.

Isn't it? It's nice to look through my screenshots. It has been such a long time since I played this, so it was sweet to come upon this. Especially since Vervain is all grown up now.

Awww . . . I'm going to miss little fairy-girl when she moves out. On the other hand, I can't wait to see her as a teenager! So conflicted . . .

Ash is sooooo cute! And have I mentioned that I love Rose's wardrobe? She looks great in teal, but extremely vampiric in red!

Well, I waited until her birthday to age her up. So, best of both worlds?

Ash is indeed adorable. Spoiler: he remains adorable. I don't think you have. Yes, I decided to go with dressing her in her favourite colour but I agree about the red, so I usually save one red outfit.

When I first read your story I decided to start a Life States Dynasty on my own. It was so inspiring! Well, my Immortal Dynasty got in the way but I managed to start the other one, too.
Now, months after reading it for the first time I finally have to make a post. I really like the Callahans, they are such a unique family.
I'm happy you managed to fix your game. It would be crucial to let us not know what is going to happen to Rose, Vervain (What a wonderful name! I have to admit that I'm totally obsessed with every kind of naming themes. ) and little Ash.
You did a great job with their house, too. It's small but mighty and I love the way it's furnished, especially the girls' bedroom.
So, I'm looking froward to read more about Marjorie and her family.

Thank you so much, maisie! What a sweet comment. It's wonderful to know I inspired someone. Thank you for commenting at last I agree about the Callahans. When I thought I wouldn't be able to play them again, I was heartbroken. So glad they're back! They are truly irreplaceable.
Well, I would still have caught you up to date eventually on what they did up until the end, but it would have been very sad not to let them continue. Yes, I agree. I, too, am obsessed with naming themes (themes of any kind, really) and I use one in every file I play, not just the stories. In this family I will get to use several! But shh, spoilers.
Thank you. I tried to keep the house compact so as to avoid saving problems. Even now that I have more memory I tend to move things around rather than build on. I'll have to eventually though because eight people is a tight fit! I'm glad you like the furnishings. I knew people would be watching so I worked uncharacteristically hard on them.
Then I shall give you more!

Hehe, the "tinkerbell" playing action is really cute. I miss out on seeing these things doing Immortal instead of Life States.

I haven't worked on my Immortal Dynasty in ages! I'm so awful.


Chapter 39: Parents are Gross

More father-daughter bonding time.



Marjorie: My, you two are up early!
Rose: What's going on? Am I late for school?
Zack: Do you think we would let you be late for your first day of school?



Vervain: Here, daddy, I have something for you!
Z: Thank you, sweetheart. I'll treasure it.



Z: I have something for you, too.
V: Oh, yay, a present!



Rose: Daddy, thank you for making yummy breakfast. Someday I want to learn to cook like you.
Z: Well, honey, you might not be able to.
R: Oh, is it a reserved skill?
Z: Wait, how do you know about that?
R: I read about Dynasties online. That's all right then.
Z: *scratching his head*



Z: Here, sweetheart, here's something you can use.
R: Oh, wonderful! I shall use it to inform my writing!




Time skip to later that night, because I have a gap in my files.

R: Hey, Gator, thanks for coming over.
Gator: Sure, Rose. No problem.



R: When did you get glasses? I thought a werewolf wouldn't need them.
Gator: Oh, they're not glasses. They're goggles.
R: Well, that answers everything. Do you want to come inside?



R: Paper, scissors, stone!
Gator: Oh, you beat me again! Are you using your mind powers?
R: Maybe! Ooohh! *does silly psychic motions*



R: Hey Gator, when we both turn into teenagers, do you want to maybe go to a movie with me sometime?
Gator: Uh, sure, Rose. If you want.
R: Great. Thanks, Gator.



R: Hey Gator, I know you left already and it's kinda late, but do you want to come over tomorrow?
Notice how she has LTHP over her head--she had a wish to talk to Gator after he left. Adorable, no?




Rose started this painting with no skill.



And mastered Painting before finishing it.



Vampire skilling OP*!


Back in the wedding lingerie, eh? This can mean only one thing...



M: Hey, Zack...
Z: Yes, Marjorie?



M: Oh, don't you 'yes, Marjorie?' me, Zack. You know what I want.
Z: Yes, Marjorie.






Z: Hey, sugar sweetness.
M *giggles*
V: Ugh, Dad, I'm right here!



M: I sure hope the toilet's fixed because I have the feeling I'll be 'using' it real soon!



Z (choking): What?
M: I said, it's time to get the maternity clothes on again! Geez, I thought you were the man who wanted all the babies?
V: Ugh, parents! So gross!



M: Yep! I know that feeling...eurgh.



V: Parents are disgusting, Lucky. All smoochy smoochy and talking about having babies and using toilets.
Lucky: Hey, at least you have parents.
V: Right, sorry.



V: Ugh, call this a fish? This is pathetic.





Aaaand here is your dose of toddler cuteness that was so far missing from this update.




*OP stands for Over Powered, and it's a gaming term used to refer to a character, item, or skill that is just too good.