The McIrish Bunch - Random Town Jump (Mar 18)

[RaiaDraconis]

Admittedly the tattoos work very well on River.

This is a lovely story so far. Grady Elfman pretty much never sees the spotlight, and it's nice to see a deviation from the usual suspects. Other than the klepto trait he's a pretty reasonable sim.

Of course, now I can't wait to see where Ethan comes into the story.

[Janna]

I had a female sim meet Grady at the consignment store with a town that is on hold right now.  He is a great person but was hard to get them married. Finally found out that I had to have a party and invite him to get him to come over.  They had been romancing for over two weeks, so the groundwork was already laid out.  He is definitely a good catch.  Didn't have the klepto trait, must be reserved for maids?

I am really enjoying the story, am looking forward to reading it, I don't respond to all of the stories, but do read them all.

Like it that the teenage found the homework more interesting than the party!  Poor Grady.

[Lilygirl]

Chapter 5: In Pursuit of Higher Education

Ask and you shall receive.

All this talk of weddings and love and honeymoons and babies made River's young heart break. It has been so long since her and Ethan last spent an evening gazing into each others' eyes, holding hands, and dreaming of weddings and honeymoons and babies. Our young protagonist decided it was time to visit the Bunches and see if Ethan would like to hang out.

A quick drive down the street and River found herself standing on the sidewalk staring up at the house where her high school sweetheart lived. She rubbed her sweaty palms down the front of her jeans, took a deep breathe to slow her racing heart, and stepped forward to ring the doorbell.

"River?" A familiar voice asked from behind her.

River's heart stopped for a second, then started beating again, much faster than before. She turned around slowly, being careful not to fall off the edge the the Bunch's front porch. There he was, all grown up! River gave a shriek, bounced down the porch steps, and did what she had been dreaming of doing ever since her birthday.



Ethan stumbled back a half step but managed to stay upright as River launched herself into his arms. Having buried himself in school work to take his mind off her, Ethan hadn't even seen River over the past few days since her birthday and high school graduation. A vision in green, her dark hair escaping from its braid, he almost didn't recognize her standing on his parents' front porch. Nothing mattered now as he felt her soft lips pressed against his. He kissed her back with all the feeling he had locked away inside his heart.

This fluffy puppy is Lady Bunch. She is the puppy Ethan adopted to try and fill the void left behind when River had her birthday. Along with the extra credit work, Lady provided the necessary distraction for Ethan to make it to his birthday with his sanity still intact. So when Ethan accepted River's invitation to move in, Lady moved in too.



The very next day, after a long talk about hopes and dreams, young Ethan and River took the University Aptitude Test. River decided to retake it in hopes of receiving a larger scholarship this time.



River qualified for enough money to cover her course load and a bit of Ethan's. Ethan, in an attempt to 'catch up' to River, signs up for a full course load. River opts for a lighter load in hopes of having more time to complete odd jobs around campus.

Ethan, enrolled in the Science and Medicine program, spent most of his spare time researching things of the scientific manner. The plants River picked are put to better use in Ethan's studies than River's attempts at adding that 'something special' to their dinners.



During their second term, Ethan and River, tired of dorm life, rent a 2-bedroom cottage away from the busy campus life. The romantic in River yearned to fill that second bedroom with a mini-Ethan but practicality won out when their first rent payment came due. River posted for a roommate and the next day, she arrived. After introductions, the two went over some ground rules and settled back into University life.



Ethan and River's third term brought more studying and more experimenting. River, after accepting a job for a work of street art, is forced to stop half-way through by a less than friendly police officer who didn't even bother to critique her work before fastening the hand cuffs.



All the way home, River hoped beyond all hope that Ethan has already gone to bed for the night as River saw no need to share her embarrassment. Would Ethan even want her anymore? She was a woman with a criminal record now; thank goodness there wasn't a police station at University or she may well have spent the night in jail. Head hung in shame, River clung to the hope that someday this would be the story her grandkids would be asking for at bedtime. Surely this had to be one of those 'hilariously funny after the fact' type moments?



When their marks came in, River was happy beyond words that her arrest hadn't factored in to the final grades. Both she and Ethan passed the term with flying colours and headed home for more family time before coming back for their fourth and final term.



