The Montari Legacy

2007-08-11T07:16:00.001+01:00

Small update

2007-07-06T13:04:00.000+01:00

I haven't abandoned my Legacy family - or even the blog really. My family is just on gen 6 and my blog has gen 3 going to college... Obviously quite a lot happened in the middle...

I will probably just update the blog once the challenge is over with pictures of everyone (together if I even get a sim into the paranormal career as well as the new house and anything else I think is interesting.

In the mean time I am going to keep up to date with my new prosperity blog, which you can find through my profile.

Part 12: The diary of Henrietta Montari, aged 13 and 3/4

2006-04-16T17:09:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,
Dad has been telling us all about how Grandpa used to tell the whole family story thing in this album. He suggested that we all might like to have a turn and I wanted to go first...

Looking back, well Dad never got round to talking about us because Mum was about to have us. Well first things first - Mum gave birth to twins, one of whom was wonderful (me) and the other was my brother Lucas. (Lucas says he was more wonderful because he came first, but what does he know?)

Here are the baby pictures before I get in trouble...

Apparently Mum is holding me and dad is holding Lucas - you will however have to take their word for that as we look pretty similar. Taking care of twins doesn't look like the easiest thing to do; here is Mum looking a little stressed.

Although when you talk to Mum and Dad they say that it wasn't so bad. Grandpa was always around to help...

And eventually we grew up into nice, calm toddlers.

Mum says that it was on this night that Dad got taken away. I don't believe her though - as if I would have slept through something as cool as aliens visiting Pleasantview. Anyway Mum gave me this picture of the telescope in the back yard saying it's proof. (I told her that Joanna is better proof - but that comes later)

One of the weather satellites did catch the aliens bringing Dad home though... and we got a free copy of the picture. I wanted to tell you all the stuff that they did to Dad, but he still wont talk about it so that's not going to happen.

Dad was OK though - apart from a little weight gain coupled with a fair bit of 'travel' sickness. So we carried on as normal; Lucas learnt to talk... what kind of stupid idea was that?

(Henrietta wasn't going to put in anymore of her baby pics, so I will. Here's Hetti learning to walk - Lucas)

Turns out that wasn't just weight gain and a dodgy tummy - Dad was pregnant. It was a bit of a surprise when he went into labour in the hallway though. Oh and that's me in the background not looking very interested.

Dad gave birth to a healthy baby girl - Joanna. I was really happy to have a little sister instead of Lucas. Even if she drooled a lot. And cried a lot. And smelt. Maybe I wasn't so happy to have her then, but she's nicer now she's ten.

All this exitement caught the interest of someone entirely unexpected - my Grandma. Even though she died before I was born I've seen her a couple of times and know loads of stories about her. The first one to see her was Grandpa, of course. She only scared him a little though...

We're kind of used to seeing her now though which is cool. Most of my friends don't have ghosts - so we have really cool sleepovers. Grandpa, however, wasn't quite the same after seeing Grandma. I only remember a little but he started spending loads of time in the graveyard (which is in our back garden)

As well as telling us he loved us all the time. We didn't realise at the time that Grandpa wouldn't be around for long. One day while Grandpa and Dad were about to have another pool tournament the Grim Reaper showed up. Creepy or what?

We were all really upset for ages. But we had to carry on - Grandpa used to talk about how he started this huge family and we decided he wouldn't have wanted us all to be miserable. Our birthday came not long after Grandpa died, but nobody was in the mood to have a party (or even take pictures. Joanna did a little better though - we managed to get a couple of pictures of her after her first day of school.

Mum and Dad had been really worried in case the other kids picked on her because of her 'unusual heritage' (ie - she's green) but she made loads of friends. Besides, do you really think anyone would have picked on her with a big sister like me?

Next it was our turn to have a birthday - as well as starting high school. That's pretty much where we are now - and it's Lucas' turn to tell the story as he keeps reminding me.

Well, that's it from me (for now at least)

Hetti x

Part 11: A Time For Firsts

2006-04-06T08:41:00.000+01:00

When we last visited the (all new) Montari Manor Nathaniel and Hailey had celebrated their marriage, and of course their honeymoon. Now they were starting to look forward to their future.

