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

[Tahilanor]

Oh my, have the Callahan clan grown since I last read your story! I love your little people, Rosa - they are captivating, endearing and down right hilarious. Especially those two little know-it-alls!  Thanks for cheering me up today.

[RainBeau]

Oh my, have the Callahan clan grown since I last read your story! I love your little people, Rosa - they are captivating, endearing and down right hilarious. Especially those two little know-it-alls!  Thanks for cheering me up today.

Indeed, they're an ever-expanding family! I am so glad you enjoy them as much as I do. I enjoy the 'know-it-alls' very much, as I can relate. I'm glad I could make your day better in my small way.

[RainBeau]

Okay, back on the Callahan wagon! Let's see what we can do here, hmm?

Chapter 49: Family Bonding

Marjorie is reminiscing over a Custom Drink.



Rose has stayed up all night painting, again.



And once again must rush off to school without stopping to fulfil her basic needs.



Oops--the poor dear has missed her bus.



Hazel is working on learning to walk as her next goal. Zack is fulfilling his fatherly duties admirably by supporting her--both literally and figuratively.
Zack: Come on, Hazelnut, you can do it!
Hazel: You're right, Father! With enough practise, and once my legs have been strengthened and accustomed to bearing my weight, I have every confidence that I will walk as well as any other bipedal creature!



Zack was a little weirded out by that, so Marjorie took over walking training.
Marjorie: Okay, pumpkin! We're almost there!
H: I can only assume that you are using 'pumpkin' in the colloquial sense as a pet name for me, since I am neither orange nor any type of squash.
M (mumbling): Yes, that would be why Zack didn't want this job.
H: What's that, Mother?



Ash's Loves the Outdoors trait is really showing itself. He continues to spend most of his time fishing.



M: And now you've learnt to walk! Hurray! Where's the cake?
H: Are you not overwhelmed with nostalgia? Do you not wish that I were going to 'stay your baby just a little longer'? Are you not going to lament that 'the time goes by so fast'?
M: Nope, I am definitely ready for you to go to school.



We interrupt this touching family scene to bring you Marjorie's new Mausoleum pieces. I have decided that dead plants are not pretty and so I have selected the produce as the pieces instead. I also decided that I want each generation to have a display case in colours co-ordinated for them specifically. Since most of the produce glows, it looks especially lovely at night.


From top, left to right: Spotlight Mushroom, Plasma Fruit, Wolfsbane Flower, Life Fruit, Flame Fruit, Ghost Chili, Glow Orb Mushroom.

And, here's another Imaginary Friend doll. I'm not going to bother to even make up a name for this one. If I can't make them real, they don't much interest me.



M: Then Grim whipped out his scythe and started rocking out!
Ash: Gasp!
Z: What's this, a ghost story?
M: Hardly. This is the true account of one of my encounters with Grim.



Z: Oh, this I've got to hear.



Vervain: My turn! (stands up in front of the family) Beetles! Beetles everywhere!
A: Um, what?
V: I thought we were telling scary stories. That's the scariest story I could think of.
And it's clear where all of the storytelling talent in the family is concentrated.



Continuing the evening's theme of 'Family Bonding', Vervain and Marjorie have a pillow fight.



Z: Oh, yes, absolutely, Congressman Wolff.
I wonder what that's all about.



M: All right. Here goes.
You're the one who wanted a hive, may I remind you.
M: I know, I know! Don't rush me!



Z: I'm coming, Hazelnut, hold on! Just let me finish grinding up this Autumn Salad for you!



M: No, that's it. No bees. Too hungry.
Uh huh.



Z: Was the salad good, Hazel darling?
H: Yes, thank you, Father. It was both filling and nutritious.
Z: Good.



Where is Rose while all of this is going on? Still painting.
Rose: I prefer not to get mixed up in all that silliness. I have dynasty requirements to complete.
Very sensible I'm sure, but not much fun?
R: Haven't you paid attention to my motives? Painting, unlike writing, increases the Fun meter. Besides, I have the 'Enjoying Solitude' moodlet. I am very content.



