The Whitmore Legacy – (3.16)

Hello again, folks! Well, last time Amidala aged up into a teenager, the first of our three kids to do so, and this time, we’ll be seeing teenage life with all the benefits of the expansion packs I didn’t have before!

Of course, first things first, Ami had to do her homework in her new, gorgeous room that I’m perhaps a little too proud of.

Lori stopped her for a chat in the kitchen.

Lori: Ami, do you think we could have a talk? It’s just, now that you’re in high school, there’s–

Ami: What is it?

Lori: Well, your father talked to you from the point of view of an heir, but I wanted to talk to you as someone who didn’t inherit, and didn’t want to. I wanted to let you know that no matter how things turn out, you’re all our children, and we love you all very much. We’ll be proud of you no matter what, and I’m certain you’ll find your own path.

Ami: Mom…

Lori: If you need to talk about things, I’m here, okay sweetie? Your brothers will understand when they’re older, but you have to think about all this right now, so you need to know I’ve got your back.

Well, Amidala is the oldest, so she’s getting multiple versions of the legacy talk first. That being said, the heir poll won’t run until Owen is a young adult, so we’ve got a lot of time to sort things out. And even with that being said, I’m starting to feel like it would be fun to have more heirs next generation, but then that’s just me. I’ll see how I feel when the time comes!

Moving on, Amidala is actually a really responsible teen! She cleans Fluffs…

…And takes out the trash, too!

She isn’t the only one in the house being responsible, though, as Lori is still working away at Robotics. I think it might be because she mostly tinkers, but her skill is going up very, very slowly.

As for our youngest, he’s diligently completing his homework and even working on school projects. He really is such a good kid, too!

Going back to Amidala, as we have a lot of accumulated wealth, I decided to treat her to a computer of her very own. It’s not top of the range or anything, but I figure it’s the best thing for now and it’s a pretty cute set up. I also did decorate her room with some cool stuff, so it’s not just plain walls.

Of course, the parental talks never stop coming.

Hermes: Hey, kiddo, you ready for high school? It can be a bit of a jungle…

Ami: Yeah, Dad, I’m ready. I mean, I think so, anyway…

Hermes: I’m sure you’ll make plenty of friends in no time.

Well, whether she was ready or not, high school awaited! (For some reason, her going made her brothers’ needs decay badly while at school, so that’s a fun bug to find out, but we have a bunch of fun screenshots from when she did go.)

First, of course, she had to visit Principal Prescott to get the details, as you do.

Then, it was time to pick out a locker.

Ami: Ugh, this is so plain. Guess I’d better decorate it with some band stickers later…

After that, it was off to class for our only teenager! Of course, Ami being Ami, she sat right at the back of the class.

She was a bit more social during lunch, where she struck up conversation with some other teens. I’m actually pretty sad that the bug is affecting her brothers like that, because I’d love to do this again so she can experience the teen life more.

Also, I’m not sure if I mentioned, but Hermes reached the top of his career, and so he’s now a teacher! Switching careers did drop some income, but with all the wonderful plants we have in the house, it’s not really an issue. I’m actually starting to think that planting a whole room of dragon fruit would be a smart thing to do at this point – maybe in a room off the pool, underground? Either way, I like to think that Hermes is the fun art teacher everyone’s always wanted. Here he is, grading homework at his son’s desk, because why use any other surface?

Speaking of Owen, it was time for him to get his official portrait finished! Hermes, as always, painted it for him, and Ami came to see.

Ami: I don’t remember being that well-behaved when you did my portrait, Dad.

Hermes: They’ve all come out beautifully. I’m a little sad that this is the last one, if I’m honest with you, sweetie pie.

Nevertheless, he was soon finished, and the portrait of Owen was hung up right under the marriage certificate. With that, all three siblings have had their portraits painted, and there’s only one portrait left to go – and that won’t be for a while yet.