Which seemed at first to involve clothes shopping; both Hailey and Nathaniel got new clothes.

A couple of days later Hailey had her suspicions that something entirely different was about to change the way she looked. She didn't think there was anyway she could be pregnant, apart from that one time... as she suffered the morning sickness she realised one time was really all it took. Now to tell Nathaniel.

Luckily Nathaniel had absolutely no problem with the idea of little Haileys or Nathaniels running around. He proceeded to go out of his way to make his wife as comfortable as possible during the early stages of her pregnancy.

The couple however chose to keep the news a secret between the two of them for a little while, at least until they could fully understand what was about to happen.

It couldn't be a secret forever though - Hailey started to show. Casting his mind back to before the birth of his twins Alexander managed to come to his own conclusions. Andrea had always been tired and Hailey kept falling asleep in her lunch. He couldn't wait to be a grandfather.

However Hailey tried to come up with some elaborate story involving handcuffs as to why she was getting bigger. Nathaniel decided this was the point where he should come clean and told his parents about the impending arrival.

It wasn't an entirely happy time in the Montari household however. Alexander and Andrea both caught the flu from some evil bugs outside the house. One of the neighbours was obviously annoyed as the rubbish bin kept being kicked over in the night. Alexander's symptoms mainly involved a lot of coughing...

...Andrea's symptoms were more serious. She began having strange dreams and hallucinations. In one of these she was told of a possible cure.

A company downtown had been marketing Energisers to help accomplished Sims feel better. However Andrea wasn't as lucky as most of the other Sims who had tried the contraption.

Alexander had in the meantime recovered from the flu using the time tested method of relaxation. As such he decided to spend time with his unborn (and first) grandchild.

After her stint in the energiser Andrea was left in the exact opposite condition to energised. She was so exhausted she collapsed on the lawn.

Waking up briefly she realised the she was absolutely starving - attempts for her to make food however failed when her body - already weak from the illness gave up.

It was then that the grim reaper paid his first ever visit to the Manor. Alexander and Nathaniel could only watch in horror as the Andrea was taken from them at an age of only 68.

Grief around the household continued for much of the next few days. All three remaining members of the family reacted badly to Andrea's death.

Alexander in particular spent a lot of time in the family graveyard - mourning the single grave of his beloved.

Hailey could barely sleep - despite the fact her pregnancy was making her more tired than ever. She realised however that she could not stay in such a state forever - her baby's safety was at stake. Rubbing her stomach Hailey hoped that when the little one arrived that it could help to fill the rift in the family.

As it turns out she wouldn't have to wait long to find out. The next night she woke in agony - waking Nathaniel up with her cries. It was time

Part 10: Generation 2 takes over

2006-04-03T13:51:00.000+01:00

After four quiet years around the house since the twins left, Nathaniel - heir to the Montari family name - returns to the family home. Alexander and Andrea of course welcome their son back with open arms. However they were disappointed to learn that Elizabeth would not be rejoining the family after making the decision to start her own family with college sweetheart Tyson Ying.

When Nathaniel finally arrived home, first class honours degree in hand, Alexander and Andrea could not help but feel proud of what both twins had gone on to achieve. It was then Nathaniel decided to ask something that neither Alexander or Andrea had expected - he wanted his fiancée Hailey to move in with them rather than let her return to her family in far away Veronaville (Hailey is really a townie but... artistic liscence). Of course both of his parents agreed immediately even if they were a little surprised.

Events moved quickly after that - Hailey moved in within the week. There was only one problem which remained - space in the house was tight. Alexander and Andrea had grown used to have a large amount of space after the twins left. As for Nathaniel, well he didn't think his fiancee would be that impressed if they spent the rest of their married lives sleeping in the room he had shared with Elizabeth since both were children.

As far as Alexander was concerned there was only one thing for it - the house was going to have to undergo some large changes. The whole family was called together to discuss how best to change the house - many extravagant (and some sensible) ideas later and Alexander had decided how best to change the house.

Given the amount of changes the house had survived through - from its very beginning as a two room shack (if you could call it anything as dignified as a shack), to its present state - Alexander knew plenty of good builders to get the house on its way.

