Family Frenemies VIX
Previously: Aisha became the proud pet grandmother to a kitten named Nutmeg and asked Shawn to join her in feline bliss as she finally pulled the trigger on buying a house in Brindleton Bay. Meanwhile, Elliot and Madeline settled into suburban family life.
A quick note to say that these next few posts cover a time when I couldn't quite figure out what to do with these Sims beyond the typical marriage and kids thing. It doesn't help that I'm nearly two full generations ahead in real time. So apologies in advance if my captions seem especially uninspired.
As a mom and a wife, Madeline has many commendable skills, but, from the looks of it, I don't think cooking is one of them.
Madeline: Who knew a freaking omelette could be so difficult?!? That's it, I'm out of here!
Luckily, Elliot smelled the kitchen burning rapidly to a crisp from upstairs and raced down to save the day.
And just to prove to you that Madeline isn't entirely heartless, she did make sure to grab a very confused Nadia before fleeing the scene for good.
Madeline: Oh God! What have I done?!? My house! My beautiful house! Completely destroyed!
Nadia: *has no idea what's going on but is adequately distressed about it*
Elliot: It's New Year's Eve, our house is intact, and I made us all some delicious chili without causing further damage. Let's celebrate that!
Madeline: *downs one cocktail after another to numb the paralyzing horror of what could've been*
Elliot: I'm sure Mommy will join us in our celebration as soon as she gets her nose out of that glass!
Anyway, since there's a young child in the equation, they decided to pass a quiet New Year's Eve as a family at the ice skating rink. Madeline shook off her troubles by perfecting her moves while Elliot painted and Nadia doodled on her tablet nearby.
Elliot: Watch this! I'm totally going to freak out your mom and mess up her perfect landing!
Nope, nailed it. Madeline is queen of the ice, and nothing can distract her!
The Romance Festival happened to coincide with New Year's Eve, and Madeline and Elliot couldn't pass up the opportunity to put a little extra spark back into their love life by revisiting the place where they first met.
Meanwhile, Nadia occupies herself with toddler games on her tablet, under the watchful eye of this totally trustworthy and not at all suspicious-looking townie.
While there, Elliot takes advantage of the captive audience to hawk some more of his very diverse paintings. Seriously, this man is a master of all styles!
How rude, random townie! Madeline is a happily married woman who will never give into your flirtatious advances no matter how many rose petals you toss at her!
See?!? She's still hopelessly in love with Elliot, even now that the newlywed shine has worn off!
The next day, neither Madeline nor Elliot can afford to take the day off work, since promotions are hanging in the balance, so rather than shipping Nadia off to some unknown daycare, they hire a nanny. His name is Jaouad (someone's parents loved vowels), and hopefully he's as good at his job as he says he is.
Sure, he knows how to do a cool culinary trick or two, but does he know anything about how to placate a spoiled toddler? We'll soon find out.
I'm leaning toward no, considering he immediately sat his ass down on the sofa and started watching old episodes of late night TV on the DVR instead of even checking in to see if Nadia needed anything.
Nanny Jaouad: Why, hello there, little lady! Where did you come from? I didn't see you sneak up on me!
Nadia: *is really confused about where this strange man in her house came from and why he is talking to her*
Aisha: Can you believe your parents hired that incompetent nanny when I was here the entire time? I'm honestly offended they don't trust me as their first choice to babysit! The disrespect is far too much!
Aisha: Honestly, though, that guy sucks! He hasn't even come up here once! You could be dead for all he knows!
Aisha: Oh, hello, sir. I guess you probably overheard everything I just said?... Well, good! You're an awful nanny whose certification should be revoked immediately. Now, be gone! I've got everything covered myself!
Nadia: *honestly just wishes both of the adults would clear out and leave her to go potty in peace*
Anyway, Madeline and Elliot both got promoted, woo! Too bad they have to turn around and give all that money to a nanny who did nothing but dirty their kitchen, watch their TV, and irritate their daughter. Needless to say, he'll not be coming back again.
Instead, Madeline takes the next day off to introduce Nadia to the library. So wholesome!
Okay, maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all. Now they're probably going to have to pay for all that damage!
Librarian: Excuse me, young lady, what do you think you're doing?
Leave it to Nadia to put on her shiest, most innocent face to distract from the fact that she's been caught red-handed.
Then she goes the extra mile and whips out an adorable pink llamacorn to further pull the wool over the librarian's eyes. How could he possibly be angry at her now?!?
It's Nadia's birthday, which means her book-destroying phase will be mercifully cut short but also means there's probably much more disobedience to come. Who knows what trouble she'll get up to as a child!
Elliot looks like he can see his own old age rapidly approaching in the flickering light of those birthday candles - and it isn't a pretty sight.
