Watching the triplets vividly reminds me of Cyllia, Aliya and me as children. Unlike most siblings they never fight, never complain, never even bicker over who gets to sleep on the top bunk.
So, yes: I'd say things are just about perfect right now. Of course, Sturm is still a baby and we still don't get any sleep and I'm still on maternity leave, but otherwise the family is getting along wonderfully. We're making a bit more money and Breandan and I have more energy now that the triplets are older . . .
While the children are being children, Coral is cultivating her dreams. She wants to be a pro soccer player when she grows up--unlikely, but I believe in her.
It's difficult to see that my little girl has grown up so completely, so I concentrate most of my efforts on spending time with those who are still too young to sit in the front seat. Alhana, Usha and I spend the most time together, going out to lunch every day and driving to the pool.
Alhana is the most serious of the three, Usha the wildest, and Palin the sweetest. He's focused on getting scuba-certified and becoming a lifeguard.
They spent the summer playing video games in the evening while Coral tried her hand at cooking, Peder called Margaret, and Breandan and I engaged in . . . activities.
In the afternoons after school the triplets can be found up in the treehouse, playing at pirates and princesses. Sometimes the thought of heir flashes across my mind: Usha and Alhana know, of course, but they don't
know. To them becoming heir is inconsequential, insignificant. Coral doesn't even realize its seriousness and she's a teenager!
Then I realized that it's better this way. Let them enjoy their childhood without worrying about leading the family, pursuing their interests without being pressured, enjoy what they love and use
that to claim the heirship.
It was in the midst of my musing that I discovered that Sturm was simply the most scrumptiously adorable little boy in the history of ever. (Squeak!)
With a toddler in the house, things are more hectic than ever! Sometimes I wonder how my family is ever going to function without me.
After all, appliances are constantly needing to be cleaned . . .
Then as soon as I clean them they break--which could be seen as a metaphor for life.
But at the end of the day Breandan and I look back and laugh at everything we cursed hours before.
After that we horrify our children.
You may know by now that something has been interfering with Margaret and Peder's relationship, but whatever it is they got over it quickly. It's awfully cute, really, to see them dancing in the kitchen, then Peder dips her down for a kiss and the kids all groan.
It seemed far too soon when Peder's birthday came and he blew out the candles. He's such a handsome young man, and right after his birthday he moved in with Margaret.
(Note: I lost all pictures of the teenage years! (Bad Watcher, baaaaad!) At any rate, here are the young adult photos.)
Palin moved out right away, after signing on as a lifeguard.
It seems far too soon to vote, but the time has come. I've decided that every generation the heir (with assorted family members) will go to a new town and strike out on their own. It's just not fun when you have a lot of money!
Alhana and Usha hugged one last time, then stood silently, waiting for the results.
Coral Moonstone: Isla Paradiso
Loves to Swim, Disciplined, Handy, Clumsy, Athletic. Become a Superstar Athlete.
Alhana Moonstone: The Future.
Night Owl, Genius, Loves the Cold, Bot Fan, Artistic. High Tech Collector.
Usha Moonstone: Midnight Hollow.
Good Sense of Humor, Couch Potato, Unstable, Virtuoso, Never Nude. Vocal Legend.
Choose the Heir! VOTING NOW CLOSED