This episode might be getting long, but we have one more update before we wrap up. As you might know, Poe and Ami are pretty close together in age, and as such…yep, it’s another birthday! Surprise!

Now, I know I’ve already said here that Poe isn’t a mermaid, but this was actually the moment I realised (when he didn’t have a mermaid form!) I could have sworn he had showed as a mermaid, but he’s actually the only human in our little set of siblings. Either way, here he is! I wanted to go for sort of an ‘academic chic’ kind of style for him – quite different to Ami, really.

With that, we’ll wrap up the episode here, and I hope to see you all next time! It feels as though this legacy is moving very fast, quite honestly, but I think with most of the birthdays out of the way it might slow down now – or rather, here’s hoping, anyway! I’ve actually never made it past Generation 3 in previous playthroughs, but I’m looking forward to breaking that trend with the Whitmores. That being said, I hope to see you all next time I update!

The Whitmore Legacy – (3.15)

We’re back again, folks! Well, we’re starting off with a recap – last time, we went to the Festival of Light, Owen, our last toddler, aged up, and Lori became an Adult. So, let’s crack on with this legacy and see what happens next!

It’s not the most exciting photo to start with, but I’m very happy that the bunk beds do function and Owen can actually sleep in it, AND you have a little desk under there. Cute, right?

People do keep coming in to use his desk, though – such as here, where Poe is doing his homework at Owen’s desk despite having a desk in his room.

At this point in time, it’s still wintery in the game, so I decided to let Amidala go outside and build a Snow Pal! The snow will fade soon, so might as well let them have fun with it while I can.

And, in the background of this shot, you can see the finished Pal! But more importantly you can see Lori and Fluffs having some great bonding time. This is one spoiled little llama!

Lori’s also picked up painting, and though it’s going to be a while, I’m proud to say she’s getting there – and this actually had no input from me! This was genuinely all her picking up a paintbrush autonomously.

Speaking of autonomous, Owen has decided that cross stitch is the way to go! I keep finding him hoopin’ around the house.

He’s also been gaming on his own, so honestly he’s been doing very well without my input (not that I don’t check in on him, Owen’s just a good kid.)

As for our eldest, Hermes and her had a bit of a chat in the living room.

Hermes: Ami, as the eldest, you’re going to hear more from me about this first. You know how the legacy was started by your grandmother? Well, she built all this from nothing, and our job is to keep things going and improve our family as we go along.

Ami: What does that even mean?

Hermes: It means that we can’t just sit back on all this. We need to do everything we can, build our careers, and become stars in our own right. As you know, I’ve made a name for myself painting and your mother has been working hard in her career as well, and you and your brothers must be able to put in the same energy. You’ll be the fourth generation, after all.

Ami: So…what work am I supposed to put in?

Hermes: Well, that’s up to you, usually.

After that, Hermes joined Lori and Poe in the kitchen.

Lori: So, how did the little chat go?

Hermes: I mean, I don’t know, honestly. It’s sometimes hard to tell with Ami, but it’s important to tell the kids these things properly.

Poe: …What are they talking about?

As it turns out, it was especially important to have that chat when they did, because Amidala’s birthday rolled around! Poor Noelle seems embarrassed that someone already made a cake for the birthday girl, though.

Once the candles were blown…tada! Here is Amidala, our first teenager of the fourth generation! I had a lot of fun picking out her outfits and makeup, honestly!

As for her mermaid form, of course she’s purple like her mother! I actually found this very interesting, because while she didn’t get the Straud nose, she did get Lori’s mermaid-only freckles and a slight change to her features.

Of course, I had to send her to go check out the pool downstairs right away, and I think she definitely approves! She actually dislikes Fitness, though, so she gets grumpy any time she does go swimming, but she does need hydration as a mermaid.

And of course, the all important room makeover. I had a blast updating her room with fun, dark purple things that fit her new vibe, as I usually don’t get to use this cool wallpaper.