M: How do I look?
Mirror: Why are you asking me?
M: Because you're a useless mirror! I can't see myself, so I have to ask you!
Mirror: Useless? How many mirrors can give you a magical makeover, I'd like to know! Useless, indeed!
M: Don't need any magical makeover, I just need to know what I look like!
Mirror: You look like a green fairy! Happy?
M: Not really. What a rubbish mirror.



M: Here, son. I got you a birthday present!
A: Um, thanks, Mom, but it's not my birthday yet.
M: Oh. Oh, well. I'll have to try again later.



M: Rose, one day your knight in shining armour will come along.
R: Okay . . .
M: And when that day comes, you make sure you snag him. None of this namby-pamby nonsense about not kissing him, you hear?



R: Thanks again for the advice, Mum, as strange as it is.
M (thinking): Someday soon my little Rose is going to get married. Oh well. At least I'll get grandchildren.
R (thinking): I bet she's already thinking about grandchildren.



With that, Rose goes off to school.

[azokka361]

Yay, the Callahans! It has been too long! (I don't actually know how long it has been. But it has been too long!)

I've never noticed that awesome scene of the Grim Reaper rocking out. Sims tell weird ghost stories!

[Shewolf13]

Eeee!  That chapter was too cute!  lol, I love Hazel.  Hehehe, poor thing.  No one understands her!  Or maybe, she just understands things a bit too well XD

[PeregrineTook]

Just loving Miss Hazelnut!!
The mother-daughter talk was amusing. 
Love how you're developing these characters!!

[RainBeau]

Yay, the Callahans! It has been too long! (I don't actually know how long it has been. But it has been too long!)

I've never noticed that awesome scene of the Grim Reaper rocking out. Sims tell weird ghost stories!

My last post was on 27 May. It's in the subject line.

They surely do. They're all mixed up.

Eeee!  That chapter was too cute!  lol, I love Hazel.  Hehehe, poor thing.  No one understands her!  Or maybe, she just understands things a bit too well XD

So glad you think so. She does understand a lot of things. The thing with Hazel, as a toddler Genius, her intelligence is much more developed at an earlier age. And she applies it to analyse, well, just about everything. And she usually makes her observations out loud. And her parents just don't know how to handle a toddler who's that intelligent. Eventually she'll grow into her brain and she won't make people so uneasy.

Just loving Miss Hazelnut!!
The mother-daughter talk was amusing. 
Love how you're developing these characters!!

Me too. You'll be seeing much more of her in the future.
Yeah. I want Marjorie to give Rose real advice, but everything she says is coloured by her . . . different personality. At least it makes for amusing dialogue. She does mean well, in her way.
Thank you, but they are kind of developing themselves.

[Trip]

Hazel's intelligence is just adorable.

[chetanhaobijam]

Cute and also genius Hazelnut. She will be more cuter when she becomes a child. The toddler training can sometimes looks boring, but almost fun to watch them grow and develop the skills.
Great update.
Chetan.

[RainBeau]

Hazel's intelligence is just adorable.

Haha. Well, that's better than insufferable.

Cute and also genius Hazelnut. She will be more cuter when she becomes a child. The toddler training can sometimes looks boring, but almost fun to watch them grow and develop the skills.
Great update.
Chetan.

Yeah, I try to show just enough toddler training to be cute and not so much as to be boring.


Chapter 50: A Double Birthday

In anticipation of ageing up to child, Hazel is taking every opportunity for an early head start in the logic skill.



She does take regular breaks.



In anticipation of ageing up to teen, Ash continues to spend all of his time fishing. I sure hope he's a more interesting teenager.



Vervain and her father remain close, even though she's not a little girl anymore. They still find time for a little Playful Pester now and then.





She spends a lot of time fishing as well.



