Desert Dreamers II

Previously: Gideon settled into Oasis Springs with his girlfriend Fátima, her daughter Ana, and their unborn child. Soon enough, they had a bouncing baby boy named Rafael. Meanwhile, a water balloon fight broke the ice between Gideon and Ana just before she grew up into a teenager.



In her quest to discover what her true life's passion will be, Ana has decided to take up cooking. I think someone needs to teach her proper bowl-stirring technique first.


She did manage perfect-quality pan de muerto on her first try, though, so maybe there's something there...


Ana: You guys are so gross! Can you please refrain from making out directly in my line of vision when I'm trying to learn new recipes from the eternal culinary queen Julia Child?!?


Wow, that pan de muerto is almost as big as Rafael's head! I don't know how he's managing to eat it on his own.


Are you ready for some adorable content? Because I will give you adorable content. I call this piece Father Introducing Son to Pool on Blisteringly Hot Afternoon. Enjoy.


I think Rafael is a fan of the water!


Aww, Fátima is so proud and happy to see her two boys bonding. I live for pure family moments like these!


Ana: It's like everyone forgot I even exist anymore!
Gideon: We could never forget you exist! Oh, that reminds me. Your mom and I are going on a quick little vacation to Granite Falls this weekend. Can you watch your brother for us?
Ana: But he isn't even my full brother! This is so unfair! I hate you!


Before trekking off into the wilderness, Fátima and Gideon attempt to align their energies and reach a state of enlightened serenity via a beginner's yoga class. Mostly, though, their lack of experience just ended up causing them undue stress.


Gideon: This shit is supposed to be relaxing, really?!? I've never felt more tense in my life!
Fátima: Just breathe through it, honey. Breathe through it... Oh god, you're right, this is awful!


Even though Gideon really should have hit the showers first, they both find the sauna to be a far more enjoyable and truly relaxing experience.


In fact, they ended up getting a little too comfortable in the sauna, judging by that suspiciously heart-shaped steam.


They keep the relaxation train rolling once they reach Granite Falls. Because, you know, all those days spent leaving their kid with a babysitter instead of staying home to do the job themselves really take a toll.


Here's a new activity none of my Sims have ever experienced before: horseshoes! This is going to be so exciting!


Just kidding. This game is actually mind-numbingly boring to watch, and I have no idea how the scoring system works.


Who's winning? How many points do they have? I haven't the faintest idea. The game went on so long I had to cancel it before it was over. I hope it was more fun for them than it was for me.


Anyway, I decided a journey to Granite Falls was in order because Gideon has inherited a lot of his father's restless and adventurous spirit, but I've kind of exhausted Selvadorada at this point. However, Granite Falls is filled with fascinating new unidentified plants to research, which should keep him busy for a while.


There are also many intriguing and somewhat terrifying insects to collect, apparently with his bare hands because he's just that talented.


When I say terrifying, I mean terrifying. This is something straight out of a horror movie. Why must these praying mantis looking creatures be as big as a grown cat?!? There is no need! I'm very concerned that Gideon is not more bothered by their monstrous size.


Meanwhile, digging for fossils and crystals and minerals is nice and all, but I sure hope Fátima notices what looks to be a secret passage to a hidden destination directly behind her.


Good! She's just as smart as I thought she was! What mysteries could be lurking behind these brambles?


What?!? Is it Bigfoot? Tell me it's going to be Bigfoot!


Sadly, it's not Bigfoot, just some hermit guy who seems utterly normal aside from living in a shack in the middle of the woods. Basically, he's a typical dude with a garden and a cabin. Disappointing.


At least there are some more interesting fish populating this place. Fátima snagged a gummie guppie, and I'm really curious if that thing literally tastes like Swedish Fish because that's sure what it looks like.


Gideon caught a bass, and of course, being a vegetarian and all, he will toss it back into the water where it will surely go on to live a long and happy life. (Also, I keep forgetting Gideon is a vegetarian.)


It may not be the most exciting place in the world (as I've found is true of most of the hidden lots in this game, to be honest), but it sure is brimming with beauty around every corner.


As Gideon plucks some rare herbs to take home, the hermit's garden appears almost mystical beneath the full moon.


Meanwhile, back at home, Ana is not at all pleased to be responsible for Rafael's wellbeing. She's a teenager now! She should be sneaking out to nightclubs and throwing wild house parties while her parents are away on vacation!


Welcome to Parenting 101. Today's lesson: how to handle misbehavior without snapping under the pressure.


Ana: What? You mean I actually have to put effort into this? I don't see why the stupid kid can't just fend for himself!


Ana: Get on that potty now, mister! I am not messing around!


If only Ana had paid attention in class, she would've learned the last thing you want to do is meet defiance with strict authoritarianism. Now, he's only going to want to resist more. We'll never get this boy potty-trained.


Ana: This is giving me a migraine. When does the rest of my life start? I thought growing up was supposed to be fun!