With that, I’ll be wrapping up this episode, and next time we’ll be seeing what being a teenager is like with all these new updates! It’s both rewarding and sad to see the kids grow up, honestly, especially when I think back to the early days when it was just Nia, who I still miss even though she does pop up as a ghost. But, her legacy will continue on with her great grandchildren and more!

The Whitmore Legacy – (3.14)

Hello, and welcome back once more! Last time, we had a beautiful Winterfest, complete with ghosts, and this time, we’re going to be heading off to a festival! Specifically, it was the Festival of Light, and I thought it would be a fun one to take most of our family too! (Owen, bless him, was happier at daycare.)

Lori and the kids got dressed in festival gear, and looked really cute, frankly, and Hermes also was dressed up but out of frame. It’s always the way, isn’t it?

Amidala, who was hungry, headed over to get some sweet taiyaki from the stalls – strawberry, because why not?

Hermes, meanwhile, was doing some impressive fire dancing at the bonfire! I was very proud that he didn’t set himself on fire, quite frankly.

After that, he headed over to hang out with Amidala at the food stall and have a bit of a chat…

And then they went off to make wishes together! I really love the Festival of Light, I’d say it’s my favourite of the three festivals from Snowy Escape.

After a lovely festival, the next day was a very important day, while also being a very sad one. Owen, our youngest, was no longer a toddler, but was aging up. I am officially sad about this, but it’s also a good thing, I suppose. He was just such a cute toddler! However, Lori made him a cake and helped him blow out the candles…

And, here we are! Time sure has flown, as when I put down the legacy last time, he was just a baby. However, I’m still loving the purple eyes all the kids have inherited, and I also wanted to say that he’s definitely going to be a mermaid! (Poe, as it turns out, isn’t, but Ami and Owen both have the little fish symbol.)

As for his new room, I decided to try out the bunk beds from the new pack – and are they ever cool! I actually had a bed just like this as a kid. I decided to keep the wallpaper as is, though.

And, like the good kid he is, Owen went and did his new homework, with some help from Hermes.

Owen: So….do I get a Voidcritter Battle Station for my birthday?

Hermes: Maybe next year…

As for Lori, she’s still knitting away, and getting very good at it, too! I’m hoping that she’ll master the skill in time.

Speaking of skills, I’m also having Owen practice on the violin and seeing how he does! Everyone has a different focus, and I do like it that way, though building Lori’s skill in Robotics has been slow going.

Owen also gets along really well with his siblings, and I was able to get this cute picture of them!

Poe: There’s this new book coming out soon in the Silver Hand series, and I can’t wait – and did you hear they’re making a series?

Amidala: Is it going to be like the film?

Poe: Ew, no!

Owen: I haven’t read that yet…

Poe: Don’t worry, I can lend you the first book and you can see if you like it!

Lori also joined them, as the kids continued talking back and forth.

Lori: (I’m so proud of my little nerdlings!)

As for Lori, it turns out that the birthday I was confused about a while back wasn’t hers, but Hermes’ – as her birthday has just come around! She’s now officially an adult, and while I’ve changed her wardrobe a little bit, I kept her hairstyle as it’s just so Lori that nothing else seemed to be right.

Of course, she and Hermes are still madly in love, as ever. I actually adore their relationship, honestly!

It really does seem like we have a birthday every episode at the moment, but as it turns out, the next one won’t be any different – ah, but that might be spoilers! Thanks for reading, and I’ll get cracking on getting you all caught up with our next surprise!

Also, as time moves on, I’d love to hear from you guys – who’s your favourite sibling? I’m not allowed to have favourites, but I’d love to get an inkling of the outcome of the heir poll!

The Whitmore Legacy – (3.13)

Welcome back to the Whitmore Legacy! Last time, I mentioned Winterfest was on its way, which it still is!

Amidala began helping Poe out with his project…

And Poe decided to go through the Bear phase soon afterwards. He’s a Green Bear, apparently.