The plans were drawn up and sent off. Before long the brand new Montari Manor stood in proudly in place. There was enough room for all the family in the new house as well as room for a fair few luxiourious extras. As well as any future expansions Andrea pointed out helpfully with a knowing look at her son.

Nathaniel and Hailey soon claimed the 'Western Wing' of the house for themselves - which came complete with a room the could be used as a *cough* walk-in wardrobe (according to Hailey). Nathaniel just let them go on hinting - they didn't have to start a family just yet. He didn't move any clothes rails into the extra room though.

Meanwhile Alexander and Andrea were just as happy with their 'Eastern Wing' - far away from any walk-in wardrobes that might wake them up.

Hailey and Nathaniel soon settled in to work - as graduates both were highly desirable as employees. Both started work straight away - Hailey as a Minor Leaguer...

... and Nathaniel as a Prep Cook.

While they were at work Tyson decided to pay a visit - or 7. (Winner of my World's Scariest Sim award - he just kept walking past the house a lot - kinda creeped me out)

Meanwhile Alexander contemplates a career in amateur dramatics. He does howver miss the point of acting and proceeds straight to the part were you're obssesed with your appearance.

After a couple of successful days at work Nathaniel has some time off - and decides to throw a wedding. Hailey quickly agrees and takes the day off work as well.

Nathaniel is up early on the morning of the party to check that everyone got the invites...

While Hailey gets a 'welcome to the family' speech from Alexander - which only vaguely makes he wonder if her husband to be is in the mafia.

The stage (well wedding area) is set.

Tyson begins proceedings with a toast to the happy couple - only half of whom is actually present. Nathaniel hardly had time to worry about his missing wife and father though... there was more toasting to be done.

So much so that when it actually came to the getting married part of the party everyone was still toasting them. Well Andrea might have been trying to decide if Tyson was really right for her daughter given his bright pink suit jacket.

Hailey and Nathaniel didn't seem to either notice ot care that no one was watching as the exchanged their vows.

Then Nathaniel gave Hailey her ring...
...and sealed the marriage with a kiss.

The effects of all that champagne were beginning to show - all three bathrooms in the house were occupied and some people just don't know how to hold it in. Elizabeth seemed to think it was funny though.
Nathaniel called his new wife over (from where she had been having her shower) to cut the cake...

... when it came to feeding it to her however he may have given her slightly too much. Hailey took it well however and grabbed a slice herself.

No sooner than the cake eating had begun the party was over. It was then Alexander and Andrea explained exactly what their wedding present to the couple was... a honeymoon weekend at one of the luxury hotels downtown.

The newlyweds almost forgot to squeal their thanks to the groom's parents for such a lovely present before they ran for the limo to take them there.

When they got to the hotel both had to admit that the loved the present very much and decided to take full advantage of their lovely room... and nice soft bed.

Part 9 - Elizabeth Montari - The College Years - Part 2

2006-03-17T17:27:00.000Z

Elizabeth hadn't really been surprised when her brother Nathaniel had been named the heir to the Montari legacy. He was popular with just about everyone in town - which was ideal for getting the family name known about town. She did decide however that it was time for her to think about her own future now that is wasn't so tightly entwined with the legacy. First on the list was a new look- she had always wanted longer hair.

Elizabeth invited Tyson around to see what he thought of her new curlier look. He seemed to like it - immediately complimenting her. Then again didn't he always do that?

Then Elizabeth implemented part 2. She couldn't imagine her future without Tyson and now that there was no pressure of finding a person who understood the pressures of her family (not that Tyson wouldn't) it was time to let him know that.

He confessed he had been thinking the same thing for a long time - but didn't have the guts to ask himself. Elizabeth laughed and asked 'Do I take that as a yes?'

Tyson took Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her. 'Of course it's a yes.'

Once the newly engaged couple had come to terms with their future - and planned out about the first twenty years of their life together - it was time for Tyson to meet the most important person in her life, twin brother Nathaniel.

While the boys had manly discussions inside Elizabeth and Hailey gossiped merrily outside. Hailey even admitted she was slightly jealous of the couple's engagement and that Nathaniel didn't even pick up on the hints Hailey had been dropping all over the place. Elizabeth laughed and reassured Hailey that her brother was just dense and he would get there eventually.