At home, River couldn't resist trying out her new 'bad girl' rebel status and lead a protest. Ethan's youngest sister, Darlene came to check it out along with some of Sunset Valley's finest.



During their fourth term, both Ethan and River have a little bit more free time. They take up activities such as Juice Pong. River won this particular game. At least, she was the first to get juiced and throw up. Ethan escorted his young, juiced love back to their home (roommate free this time) and tucked her tenderly in to bed.



Whether it was the juice still hanging around in young River's veins, or her heightened sense of rebel-ness, but River finds her man glued to the science machine at the Student Union one afternoon and convinces him to take a short break. In her best serious artist voice, with just a hint of mischievousness, River asks Ethan to pose for her. Ethan, a young man in love with this delightful young woman, finds himself suddenly without an excuse. One look into her big green eyes and he can't deny her her request.

There must still have been some juice in Ethan's veins as well, or he really did love River enough to do anything for her because there, in the middle of the afternoon, in the back room of the Student Union building, he agreed to pose for her. Pixelated.



This masterpiece now holds a special spot in River's private collection.

Soon graduation came once more for our young man and woman, this time they could celebrate together. River graduated with a degree in Arts,



While Ethan now holds a degree in Science and Medicine.



Our young couple is ready to return home and discover what's waiting for them as they begin the rest of their lives.

[JessieJJJ]

I have never seen Ethan and River together, but they are work well together! I still wonder from the last update where Molly went??

[Lilygirl]

Whoa! I didn't realize it has been so long since the last update. Real life is crazy: a toddler, working part-time, and getting everything in order to move into our first house at the end of the month. Feels like some days I pass myself in the hall going to and from bed.

I have never seen Ethan and River together, but they are work well together! I still wonder from the last update where Molly went??

Jessie, I wrote Molly's leaving her wedding day party such to imply that she, and Grady, left early for their honeymoon.

Chapter 6: She's so Fluffy!!

Home at last with still-warm degrees in hand, our young protagonist and her man, together with their party animal housemate, throw an epic gift-giving party. Although the generations installment gave the Sims universe bachelor parties and wedding gifts, the addition of University didn't include the capability to shower new graduates, of the high school or University type, with gifts. The only solution is a perfectly timed gift-giving party. Extended family (the Bunches) and friends are invited, the gifts and food brought are shared by all.



Love, especially, young love, has a way of softly stealing into hearts and changing the way the affected boy or girl sees their peers. After her teen birthday, Sandi French holds no immunity to love and finds herself enamoured by one Sam Sekemoto. When he stumbles over the wonders and beauty of snowflakes, with a giggle she agrees to watching the stars in the light snowfall. He failed to mention that the snow was waist deep.



Other hearts, non-Sim hearts, are growing as well. Young Lady Bunch, a mystery as to her breed and and adult size since moving in as a puppy, reveals her secrets when she grows up into an adult.





It turns out, little fluffy Lady isn't so little after all. Beautiful, but not little.

When the honeymoon ends and real life begins again, newlyweds often find themselves with too many activities and too little time. There's work and co-workers, skills to learn, friends and family to stay in touch with. How newlyweds find time to nurture their relationship is any Sim's guess. Only the watchers know the secrets of haystacks, photobooths, and showers. Young Molly soon finds herself re-enrolled in the crash course on all things nooboos - diapers, feedings, cooing, and operating on next to no sleep. But first, she must navigate the challenge of labour, including and not limited to the helpful advice of nearby friends.



As a new mother and party animal, Molly decides to introduce her new baby to Sunset Valley by throwing a costume party. Molly, dressed as a diver, shows off her dance moves, while young Sandi entertains on her guitar dressed as a cheerleader. Nooboo Dillan Elfman takes in the festivities from his spot on the floor near the dining table.

[Janna]

I like both of your parties, romancing out in the snow?  I wonder, did they make it melt later on?

Costume party as a diver dancing with flippers; gotta take some balance there to be able to do that.  Wonder if she slapped anyone accidently as they walked or danced by.  Glad no one stepped on the baby, I like the name of Dillan.