But finally, it was indeed time for WINTERFEST! Due to the boys being tired, Lori, Hermes, and Ami decorated the tree together, which was really sweet!

Lori: Be careful with my Star Wars ornaments, Ami!

The finished product was really beautiful, honestly! Here’s it halfway through….

And here are the kids coming down to admire the present pile and open up some gifts! I’m so glad that we’ve got so many Simoleons these days, and that we’ve no need to sell any of the gifts. (Popcorn strings are an American tradition, by the way, and I actually didn’t know much about them because I’m British, so I always like putting them up at Winterfest just for fun!)

I got so many cute pictures, but I love this one of Owen opening up his very first Winterfest gift!

Meanwhile, Hermes was cooking a nice fish dinner for the family to share…

And pretty much everyone ended up enjoying it! My legacy isn’t usually well rested enough to ever have a Grand Meal together, so this was actually very nice as well.

Afterwards, everyone left to relax until Father Winter arrived, and Lori and Amidala ended up sitting together for a chat while Ami did her homework.

Ami: Hey, Mom, did you know that in Film Club, we get to watch the Star Wars movies as part of our ‘Eighties Week’? That’s so long ago!

Lori: Well…I mean, it’s not that long ago….

Ami: Forty years is a long time, Mom!

Lori: (I mean, I did celebrate the 40th anniversary and buy the merch, but still…)

Then, Father Winter appeared at our fireplace, ready to hand out gifts and share the holiday spirit!

Poor Owen was actually all tuckered out by this point and missed out on meeting him, but Poe and Amidala were more than happy to meet him!

First up for gifts was Amidala…

And then Poe got one, bear suit and all!

All in all, Winterfest was super successful and everyone had a blast! I actually really enjoyed playing through it all. I did spot an angry Ritvik next to his grave, but apparently you still get back pain in the afterlife, so that’s probably it.

As for Noelle, she appeared happily inside the house, and began helping us take care of the garden. Super kind of her, especially when we’re busy because of Winterfest!

She also came into the kitchen to have a chat with Hermes, of course!

Noelle: So, I hear that there’s a birthday or two coming up…Are you excited to see who will inherit?

Hermes: Mom, they’re kids. I’ve got a lot of time left with them yet.

Noelle: Of course, darling, but…Well, you’ve done so much for the legacy! I’m so proud of you, and I’m happy to see how your family has grown. When I died, Amidala was so small, and these days all three of them are such a joy.

Hermes: They are. Thanks, Mom. Happy Winterfest.

And with that little chat about the future from the legacy’s past, we’ll wrap this up! Thanks as always for reading, and we’ll see you next time for some festivities as well!

The Whitmore Legacy – (3.12)

Hello, and welcome back! I was pleased to see that we had a marriage certificate in Hermes’ inventory, so I decided to hang it up next to his portrait, above the space where Owen’s portrait will eventually be. It’s very pretty, honestly!

Speaking of Owen, here’s his revamped room – a lot less stuff, due to how much infants need usually, but still nice and spacious. I think it’ll have a lot more later, but there’s not really activity stuff for toddlers outside of very small things, which is to be expected. They are babies, after all.

It’s also been getting colder, so it was time for cold weather clothing to become the norm!

Poe: Ugh, I hate cold weather…

Amidala: Aren’t you excited for Winterfest coming soon? We get to all decorate the tree together!

Poe: …I mean, I can’t argue with that.

Poe has, however, been enjoying the underwater pool. I wish kids could have mermaid tails, but I’m looking forward to seeing what all three of our little merkids look like when we find out their mermaid forms! I wonder if any of them will have Lori’s nose?

I also decided we should get a llama, so meet Fluffs! A very good llama indeed. (I tried really hard not to get a pet, I really did, but the empty barn feels weird.)

I also spotted Elsa walking by the house late at night, which is a little suspicious but mostly funny because of her sunglasses and casual attitude.