Once everyone had returned to their houses Elizabeth found that one of the boys had manage to break the TV - probably due to a remote control fight.

She tried to fix it herself - but then remebered her digestion lecture was due to start any minute. Hurrying out the door she rang a repairman and told him about the spare key under the doormat.

Sure enough when she returned the handyman was hard at work... and she only watched him a little bit - honest. Although when he started sweating... 'He's old enough to be your father," Elizabeth thought angrily to herself. Besides she had Tyson.

After all who needs someone else when they're so happy with the person they're with?

Even if they do appear to have a one track mind.

(I swear all he ever thinks about is WooHoo... and he's not a romance sim as I thought - on their date it said he was family)

Then some mean professor came and started shouting at Elizabeth and prodding her - which made her understandably upset as she didn't know what she had done wrong.

(And I still don't know - she never even knew him until this - ideas anyone?)

Soon the evil teacher (whose name I cannot remember) started a full scale fight with Elizabeth...

Who lost, brusing more than her pride in the process. She went back into her house in the hope of getting some comfort from Tyson - only to find him in the middle of an arguement himself.

Stirling Fancey - the rival school's mascot - was accusing Tyson of having an affair behind his back with Elizabeth of all people. Elizabeth was shocked how could he fiancé even think of doing something like that. With another man to boot. She looked at him hoping for him to say it was all a lie - he didn't.

Normally Elizabeth was note prone to violence but she yelled at Tyson to leave before having an interesting discussion with the other apparently oblivious party. She didn't quite believe that he was that oblivious - how else could he explain showing up in her house?

Once Stirling had left Elizabeth decided it was time for a little revenge. She rang Waylan - the repairman who had fixed her TV a couple of days ago - and invited him over for 'coffee and a chat'.

...which was actually more like flirting.

And then some. As Elizabeth kissed Waylan she couldn't help but feel guilty about what this would do to Tyson - but forgot that quickly. He had already hurt her, why shouldn't she have a little fun?

However as the day progressed fun suddenly became more serious...

Yet Elizabeth's anger spurred her on to carry on further - she was enjoying Waylan's company. Maybe asking Tyson to marry her had been the wrong thing to do. Was she sure that he was what she wanted for the rest of her life?

Things progressed along the natural course - however as Waylan was sleeping beside her Elizabeth began to feel more guilty she had imagined possible.

It was made worse the morning after when Stirling came round to have another go at Elizabeth...

...but when it started interrupting her work, the one thing she had always prided herself on and her senior thesis no less, it had to stop.
She phoned one of her friends and headed down to the Cacti Café forcoffee and a chat. During the chat she made up her mind about the future of her relationship with Tyson.

She called Tyson up and invited him straight round. As soon as Elizabeth opened the door to let him in he began his rushed apology - something he'd obvioulsy been working on for a while. Not that it mattered to Elizabeth...

... she even had one of her own. Although she didn't tell him why she was apologising exactly.

But all was good by the time the end of term party rolled around. Elizabeth managed to achieve her Summa Cum Laude despite all the hassle her last year threw at her. And then it was time to start her new life - in her own home.

Part 8 - Nathaniel Montari - The College Years - Part 2

2006-03-17T16:06:00.000Z

When we last saw twins Nathaniel and Elizabeth it was at their parents house during a visit during which it was announced that Nathaniel would be heir to the legacy his father began with his move to Pleasantview. Upon arrival back at La Fiesta Tech in preparation for their Junior year Elizabeth gives her brother a talking to about doing the right thing for the family given his new responsibilites as heir.

After Elizabeth returned home Hailey tried to start a discussion about past times between them - but Elizabeth's talk on responsibilities weighed on Nathaniel's mind heavily.

Not too heavily though - as he and Hailey start the new craze of 'Synchronised takeout eating: Chopstick style'

Having slept on his troubles Nathaniel finds time to play with the house's new toy. And also finds that he's quite good at it.

Hailey had to prove she was better - only she wasn't. Yet.

Nathaniel then decided to write home to his father explaining that he didn't feel as though he was heir... he was too young for something so important.

Meanwhile Hailey wonders when pineapples started growing in the desert.

Nathaniel would make his mum proud.

Hailey she doesn't want to know about that. Nathaniel is her brother.