Didn't they take the time to look at Lady's paws?  A sure sign if the dog will be big or small.  Big feet, big dog, medium feed, medium dog, little feet, little dog. 
Learned that the hard way, 

[RaiaDraconis]

Sam and Sandi...an adorable match made in sim-heaven.

Wow, Lady turned into a big--but still lovely--dog. Some sort of terrier mix...? I hope she plays well with little Dillan!

[Lilygirl]

Chapter 7: In Pursuit of River

As a teen, Ethan was the top of his class and would have been the Valedictorian if he hadn't been distracted by one brown haired, green eyed teen from down the street. With a passion for books and people, Ethan easily excelled in school, charming teachers and peers alike. Ethan had plans of heading off to study at the best University his academic scholarships could afford, hoping to find/create his adult self away from the shadow of his rather large family. Young Ethan had dreams of a career in Science or Medicine, something that gave him the opportunity to help other Sims while continuing to do research and learn new things. He dreamed of a life of pursuing new ideas and family game nights when even Darlene was all grown up.



That was, until young Ethan fell head over heels for our River McIrish, the girl next door. Well, down the street but when you're in love, just how far you have to walk doesn't really matter. Suddenly, Ethan found himself hurrying through his homework so he could meet up with River for a movie, or swimming at the pool, or roller skating at the park. Dreams of University now included River, thoughts of late nights doing research for work now included River, and plans for get-togethers with his family now included River.

Young Ethan's heart broke the day he watched from across the street as River tossed her high school diploma in the air. When he heard she's gone off the University without him, he vowed to never leave the house except for school again. When news of a wedding came through the gossip his Mom loved to indulge in, he went out and got himself a fluffy little Lady to fill the hole in his chest where his heart had once been.

After his own high school graduation, Ethan immersed himself in his new job at the Science Center, spending his days there in a dusty basement lab. His evenings were filled pouring over research papers, browsing the internet, and taking Lady out for her pre-bedtime walk. On these walks, he found his mind always seemed to wander back to the painful topics. He knew his mother was worried, Darlene told him so, but he just couldn't find the energy to meet up with his friends. Last he heard, Parker had gotten married to his high school sweetheart Holly, and Michael was trying out for the Llama's soccer team. He wished them all the best, he really did.

When Lady took off running the last couple meters to the house, Ethan bent down and tightened a loose shoelace. When he stood up, Ethan took a deep breath in. Tonight he had the latest issue of Guinea Pigs and Lab Rats to read. He was most looking forward to the article on the ethics of participating in in-house experiments after Gobias had approached him with an idea last Wednesday. Having heard Lady barking, Ethan looked over at the front of the house.

There, on his parents' front porch was the brown haired, green eyes love of his life. "River?" The question had barely escaped his tongue when his mouth was suddenly busy being kissed and his arms found themselves busy holding a living, breathing River. It took all his strength to stay upright under River's energetic embrace, but he managed somehow. Then, he kissed her back.



Accepting her invitation to move in removed the last few remaining doubts Ethan had about their relationship. Hearing that it was Molly who had gotten married helped tremendously as well. River's family even welcomed Lady, with Sandi's delightful squeals of "she's so fluffy!" making everyone laugh.

Life with River gave Ethan the opportunity to study at University that he had once dreamed of. She studied art, while he studied both science and medicine. Between their classes and study groups and odd jobs around campus, there wasn't any time for parties. They barely even found time to have breakfast together. Ethan got so caught up in the awesomeness that it was living his dream of attending University, going to classes and using the science machine, that he actually forgot, yes forgot, about River. Some days, when he finally tore himself away from the Science machine in the Student Union building and rode his bike home, he remembered River and felt guilty for not making it home for supper, or even her bedtime. Sometimes she would be waiting up for him and that just made him feel worse. He barely noticed the night she wasn't home when he got there, but he was so tired he fell asleep before his brain could get the message through that maybe he should be worried.



It was during their break before heading back for their final semester that Ethan got the smack upside the head he needed, and from Darlene of all Sims. Darlene, as teens often do, found herself in an awkward situation. She happened upon a rally being lead by River, the content of which left her feeling afraid for her brother's relationship with River and sat him down for a much needed heart to heart.