Nia paid us a visit, too, but only to destroy the dolls’ house to make herself feel better. For shame!

Luckily, Hermes was here to fix it for us, and did so immediately.

As for Lori and the kids, I got this cute picture of Ami and Lori knitting together while Poe had some ghost cake. Isn’t this adorable?

Lori: So, Poe, did you want to give it a go?

Poe: Nope, I’m happy with my cake, thanks…Why do they always make cake, though?

Ami: Actually, I always wondered that too…

Owen’s been playing with the new dolls’ house in his room, which I just genuinely wish I had as a kid. I mean, it’s a giant barn with a little chimney and everything!

But of course, that’s super tiring, so his mom read him to sleep.

Lori: ‘Of course’, said Large, ‘bear or not, I’ll always love you, no matter what.’

Lori’s also been looking after Fluffs, who seems to be a little snooty. Maybe that’s just my impression of llamas, though…

Ritvik showed up in the kitchen just in time to see Ami, and he seems pleased enough.

Ritvik: So, you’re my great-grandaughter, hm? Come and have some cake.

Ami: Are you the reason we always have cake lying around, or is that a ghost thing?

Ritvik: You know what, I’m going to go ahead and call it a ghost thing, kid.

We’re slowly also coming up on Owen’s birthday, but for now he’s working on his skills and becoming a lot more independent, which is wonderful and kind of sad all at once. He’s definitely growing up!

Poe and Hermes also had a conversation in the kitchen.

Poe: So, you know Winterfest is coming up, right Dad?

Hermes: Yes…

Poe: Well, I’ve been really good, so I was thinking maybe I could get a tablet or something? I mean, I’ve been, like, super good…

Hermes: You should ask Father Winter, don’t you think? Especially with your brother around.

Hermes also helped Amidala out with her class project – a volcano! I love how good of a dad he is, honestly, and I always love when Sims help out their kids with this kind of thing.

Lori and Hermes are still spending time together between busy schedules, though, with Hermes making a dinner they could share. He’s actually a really good cook at this point!

He’s also maxed the painting skill, which I’m super happy about! I don’t know what career I want him to go into next, but I think he’s nearly at the top of the ladder as an artist. Maybe a chef or something?

Finally, remember Amelia Whitmore? Well, here she is! She’s Hephaestus’ daughter in case anyone was wondering. I think the last time we saw her was during the Bachelor Challenge during the final dates!

Speaking of, it was around this time two years ago that the Bachelor Challenge ran. Because of that, every time I’ve been uploading pictures for this, they’ve been right next to the first pictures from the Bachelor Challenge, including our first looks at Lori and all the other fun contestants we met. It’s been a real throwback, but a fun one, looking back on those pictures – and there are a lot of them!

Anyway, join us next time for a very Whitmore Winterfest, and thanks for reading!

Daughters of Hesperia – Necessary Words (1.112)

It was late in the evening when Molpe fetched her daughter from her quarters personally, pressing a finger to her lips and beckoning her to follow. Though confused, Thaleia readily did so, and they walked quietly to the throne room.

“Daughter, it is time we talked.” Molpe hesitated, but pressed on. “About your brother. If you wish to speak, I will listen, but we cannot continue on like this. It will do no good for anyone.”

Thaleia looked at her, but Molpe stood, waiting for her to respond, and eventually Thaleia’s eyes filled with tears.

“I do not understand why he wishes this. Why he prefers to give up his blessing, and be treated as any other, as though he were not a queen’s son.”

“I could have refused him.” Molpe paused, trying to find the right words. What she said now mattered, and how she said, too. Her daughter deserved the truth. “He does not wish to keep living as he does, and there is a bitterness to him that I do not think will ever leave him. He has his own regrets, and I do not think this situation can be resolved well, but he does have the right to give up his blessing. Had he been refused, he would have lived, true, but his mind would not have been changed. I feel responsible, Thaleia, and I wish I could go back and make better choices, but the truth of the matter is that I cannot.”