Apparently she does want to know - they continued along the same vein of conversation for quite some time. Nathaniel took the opportunity to invite some of his old friends from home up for a get together - anything to avoid the discussion in the living room.

However when Tosha arrived the discussion was still going on - and she wasn't too happy to hear that the boy she had a crush on from all those years ago at Pleasantville Academy had grown up and away from her. She decided to take it out on Hailey with a firm poke...

...who retaliated with a glass of water. Nathaniel diffused the situation before things could turn really nasty. Tosha left in a sulk and Nathaniel was left to calm Hailey down.

Once she was sure that Nathaniel wasn't upset about the way she had treated his friend she succombed to his cheering up tactics.

He did however get very upset over some bugs he had found in the back garden earlier that day.

However, there wasn't much time for getting upset over silly little things like that really - given that the final ever exam for both Nathaniel and Hailey was later that night. There was no real need to worry though because both did absoultely fine - Nathaniel graduating Summa Cum Laude and Hailey Magna Cum Laude. Now when does the party start?

The party started the next morning when Nathaniel roused just about everyone on campus with his drum playing... noone seemed to mind though as the booze was flowing freely out of the converted pineapple, as well as plenty of music. And the infamous dance sphere.

What Nathaniel hadn't told everyone was that he had recieved a letter back from his father saying that when he had first moved to Pleasantview he didn't think he could manage to bring up a family that he believed to be so important either. He went on to explain that meeting the twins' mother had changed everything and that they built the family together. It was then he knew what he had to do - Hailey had been with him through everything so far - it made sense to carry on in the same way. He got down on one knee...

It was obviously the last thing she was expecting. Nathaniel explained his father's words and explained how he wanted her to be part of the future of the legacy...

... and she didn't take long to agree.

After the proposal there was only a short amount of time to enjoy reminising with friends before...

...it was time to grow up, l ose all fashion sense and go home.

Part 7: The 2nd Generation

2006-03-14T07:26:00.000Z

The kids have been away at college for two years already and Alexander has decided it his time to name his heir. He had decided long ago that he would name his successor on his 65th birthday meaning his birthday would be a double celebration - the last day he worked as well as the last day without an heir. However, on the eve of his birthday he still had not decided which of his two children should be his successor.

Unwilling to let Andrea know his problems he told he to email the children - he never had got the hang of that computer thingy - and invite them around tomorrow for the announcement.

Andrea left for work the next morning as usual leaving Alexander to make the important decision alone.

Alexander was sleeping a restless sleep until a familiar calm washed over him... for a moment he was back in the dream from all those years ago. The one that had started the whole thing. He was only there for a moment but he saw one thing which told him who his heir should be. A photograph of one of his own children.

What Alexander hadn't realised was how late the dream had caused him to sleep in - Elizabeth and Nathaniel were due to arrive home any minute. He rushed downstairs in time to see Nathaniel arriving...

...very closely followed by his sister.

Nathaniel and Elizabeth made small talk as their father pondered how to explain his decision. The twins were both excited and nervous as their father walked into the room.

Deciding the direct approach was the best policy Alexander named Nathaniel as the heir to the Montari legacy.

Elizabeth took the decision well and immediately congratulated her brother. Because although she wasn't to be the one to found the family she could always be the cool aunt.

Nathaniel, however, was stunned into silence - he couldn't believe his father had chosen him to carry on something which was so important. He had always believed Elizabeth to be the favourite...

It didn't take long for the news to sink in however. Soon Nathaniel was grinning from ear to ear at the idea of the future which lay ahead of him.

Once the twins had left Alexander remembered all the parts of his life which had led to this moment.

And later with his wife discussed the possibility of things to come. Andrea too was looking forward to the things to come in the future.

After the pressure of the previous day and given his new status as a retired business tycoon Alexander decided to get a new look - vaguely resembling a golfer.

And for the non story related random picture of the day:

I think this qualifies for the things I never wanted to know award lol.