She's definitely still a cutie, and even her truly bizarre sense of style is somehow endearing, though we might have to dial the quirkiness down a notch or two eventually. But, first, she can enjoy her cake.
Now that their daughter is old enough to stay home alone (just barely), Elliot and Madeline go out on a hot date all by themselves, which is something they haven't been able to do in a while.
Naturally, the alcohol kicks in after literally a single sip. Elliot had forgotten just how good alcohol can taste!
A great deal of loud, drunken flirtation followed, as you might expect.
An exchange of roses was involved, and I think we all know where that's leading...
I'm not sure why there's a closet in the middle of the bar (coatroom, I guess?), but it's almost like it was plunked down at exactly this moment for the sole purpose of Elliot and Madeline getting it on.
Madeline: Excuse me, random lady trying to hit on my husband, but who in the hell do you think you are?!?
Madeline: *marks her property by slobbering ostentatiously all over Elliot's face*
Random Lady: *is pissed her master seduction plan is foiled*
Madeline: Yeah, you better walk away! He's mine! Now go bat your eyelashes at someone who isn't married for a change!
After a crazy night out (by their usual standards), Madeline and Elliot are beat. Pretty sad that one of the first memories Nadia will have of her childhood is her parents' walk of shame. At least she's witnessing it in some kick-ass pajamas, though!
Anyway, turns out she's a bit of a chess whiz, or at least that's what her parents are hoping for so that she can channel any mischievous energy she might be harboring into a healthy outlet.
Oh, look, she's already making equally brainy friends! I think I knew what this girl's name was once, but I'm not sure anymore. Like I said, it's been about a thousand years since any of this happened. Actually, we're going to call her Chloe. She looks like a Chloe.
Chloe: Pretty crazy we have the exact same hairstyle, isn't it? I'd almost think you were copying me except that we've never met before!
Nadia: Copying you? Puh-lease. If anything, it looks way better on me.
Chloe: HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!!! THIS IS MY HAIRSTYLE! IF I EVER SEE YOU WALKING AROUND WITH IT AGAIN, YOU'RE DEAD!!! *dramatically flings chess pieces across the board*
(Full disclosure: this is a really ugly hairstyle, and it will be gone soon, but Chloe needs to take a chill pill about it.)
Elliot was supposed to be supervising Nadia on his day off from work, but instead he chose to spend most of that time napping on a bench. Now, this is a guy who's got his priorities figured out.
Townie: Ugh, gross! Who's that sad lowlife sleeping on a public bench like he owns it?
Nadia: That sad lowlife is my dad, and you'll put some respect on his name, sir, thank you very much!
A quick note to say that these next few posts cover a time when I couldn't quite figure out what to do with these Sims beyond the typical marriage and kids thing. It doesn't help that I'm nearly two full generations ahead in real time. So apologies in advance if my captions seem especially uninspired.
As a mom and a wife, Madeline has many commendable skills, but, from the looks of it, I don't think cooking is one of them.
Madeline: Who knew a freaking omelette could be so difficult?!? That's it, I'm out of here!
Luckily, Elliot smelled the kitchen burning rapidly to a crisp from upstairs and raced down to save the day.
And just to prove to you that Madeline isn't entirely heartless, she did make sure to grab a very confused Nadia before fleeing the scene for good.
Madeline: Oh God! What have I done?!? My house! My beautiful house! Completely destroyed!
Nadia: *has no idea what's going on but is adequately distressed about it*
Elliot: It's New Year's Eve, our house is intact, and I made us all some delicious chili without causing further damage. Let's celebrate that!
Madeline: *downs one cocktail after another to numb the paralyzing horror of what could've been*
Elliot: I'm sure Mommy will join us in our celebration as soon as she gets her nose out of that glass!
Anyway, since there's a young child in the equation, they decided to pass a quiet New Year's Eve as a family at the ice skating rink. Madeline shook off her troubles by perfecting her moves while Elliot painted and Nadia doodled on her tablet nearby.
Elliot: Watch this! I'm totally going to freak out your mom and mess up her perfect landing!
Nope, nailed it. Madeline is queen of the ice, and nothing can distract her!
The Romance Festival happened to coincide with New Year's Eve, and Madeline and Elliot couldn't pass up the opportunity to put a little extra spark back into their love life by revisiting the place where they first met.
Meanwhile, Nadia occupies herself with toddler games on her tablet, under the watchful eye of this totally trustworthy and not at all suspicious-looking townie.
While there, Elliot takes advantage of the captive audience to hawk some more of his very diverse paintings. Seriously, this man is a master of all styles!
How rude, random townie! Madeline is a happily married woman who will never give into your flirtatious advances no matter how many rose petals you toss at her!
See?!? She's still hopelessly in love with Elliot, even now that the newlywed shine has worn off!