“Mother…” Thaleia looked at her, taken aback by her admission. “But…why must it be Gorgophone?”

“I do not know, on that front, beyond Gorgophone being among the choices I gave him. She would be more able to tell you than I, but…I think that perhaps you should not demand answers from her, my dove. She will tell you in her own time, I am sure, but for now, we must be gentle to her.”

“Mother…” Thaleia looked as though the tears might fall, but instead she wiped her eyes. “I know that Odysseus and I have never been close, but he is still my brother, and to lose him like this…I do not understand why it must have been Gorgophone, or why she said yes to him. Who else am I to talk to if not her? Harpe is also his sister, yes, but she is the youngest, and I cannot talk to her like that. Gorgophone is…she is supposed to be like a sister to me, and a friend, but how can I talk to her now? Who can I speak to about this?”

“You feel as though you are losing a friend, as well?” Molpe asked, gently.

“Yes! I cannot talk to her about anything any longer, not with all of this. Were it someone else, I would have gone to her to pour out my heart, but she is the reason that would be necessary.” Thaleia sighed deeply. “Mother, I know that it is all…as it should be, but I cannot be happy for her. I wanted to be, in the past, when we thought of our first children and the joy that they might bring, but now, that…all of that is ruined. I simply cannot be happy for her.”

“I see.” Molpe felt a deep sympathy for her daughter and Gorgophone both. “Perhaps you should go to the priestesses. They are who a queen turns to in times like this, and when I have struggled in the past, they have been helpful.”

“No, Mother. I do not wish for priestesses. I wish for a friend, and I feel as though my closest friend has left me.” Thaleia paused. “But…I know I may talk to you, and Aunt Anikka. Perhaps my family is what I need now.”

Molpe nodded, but she knew that family and friendship were two different things. She dearly wished for Thaleia and Gorgophone to be able to mend things between them, but in all honestly, this was one of few things that were not entirely her place to mend. She could not force this to be fixed, but must leave the matter in their hands, even if she wished to make things whole once more.

The Whitmore Legacy (3.11)

So, welcome back once more! Today, we have a very special episode, as I realised I’d kind of neglected to…actually get Lori and Hermes married! A big oversight, I know.

So, off to Tartosa we went! Bit of a destination wedding, but you know what? Our happy couple definitely deserve it. I mean, look at this beautiful venue!

For some reason, Daphne wouldn’t come up on the invite list, but Hephaestus and Minthe were happy to come along to see Hermes and Lori get married, so we had a good spread of family! (Owen is also here, he just had a bit of trouble finding his seat.)

Then, it was time for the ceremony. Lori, surrounded by her children, began to walk down the aisle…

Lori: (Just breathe in and out, Lori. In and out.)

She then joined Hermes under the arch to say their vows to each other.

Hermes: Lori, you always have been a breath of fresh air into my life. I couldn’t help but be won over by you from the moment we first met, and I’m so glad to be standing here with you now, in front of our children and our family. Your heart is open, and mine is open to you. So, Lorelei Straud, I will gladly share the rest of our lives together.

Lori: Hermes, when we met, my determination became so strong, and I couldn’t be happier with where our path has led us. Our life together is wonderful, our love together is strong, and I hope we’ll live long and happy lives with each other. Hermes Whitmore, let us live life to the fullest, and may our love never fade, but remain as bright as any star.

Then, the rings were exchanged…

And it was cake time for the newly wedded couple! Here’s our cake (definitely not baked on the spot because I couldn’t figure out how to make the dang wedding work!)

Everyone gathered, including Ami and Poe, who seemed to be having a bit of a discussion.

Poe: You know, when we grow up, I’ll be the one who inherits the legacy.

Ami: Dream on, little bro. I’d like to see you try.