(And for anyone who is confused as to Elizabeth's change of appearence - it comes up in the next part of her college years story. However in order to get certain things for people to talk about I needed to do that part first and pretend this came before... hope that made sense)

Part 6: Elizabeth Montari - The College Years - Part 1

2006-03-14T07:24:00.000Z

Elizabeth, like her brother moves into a small house in a quiet location away from the hustle and bustle of a dorm. After all college is where she has wanted to be since she was old enough to know what college was. Besides in a dorm there was no way she'd get on with everybody - whereas here she has complete control of who gets into her house.

This guy is most definately allowed in.

Tyson, as Elizabeth learns when she stops ogling the boy, is actually quite a sweetie. He offers to loosen all the knots in her back from moving heavy boxes into her new place.

Over the course of the first term however one thing leads to another. Elizabeth does manage to keep up with her studies - but doesn't forget how to have fun.

However, like many other people she attend lectures in unsuitable dress. However, Elizabeth is careful to consider the benefits before doing so.

When she realises she is going to need to exercise as part of her course Elizabeth wonders if biology was really the way to go. Then again the least she could do is try to beat the other guy, right?

Ha - take that. I win.

Uh oh - this guy at the end is pretty good. Or maybe it's just beginners' luck.

Yup - beginners' luck on two counts. How come the middle guy ended up winning?

After all that hard work Elizabeth decided that a little comforting from her boyfriend was necessary. Again complete with slightly perverse cheerleader.

Elizabeth then invites Tyson to stay the night - however, after getting down to business he doesn't seem to be able to sleep and instead ransacks Elizabeth's library. He was saved from a thorough talking to about proper respect for books by the final exam of Elizabeth's Junior year.

Part 5: Nathaniel Montari - The College Years - Part 1

2006-03-14T06:49:00.000Z

This is Nathaniel Montari - possible heir to the Montari family name, well legacy if you listen to his dad. However, before he knows whether or not it will be him or his sister that decides the fate of the Montari family future there's just the small matter of university to attend to. Given the large amount of scholarship money Nathaniel recieved - who'd have thought that working hard and skill building could lead to money? - He moved straight into his own little house, with his sister just across the road. La Fiesta Tech is never going to know what his it.

It didn't take long for Nathaniel to realise the slight problem with his living away from the dorms plan - being one of those people who craves the company of others and all - he was lonely. It didn't last long though as his girlfriend from home, Hailey, had started university at the same time and was not getting along with her dorm mates. One quick call and he'd got himself a new roommate. 'And maybe more,' he thought carrying Hailey over the threashhold in what she called 'practice'.

That night he decided to put in a little practice of his own...

... which continued. Complete with a cheerleader during this impromptu gathering.

Hailey got so worked up about her final freshman exam that she just strolled out of the house in her underwear - she didn't need to be worried though because she ended up making the Dean's list.

As did Nathaniel, so Hailey decided to throw a little party. However at the same time Nathaniel had invited his mum round to celebrate - who ended up being a little surprised by the amount of women her son had in his bedroom. Once she was assured that it was Hailey's party she began to let her hair down and enjoy the party.

Andrea was especially impressed by some student's dedication to their studies - now if only her son appeared so worried about the next few years at uni. Hailey proves that if she ever lives with Nathaniel she will need a maid - by telling Vamsi what to do and then watching.

Nathaniel decides to do philosophy for his major and then spends the whole time he should be writing his first big essay thinking about Hailey.

Sophmore year passed quickly given the amount of work Nathaniel and Hailey had been doing. Working however didn't mean there was no time for partying - as Hailey proved by having another roof raiser.

Hailey off to the final sophmore exam - in her pajamas. One of these days she will learn that you don't get extra points for showing up dressed funny - people just laugh at you. Then again it might be good luck - both Hailey and Nathaniel kept their 4.0 GPA. It was scary to think they were already half way through uni though.

Part 4: Birthdays and a little friendly competition

2006-03-13T09:32:00.000Z

Alexander prepared to blow out his birthday candles thinking about the many things he had achieved in his life. He was finally content that his decidion to move to Pleasantview had been a good one - his family was happy and had a firm foundation for future generations in the twins.

Although as Alexander realised growing old didn't mean that your life was over... he could still enjoy everything he had previously - starting with birthday cake.

The day after Alexander's birthday brought a whole new idea into the Montari household... Nathaniel had grown bored of just talking to his friends on the phone and began to invite them around. It was at this time Elizabeth began to realise that most of Nathaniel's friends were girls.