Their fourth semester found Ethan with a reorganized list of priorities, and having a lot more fun in the Student Union building (juice pong and posing nude). He still didn't have breakfast with River very often but that was because her first class didn't start until noon. He did make sure to be home before bedtime though so they could spend some time hanging out. River liked to rib him about the roommate she said they had last semester that he knew nothing about.

Home at last with degrees in hand, Ethan, with the help of Darlene, devised a 3-Step plan to woo his River.

Step 1: Ask her mother for permission to marry the love of your life, her daughter.



Step 2: Take the love of your life to the Spring Festival on Love Day and try out the Love Tester Machine.



Step 3: Propose to the love of your life beneath the glow of the Love Tester Machine.



Darlene, hiding behind a kissing booth, managed to snap a couple pictures of River's response.





Darlene's squeals of "She said yes!" could be heard throughout the park and far down the street as she ran home to tell their mother.

[Tipi]

Aww, this is so sweet and you are a great writer. And it's nice you feature sims that are seldom seen in stories.

[RaiaDraconis]

This chapter made me all warm and fuzzy inside. You have a wonderful knack for description and portrayed Ethan's emotions beautifully.

That last part with Darlene was adorably funny. I can absolutely see her doing that!

[Lilygirl]

Thank-you for the wonderful comments, Tipi and Raia!

My husband and I recently moved into our first house and have only today received internet access again, so the McIrish Bunch is back.

Chapter 8: Life's Little Changes

As seems to be the general rule of life and families, when one thing changes everything changes.

For River and her mama, the joys of River's engagement are meant to be shared with everyone and a bachelorette party at central park is an absolute must. River, being the delightful and loving daughter she is, asked her mama to give the toast and is enthusiastically lovingly doused with nectar. Young Sandi giggles at the antics of the "adults".



Meanwhile, in a quieter corner of the park, young Dillan delights in the springiness and glowing antennae of the bumblebee spring-rider available at the park during the spring time. Dillan, as the toddler he is, can't help but goo and giggle in delight, causing his mother's heart to nearly burst with motherly love and joy.



For young Sandi French-Elfman, a new week brings the end of the high school chapter of her life. Graduation calls for celebration and Sandi tosses her diploma with the rest of her graduating class.



Feeling a bit adrift, having now left the structured-for-you life of school behind, Sandi does what Sandi does best - surprise her family and takes an acrobatics class. She then proceeded to crash an ongoing Simfest at a venue in town and stole the show with her impression of being stuck in a box. Sometimes Sims are very perceptive, perhaps too perceptive.



Ethan has been given a new device to do some trial testing on Sim subjects around Sunset Valley. When he happened upon Sandi's impromptu acrobat performance, he seized the opportunity to try the device on multiple Sim subjects. The device performed as advertised ...



Most of the time. Ethan reports his findings back to his boss at the hospital and receives a raise. Sandi is asked to leave the venue that night and "don't come back while I'm the proprietor!" In hindsight, perhaps Sandi's career would go more smoothly if Ethan didn't "help" the Sims watching her perform.

Young Dillan's life is also changing. First it's riding bumblebees at the park, then it's running around the house on his own two feet.



Then it's getting swooped up by dad for some snuggles and stories. (This is a favourite picture of Molly's, as it showcases her two men, big and small.)



First it's green milk in a bottle on the floor, then it's blended goop in a bowl in the high chair. As a toddler, Dillan is well aware that posing with some food squished up your nose is extra cute and usually draws a crowd. If he's really lucky, he may even get a few "awwwww"s.

[Magz from Oz]

I've just caught up with your charming story Lilygirl.  It's so awesome and quirky.      I can't wait to read more!

[Lilygirl]

Chapter 9: As Hearts Glow

As dusk begins to fall on the small town of Sunset Valley one can hear the soft sounds of a day winding down. The waves lapping endlessly on the beach, a hum as a car drives a weary citizen home, and the buzzing of insects drawn out by the evaporating heat. One would need to be very still and listening very hard to make out the sound of young Sims finishing homework and adult Sims settling down in front of the TV to watch the evening's game. And, if one is standing in just the right spot at just the right time, one will hear the humming of the red heart shining brightly atop the Love Tester Machine.