What are you doing?
Marjorie: Pretending to throw a birthday party. This is what I would do if I had anyone to invite.



Well, there's one person to invite.



Rose is getting her weekly allotment of 'outside'.



Gator looks as though he wants to join her.



Looks like half of his family showed up.



Hazel watches closely as the sparkles envelope her brother. She knows her turn is coming next and she wants to be as prepared as possible.



Hazel: Your trajectory is impressive!



You look like Pip Goodfellow.



We interrupt this birthday party to bring you the death of a random person who was camping in the garden.



As usual, the family gathers around to watch and socialise with Grim.



Grim: Rooooose!
Rose: Whaaaaat?
Grim: Nothing, just being grumpy.



R: Hey, I'm just warning you, this is liable to happen a lot if you hang around here. People die on our lot all the time.
Gator: Um . . . okay.



R: Maybe it's because we have a mausoleum. I just started working at the mausoleum at the cemetery.
Zack: So, how are things on the other side?
Grim: Well, Artie just got back with his family in tow. Boy is that shaking things up.
Z: I can imagine.



Gator: Hey, Rose, your mom's calling. I think it's time for Hazel's cake.



Marjorie: Yes! You're finally going to school!
H: I am excited too, Mother! Imagine the world of knowledge that will open to me now!



H: Oh my! What a sensation!
What a hairstyle!



Ash: So, Mom, what was it you wanted to give me the other day?
M: What are you talking about?



M: Oh, you mean this?
A: Oh, whew, I thought you forgot! Thanks Mom!



M: Homemade cake is better. I'm just saying.

[PeregrineTook]

He does look like Pip Goodfellow.  I'm afraid that isn't a compliment.  Oh well, Hazel is just lovely, and Rose is so delightful that even Grim hangs around just to spend time chatting with her.

[chetanhaobijam]

Great update, Rosa and Great birthdays. Hazelnut grew up to a beautiful child. Grim Reaper might be scary and annoying but to me he is fun to watch. In my game, whenever he comes, he cleans the entire house, read a book, play with the baby or toddler, etc. It might be because of his traits.

(P.S. This is my 50th post. So, yeah Llama Wrangler. No more ads.)
Chetan.

[RainBeau]

He does look like Pip Goodfellow.  I'm afraid that isn't a compliment.  Oh well, Hazel is just lovely, and Rose is so delightful that even Grim hangs around just to spend time chatting with her.

Don't worry. He looks much better after his makeover.

Great update, Rosa and Great birthdays. Hazelnut grew up to a beautiful child. Grim Reaper might be scary and annoying but to me he is fun to watch. In my game, whenever he comes, he cleans the entire house, read a book, play with the baby or toddler, etc. It might be because of his traits.

(P.S. This is my 50th post. So, yeah Llama Wrangler. No more ads.)
Chetan.

Wow, Grim rarely stays for that long at their house. But since everyone runs out to see him, it's only polite that he stop a while to chat.

Congratulations. I'm honoured that you achieved Llama Wrangler status on my story.


Chapter 51: Mostly Makeovers: or, the Usual Age-Up Nonsense

First of all, let's get those poor children some makeovers, shall we?


Ash aged up first and he's oldest, so his makeover is first.
He goes for a very traditional fairy look in his favourite purple. Everyday:



Formal:



Sleep wear:



Athletic:



Swim wear:



And now Zack gives him his birthday gift.
Zack: Here you are, son.
Ash: Aw, thanks, Dad!




Now it's time for Hazel's makeover. Her favourite colour is Aqua, like Rose's.
Her new Everyday:



Formal:



Sleep wear:



Athletic:



Swim wear:




It's like the Day of the Dead out here. Typical full moon.




A: What are you working on, sis?
Vervain: Chemistry. It's fascinating, but I miss biology.



I can't remember why I took this picture. Does it look different? Is the chess table new?



Marjorie has a wish to play a game with Ash. Her distraction tactics are working to her advantage.
A: Mom, what on earth are you wearing?
Marjorie: Ha-ha! Checkmate!