Then when she commented on his choice of friends Nathaniel replied with, 'you're just jealous'. Although Nathaniel was joking with his sister and wasn't intentionally nasty it did give Elizabeth an idea - just for some friendly competition.

The next night she proved that Nathaniel's strategy for getting to know girls worked just fine for boys too.

Not to be outdone Elizabeth decided to go one better and ended up getting her first kiss.

When she told Nathaniel he could hardly believe that he had been beaten to a first kiss by his know-it-all (three minutes younger) sister.

The next night Nathaniel showed that he too was a hit with the opposite sex...

Nathaniel was, however, in trouble with his parents for sneaking out instead of going to his mum's birthday party. That didn't last long though because Alexander has something of a soft spot when it came to his children and Andrea - well she was contemplating how that many candles can fit on such a small cake.

Alexander did attempt to cheer Andrea up in his own special, if somewhat childish way.

Andrea tried cheering herself up by playing as she had when she was little.

But it was Elizabeth who had the idea of the makeover. After she got used to her new hair Andrea was much happier.

Nathaniel had moved on to another girl by this time - he had even tried to impress her by cooking her grlled cheese sandwiches. Which despite its utter hopelessness as a romantic gesture seemed to work.

Nathaniel had a new girl and Alexander had a new car... I think he prefered his choice. Even with Andrea's teasing about his choice - 'What do you mean mid-life crisis?'

Then it was time for Hailey - yes, Nathaniel even bothered to learn the name of this one - to meet his parents. Although when it came to it he seemed to have disappeared - leaving Hailey to wonder about whether this was a good idea.

Andrea soon put her fears to rest by telling her lots of embarrassing stories about when Nathaniel was little - which of course she never would have been allowed to do if Nathaniel was there. Without much protest that is.

Overall Andrea was glad to meet the girl who her son seemed to have fallen for - before the twins disappeared off to college that is. The acceptance letters from La Fiesta Tech had arrived that morning as well as numerous scholarship letters. Now both Alexander and Andrea just had to come to terms with the fact that their babies weren't so much babies as young adults who would be leaving home in a matter of days.

Part 3: Generation 2 - The (Very) Early Years

2006-03-13T07:39:00.000Z

It seemed like forever ago that Andrea had been throwing up into the toilet. However, after all the mood swings Alexander was excited that this was all going to be over soon. And about the baby of course...

Make that babies...

As Alexander gazed into the eyes of his daughter Elizabeth he could barely believe that this was happening. Andrea pretty much felt the same as she kissed her son, Nathaniel, but had put up with the pair playing football inside her for ages so she had a much better idea. Even as the twins continued to keep the pair up through nappy changes and midnight feeds Alexander knew his dream was going to come true.

As the twins grew they learnt to walk, were potty trained and then they learnt to talk. Both parents felt this was an awful idea and immediately regretted it.

All too soon it was birthday time and the twins became children. (I didn't realise until now I had no toddler photos) Elizabeth was already showing signs of wanting to follow in her mother's footsteps...

However Andrea was considering following a new career in painting. But decided against it after this 'masterpiece'. Alexander ever the one to be encouraging hung the painting in the children's room, but agreed Andrea should stick to policing.

It was at this point Alexander realised by how much his little family had grown... and the house with it. Well you could hardly consider it a two room shack anymore.

Pretty soon it was time for the twins' first day at school. They were a shoe in for the local private school because of Alexander's job as President of one of Pleasantview's biggest companies. Andrea couldn't bring herself to watch as her babies left her... but cheered up when she realised she could persue her dream of being on of Pleasantview's richest inhabitants.

Another few years passed and the twins grew into strapping teens. Nathaniel decided he was going to be a chef when he grew up and started making the connections he needed - plus as far as he was concerned the more friends the merrier.

Where as Elizabeth had a slightly different set of goals for her life, and she set out to become the most knowledgable person she could be.

Alexander tried to forget that his children were growing up and would soon be leaving him for university. There was nothing more he wanted for his family after all than for them to get the start in life he never had. But forgetting all of that he decided that he would try and act a little younger instead of someone who was about to become an elder.

Nathaniel didn't think he'd got it quite right. Judging by his general speechlessness that is.