It is in this precise spot that we find our young protagonist and her young love. With her mama aging and her career beginning, young River meets her man back at the spot where he proposed marriage not so long ago. For a moment, both forget to breathe as they look deep into the eyes of the one they love. River's mind is full of memories they've made. Happy ones like days spent at the beach, passing notes in class, doing homework together, throwing herself into his arms that day outside his house. And sad ones too like graduating before Ethan, her first term of University without Ethan, and just missing Ethan's smiling face. As their relationship's video plays through River's head, Ethan's mind holds one thought: "I can't believe she's mine!"



As our young couple speaks their marriage vows and exchanges rings, a hush falls over the crowd of family and friends gathered around. Only a few know the trials and heartaches these two Sims have overcome, others are simply swept up in the joy of the moment. As River places the ring on Ethan's finger, a soft sob can be heard from the direction of her mama while toddler babble can be heard nearby on the ground. There is also the ever-present humming and beeping of the Love Tester Machine creating the ambiance.



A cheer breaks out among the crowd as River kisses her new husband. The Spring Festival is the perfect setting for a wedding, don't you think?



Ethan performs the honours of cutting the wedding cake as the guests watch, waiting patiently for their turn to taste this piece of art designed by River and created by Molly.



After the cake is eaten and the last remnants left for the birds, our protagonist couple takes to the dance floor followed shortly by their guests. The younger few are more delighted with the spring-riders while a few of the older Sims play chess or visit around the picnic tables. As the sun sets on this day in Sunset Valley, it will be remembered for a long time as the best Spring Festival ever!

There is one Sim that steals away early, her heart yearning for a love of it's own. After a quick stop at the house to change, she heads across town to a friend's party. She has it on good authority (via a text sent by her friend who is throwing the party) that one handsome Bachelor is present, and he arrived alone. Also, it appears he isn't having a lot of fun. Our young Sim is secretly delighted to read this, smiling as she settles into her cab. She's sure she can help the young Bachelor enjoy the party.

[JudesSims]

Simply delightful storytelling! Excellent mood boosting chapter

[Lilygirl]

*Maybe third time's the charm! I've tried to type up this chapter twice previously and got interrupted by my toddler.*

Chapter 10: Circles of Love and Life

With dreams of flashing lights and cheering crowds dancing in her head as she falls asleep each late night, Sandi spends many hours at Central Park learning and perfecting new acrobatic tricks. Her mom Molly is perfectly happy to be busy at home with little Dillan while Sandi is practicing juggling knives.



Molly is also happy Sandi hasn't asked her to watch while she practices her flaming baton juggling!





On nights when Sandi doesn't have a show at one of the venues around Sunset Valley, she receives and accepts various offers for dinner. With her sights on fame and fortune, Sandi as no intention of settling down with any of the young available men. Sam Sekemoto may have a better chance than most being her first love, Sandi holds a special spot in her heart for Sam. Sandi graciously accepts the flowers, unwilling to break young Sam's heart tonight.



It is a warm and sunny spring day and the family is out enjoying the beautiful weather. Sandi is practicing her acrobatics down at the park. Molly, Grady, and Dillan are enjoying some family time at the Children's Play Park. River and Ethan are off somewhere enjoying their 'honeymoon' time off, possibly sunbathing at the beach. Fiona, home alone, 30min from achieving her life's greatest wish, accepts an appointment not long overdue.



Good-bye Fiona McIrish. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

When the mourning period ends, the French-Elfman and Bunch families discover that life continues to move forward. Young Dillan has reached the end of his toddler days and is ready to discover the joys and challenges of childhood.



As the family gathers around, Grady lifts Dillan up to blow out the candles on his cake. The girls blow on the traditional noisemakers while Ethan cheers loudly behind them. With a little help from Dad, Dillan blows out the candles on his cake and ages up into a child.



The circle of life continues outside with the appearance of a nooboo Gnome. No one is more excited than the University Gnomes.



For those that never miss even the smallest detail, River continues to paint pictures of her family members right through her pregnancy. She feels guilty about not being able to fulfill her mother's wish to be a grandparent.



But tonight, that guilty feeling is replaced by a feeling of intense pain, right in her midsection.



Her painting will have to wait, right now a trip to the hospital is much more important!