She wants to play with Hazel as well. Hazel is beating her soundly, though.



Oh, not another one.



M: So, it's high time I taught you to drive. What do you say?
A: Yeah, great, thanks!



Hazel: Hmmm, ah, yes, here it is: Knights and Bishops.



H: Oh, how disappointing. Most of this is review.



M: While we're out here, I may as well give you The Talk. Now, when you like a girl--it's bound to happen sooner or later--make sure of her affections by kissing her the first chance you get. If the Watcher tries to stop you, just ignore her. Mother knows best.
A: Mom, driving is stressful enough without your 'advice'.



Rose, as usual, is painting. Heirs are so boring.
Rose: Well, excuse me, some people want to finish their requirements in less than fifteen weeks!



Congratulations, Ash, you've learnt to drive!
M: Hurray! I'm so proud of you!
A: Hurray! That awkward conversation is over!

[Shewolf13]

LOL!  I love Marjorie's conversations with her kids.  They make me giggle.  Kinda remind me of my family... except, after a while, I just learned to accept it and eventually join them! lol

[RainBeau]

LOL!  I love Marjorie's conversations with her kids.  They make me giggle.  Kinda remind me of my family... except, after a while, I just learned to accept it and eventually join them! lol

Your family advises you to kiss everyone you like? Odd.

It's been ages since I posted! Between exams and The Bachelorette, I have been too busy. Well, here you are--read up on the Callahans.


Chapter 52: Grim Inspiration

Hazel: It is so exciting to be bigger! Now I can take advantage of so many more ways to increase my Logic skill!



Ash: I don't know what Vervain was talking about--this is the best! How could biology be more interesting?



Marjorie gets back to work on her garden.



And Hazel, like her brother before her, discovers the joys of the rocking horse.
H: This is most exhilarating!



I'll be honest with you, I have no idea what Rose is doing here.
Rose: I'm contemplating.



R: Mum, may I borrow your car that you never drive? Thanks!
She didn't answer you.
R: She won't even notice I'm gone.



Yeah, you may be right about that.



Ash puts his new Gatherer trait to good use.
A: Beautiful. Perhaps I should consider a study in entomology. (Translation: He popped a wish to catch 3 butterflies)



What are you up to, Verve?
Vervain: Registering as a self-employed gardener.
Ah, good move, good move.



Zack learns a new recipe. I'm not going to pretend to remember what it was.



Oh, here we go. There's another one. When are people going to stop dying on my lot?



R: Whoa! Reading the mind of a dying person? That is some serious inspiration! I think a book was just born!



Zack: Donte! No!
Oh, you know this one?



Z (sobbing): That's--Donte Garza. He's my--best friend. We used to--work together.
Donte Garza: You heard him! We're best friends! Don't take me! I'm too young to die!
Grim: Oh, I hardly think so.



Marjorie, meanwhile, is obliviously in the midst of a Fairy Party.



Vervain does her part to soothe her father's anguish by projecting a Soothing Aura.
Marjorie: Oh, rats! Missed it again! By that much!



She is putting her new trait to work as well. Despite having the other qualities of a Green Thumb, fairies do not inherently have the ability to revive dead plants, which in my opinion is the most valuable feature, so it's a bit disappointing. I gave Vervain the Green Thumb trait for her Teen birthday and set her to work on the row of dead Death Flower bushes in the garden.





I'm levelling up her Fairy powers so she can Bloom plants like her mother. Using that aura has been wearing her out, so she first takes an Essence of Magic made by Zack . . .



And then rides the train for good measure.



Then it's back to reviving.



"Please don't take me," the old man cried. "I'm too young to die!"
"I hardly think so," said Grim, as careless and cold as a Sim that stays out on a winter's night in her swim wear.
How do you know about winter? Seasons isn't even out yet!
R: Shhhh. Go away. I'm writing.