Elizabeth wasn't so sure. Either that or she was just humouring Alexander. Or annoying her brother.

Meanwhile in a restaurant on the other side of town Andrea was having a mid-life crisis of her own. She had gone on an outing with three complete strangers, but seemed to be having a good time. Even after they made her pay.

Part 2: Baby steps towards a legacy

2006-03-13T07:19:00.000Z

When we left Alexander he had been approved of by Andrea's friends. He almost wished he could do the same but all his friends were many miles away, and the few neighbours he knew didn't know him well enough to judge.

Alexander knew he had found the perfect woman anyway. Given his desire to start a family he did the only thing he could... and of course she said yes.

However their engagement night was spoilt... a burglar decided that he would try and take Alexander and Andrea's newly purchased sofa. Andrea being the safety conscious police chief that she was had installed a burglar alarm when she moved in.

So as one of the other officers from the station dealt with the nasty burglar Andrea stood there and screamed - she's lost all her respect at work now eh? Alexander cheered in general at the fight in front of him - which the police officer won of course.

All that screaming had made Andrea hungry. However, when she tried to make some simple Mac and Cheese she found she was too shook up to even manage that - and set the house on fire.

Well after that there was only one thing for it. The Shrink. After his visit Andrea seemed a lot happier - Alexander thought she was crazy but he loved her anyway. He even made her the Mac and Cheese.

That wasn't enough for Alexander though. When Andrea got home from work the next day he had a little surprise waiting for her.

And in front of a couple of their friends Andrea Hogan became Andrea Montari. And Alexander was one step closer to realising his dream.

Actually make that two...

Part 1: A Dream

2006-03-13T06:34:00.000Z

This is Alexander Montari. One night, not so long ago he had a dream. In his dream he saw a family far in the future. A family that had brought many great things to their neighbourhood. Somehow he knew that it was his family - only it couldn't be - he didn't even have any children. He tried to settle down where he was and forget about the dream but it was impossible. Then one day he recieved a letter - a large plot of land had been left to Alexander (in some batty great-aunts will). The land was in far-away Pleasantview and Alexander almost ignored it - then he remebered the dream.

Alexander withdrew his life savings and left for Pleasantview the next day.

Once Alexander arrived in Pleasantview he realised £4,800 of savings wasn't really enough to build a proper house (especially not one on a plot of land as big as his). He did however manage to afford a two room shack - complete with a bed, sofa, refrigerator, oven and toilet. The less said about the lack of a shower the better. It was at this point Alexander contemplated giving up... there was no way he could bring up a family in conditions like this...

.... then Alexander saw an advert for a mailroom technician, he had heard that this was a company who liked people to get to the top from the bottom rung. Deciding that this was exactly what he was trying to do with his 'family' he took the job.

With a bit of money coming in Alexander managed to buy a few more essentials for the house (including a shower). Then the promotions came one after the other. Maybe this could work after all - Alexander thought after fitting his first window.

Then one day Alexander met the local police officer, Andrea Hogan, as she was on the beat. Pretty quickly Alexander started spewing nonsense about how she was more beautiful than all the flowers he had ever seen. Then he cursed inwardly because there was no way that could ever work...

... 'Or maybe it could,' thought Alexander as he leaned in for his first kiss.

Alexander and Andrea had a whirlwind romance, the kind that only seems to last for two days, before he asked her to move in - and of course she accepted.

Preparing for the first night as a co-habiting couple Andrea commented on how much nicer the house looked since she moved in. Alexander said nothing but inwardly he thanked Andrea for the money she brought with her. Now he had both the money and the house (sort of) as well as the perfect woman to start his family with.

Pretty soon Andrea decided it was time to introduce Alexander to some of her friends... she decided to invite them round, but which ones to invite first?

Then she had it... she could play matchmaker at the same time. The invitaions were sent (well phoned through).

The matchmaking failed spectacularly, but they seemed to approve of Alexander.

2006-03-13T06:31:00.000Z

Just a little post before I start with the actual blog.

I am English so spelling and words and the like from this side of the pond will creep in. This is the first time I've done this whole blog thing for my Sims so if i get things a little wrong please tell me. Most of all I hope you enjoy my blog. Now on with the show...