The next day, neither Madeline nor Elliot can afford to take the day off work, since promotions are hanging in the balance, so rather than shipping Nadia off to some unknown daycare, they hire a nanny. His name is Jaouad (someone's parents loved vowels), and hopefully he's as good at his job as he says he is.
Sure, he knows how to do a cool culinary trick or two, but does he know anything about how to placate a spoiled toddler? We'll soon find out.
I'm leaning toward no, considering he immediately sat his ass down on the sofa and started watching old episodes of late night TV on the DVR instead of even checking in to see if Nadia needed anything.
Nanny Jaouad: Why, hello there, little lady! Where did you come from? I didn't see you sneak up on me!
Nadia: *is really confused about where this strange man in her house came from and why he is talking to her*
Aisha: Can you believe your parents hired that incompetent nanny when I was here the entire time? I'm honestly offended they don't trust me as their first choice to babysit! The disrespect is far too much!
Aisha: Honestly, though, that guy sucks! He hasn't even come up here once! You could be dead for all he knows!
Aisha: Oh, hello, sir. I guess you probably overheard everything I just said?... Well, good! You're an awful nanny whose certification should be revoked immediately. Now, be gone! I've got everything covered myself!
Nadia: *honestly just wishes both of the adults would clear out and leave her to go potty in peace*
Anyway, Madeline and Elliot both got promoted, woo! Too bad they have to turn around and give all that money to a nanny who did nothing but dirty their kitchen, watch their TV, and irritate their daughter. Needless to say, he'll not be coming back again.
Instead, Madeline takes the next day off to introduce Nadia to the library. So wholesome!
Okay, maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all. Now they're probably going to have to pay for all that damage!
Librarian: Excuse me, young lady, what do you think you're doing?
Leave it to Nadia to put on her shiest, most innocent face to distract from the fact that she's been caught red-handed.
Then she goes the extra mile and whips out an adorable pink llamacorn to further pull the wool over the librarian's eyes. How could he possibly be angry at her now?!?
It's Nadia's birthday, which means her book-destroying phase will be mercifully cut short but also means there's probably much more disobedience to come. Who knows what trouble she'll get up to as a child!
Elliot looks like he can see his own old age rapidly approaching in the flickering light of those birthday candles - and it isn't a pretty sight.
She's definitely still a cutie, and even her truly bizarre sense of style is somehow endearing, though we might have to dial the quirkiness down a notch or two eventually. But, first, she can enjoy her cake.
Now that their daughter is old enough to stay home alone (just barely), Elliot and Madeline go out on a hot date all by themselves, which is something they haven't been able to do in a while.
Naturally, the alcohol kicks in after literally a single sip. Elliot had forgotten just how good alcohol can taste!
A great deal of loud, drunken flirtation followed, as you might expect.
An exchange of roses was involved, and I think we all know where that's leading...
I'm not sure why there's a closet in the middle of the bar (coatroom, I guess?), but it's almost like it was plunked down at exactly this moment for the sole purpose of Elliot and Madeline getting it on.
Madeline: Excuse me, random lady trying to hit on my husband, but who in the hell do you think you are?!?
Madeline: *marks her property by slobbering ostentatiously all over Elliot's face*
Random Lady: *is pissed her master seduction plan is foiled*
Madeline: Yeah, you better walk away! He's mine! Now go bat your eyelashes at someone who isn't married for a change!
After a crazy night out (by their usual standards), Madeline and Elliot are beat. Pretty sad that one of the first memories Nadia will have of her childhood is her parents' walk of shame. At least she's witnessing it in some kick-ass pajamas, though!
Anyway, turns out she's a bit of a chess whiz, or at least that's what her parents are hoping for so that she can channel any mischievous energy she might be harboring into a healthy outlet.
Oh, look, she's already making equally brainy friends! I think I knew what this girl's name was once, but I'm not sure anymore. Like I said, it's been about a thousand years since any of this happened. Actually, we're going to call her Chloe. She looks like a Chloe.
Chloe: Pretty crazy we have the exact same hairstyle, isn't it? I'd almost think you were copying me except that we've never met before!
Nadia: Copying you? Puh-lease. If anything, it looks way better on me.
Chloe: HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT!!! THIS IS MY HAIRSTYLE! IF I EVER SEE YOU WALKING AROUND WITH IT AGAIN, YOU'RE DEAD!!! *dramatically flings chess pieces across the board*
(Full disclosure: this is a really ugly hairstyle, and it will be gone soon, but Chloe needs to take a chill pill about it.)
Elliot was supposed to be supervising Nadia on his day off from work, but instead he chose to spend most of that time napping on a bench. Now, this is a guy who's got his priorities figured out.
Townie: Ugh, gross! Who's that sad lowlife sleeping on a public bench like he owns it?
Nadia: That sad lowlife is my dad, and you'll put some respect on his name, sir, thank you very much!