First, Lori cut the slice of cake as everyone looked on…

And then she and Hermes shared the first bite together! It’s such a cute interaction honestly, I really want to plan more weddings in the future for my heirs/heiresses!

Ami: Mom, can we have some cake now?

Once everyone had eaten some of the cake, it was then time for the first dance between the pair. Everyone gathered around, and the two began to slow dance to the music (probably some Star Wars music, if I’m honest!)

Hermes: So, General, is today everything you wanted?

Lori: You’re all I wanted, silly.

Then, everyone else was invited to join the couple, and Minthe of course began showing off her Cool Aunt moves! Gosh, I miss Minthe at moments like this.

And of course, ending the night with a beautiful kiss! These two are sincerely so sweet together.

I hope you’re as happy as I am right now, because I just adored this wedding. It’s actually been almost two real life years since Hermes asked Lori to marry him, and I’d say this wedding was well worth waiting for. I wish them long and happy lives together!

See you all next time!

Daughters of Hesperia – A Room of One’s Own (1.111)

Roda could not have been happier as she sat in her room, looking with pleasure at the little desk and the rug on the floor. When she was younger, she had shared a room with Marcella, but these days she had a room of her own in the newer part of the building, the upstairs that had been built over a few months’ time. It was solid, new, and best of all, the boys weren’t to bother her here. It was truly hers, a private space where she could be alone.

Of course, Evander was no longer here, having been deemed old enough to help Ocalea with the horses, and that was a blessing too, but her own brother, Sarpedon, was still here. That was less of a blessing.

Still, she had lessons with Scholar Anikka, and also with Diana, and he didn’t. She felt great satisfaction with that, as it made it clear that she would be a warrior and he would not. She would be like their mother, and he never would be.

That being said, she would not be the only girl here for much longer. Scholar Anikka’s daughter, Hypatia, would soon be old enough to join them, and Roda was not sure how she felt about that. Well, Hypatia was younger than her, anyway, and Marcella had told her that she would need to set a good example for Hypatia when the younger girl got her, and that she would have to be kind, too, but Roda was still curious about what that would be like. Sarpedon had told her that Hypatia would probably cry all the time, like she had before, but then Sarpedon said a lot of things that Roda usually ignored.

And of course, it was much easier to ignore him now that she had a room she did not have to share, while he and Garath still shared one together. She smiled a little at the thought.

The Whitmore Legacy – (3.10)

Welcome back, one and all, to another episode/chapter of this legacy! This time, we’re starting off with Poe’s portrait to add to the all important portrait room!

This one actually turned out to be a Masterpiece, which is pretty cool! Still, no way is it ever getting sold!

Moving on, Lori has been sleeping in the pool after work. I think the mermaid retreat was an excellent purchase, because despite the red plumbob, she looks super relaxed! I might as well reveal that all three of the kids have turned out to be mermaids like their mother, so this was doubly good as purchases go.

We’ve also still been getting the Angry Ghost Cake Experience, this time with Noelle weighing in. Still, Amidala has been able to profit off this.

Noelle: You know, the living room would have been much better in pink.

Ami: But purple’s my favourite colour…

Also, remember that burnout I mentioned? Yep, Hermes and Lori both got the two types at the same time, and it stuck around for a good while. Hermes ended up playing chess to blow off some steam…

While Lori has been getting back into knitting and selling her creations on Plopsy! Mostly alpaca clothing, because it makes a good amount of money.

I’d actually not dealt with this moodlet before, and let me tell you, it’s super frustrating. However, at the very least, they were able to build their skills a bit, and Hermes does need logic for his promotion. However, burnout is understandable, as they’re both working these big jobs and looking after all three kids too, especially Owen.

They’re also not the only ones tired out, as both Amidala and Poe keep coming back from school absolutely exhausted. Poor kids!

And even when they get back, there’s still homework to do. Amidala is getting great grades, and Poe is putting the work in to catch up to her, which is fantastic.

Amidala: Ugh, I hate math…

Also, Ritvik popped up again while Hermes was playing chess and joined in with a game.

Ritvik: So, three children already, huh? Between you and my other grandchildren, I seem to have a lot of descendants.

Hermes: But I’m your favourite, right, Grandpa?

Ritvik: Depends how good you are at chess.

Of course, Lori and Hermes still make time for each other, even with their busy lives.

Hermes: You know, I miss everyone being around, but honestly, they’re not really gone. Nanna and Grandad, Mom and Dad…they’re all here regularly.

Lori: Exactly! I’m always happy to see them, too. I mean, I remember back when Elsa told me that your grandmother came to spy on your date…

Hermes: Yeah, but this way, the children get to meet their grandparents and great-grandparents, and you get to see everyone too. Although I do wish they’d stop making cake.

Ami has also picked up knitting, though she can’t make all the things her mother can make yet. Still, it’s a fun skill to build, and she’s been working on beanies recently! This was taken while her parents were chatting, too, so I thought it was cute that she and Lori were knitting at the same time.

Also, Hermes makes time for all his kids!

Poe: So, I was thinking, if we go to Free Comic Book Day, I could also pick up some Voidcritter cards?

Hermes: You know, when I was a kid, there were only a handful of Voidcritters. It feels like they come out with new ones every year.

Poe: That’s what makes them so cool! And the Championships are coming up soon, we could watch them together!

Hermes: Well, I won’t say no to that.

Meanwhile, Lori and Ami were able to catch up as well.

Ami: So, I’m friends with Gina, but Gina and Lilly fell out because Gina likes Logan and Lilly told Logan that Gina had a crush on him, so we’re not speaking to Lilly anymore.

Lori: So…Lilly isn’t coming on Saturday to play?

Ami: No, but Maisy is instead. Can we order pizza?

Truly, the most riveting of soap operas.

And finally, Owen aged up into the cutest little toddler! Look at those eyes and that smile! I had a lot of fun choosing all his outfits, too, and I’ll be updating his room very soon. But just look at him!

With that, it’s time for me to wrap things up after another chapter of the Whitmore Legacy. Things are happily speeding along, and I’m happy to see how things are going.

Daughters of Hesperia – Ocalea (1.110)

Ocalea smiled as she led the horses inside to their beds, soothing them as she did. It had been a long journey here for them, and it had been a while until both buildings in this area had been completed. It was comforting now to lead the horses in each night, and know that this shelter was hers.

It was also strange, no longer being part of Metis. She had been part of that tribe since her birth, and though she knew that two other women here were Metis-born, she did not know how to let go of her memories of there. Besides, her role within the tribe was rather isolated from the other women, and she had not had time to get to know many of them. She knew the queen, of course, who was now her queen, and Princess Thaleia, and she had met Scholar Anikka and her apprentice, the former princess Harpe, when they came to greet her and ask her about the horses for their records. She knew of the other women, but had not met them so much.

Hesperia was so much smaller, too, though Queen Pherusa had been impressed with its growth. Ocalea supposed she was as well, though Molpe was a daughter of the famed Queen Clodia. Hesperia had been carved from Sirena’s land, but nepotism alone would never have held something like this together. There were Scholars, Providers, Gatherers, Priestesses, a Tamer, and more. The tribe was doing well for itself, no one could deny it.

And their heiress, well, Ocalea trusted her. Princess Thaleia had greeted her as properly as any might, and she had seemed happy enough when meeting Maia. It was just that something seemed a little strange about the royal family, and she sensed she had not been told something. The queen and her daughter had not visited as often as Ocalea would have expected, either.

She wished she could speak to someone she trusted enough to explain the situation, but she did not know anyone here well enough for that. At the heart of things, she merely wanted to know what was going on, but she suspected she may have to wait for a while if she wanted to know anything at all. Humans and horses – time was required to build trust with both.