Desert Dreamers IV
Previously: Gideon and Fátima returned refreshed (and engaged!) from Granite Falls. Meanwhile, Ana explored her burgeoning sexuality and discovered her passion for acting, and Rafael became a child.
Gideon has decided he needs more plants and insects for his burgeoning interest in herbalism, and he also wants the rest of his family to love Granite Falls as much as he does, so it's time for another fun-filled weekend nature retreat. At least everyone's a little more appropriately dressed this time.
I know I said this game was hideously boring last time, but I'm willing to give it another chance.
Ana: Mom and I are about to cream you, pipsqueak! Prepare for total domination.
Ana: You're good at this game, right?
Fátima: What? No! I have no idea what I'm doing! Do you?
Ana: God, we are totally doomed.
Rafael: *effortlessly racks up all the points*
Yeah, I still have no idea how to tell who's ahead. All I know is that no one's horseshoes are making it around that stake, so I guess they're all varying levels of mediocre and the points are negligible.
Meanwhile, Gideon has forgone the tedium of horseshoes to continue his investigation of various natural habitats, all while a bald eagle soars majestically overhead.
Fátima: Honey, stop playing around with bugs, and come have a hot dog with us! I made vegetarian ones just for you!
Gideon is too busy concocting herbal remedies to sit down and have lunch with his family.
Ana: This place is disgusting! Why do you keep forcing me to do these stupid family activities instead of letting me do what I want? I'll die if I don't get some independence!
Fátima: Aw, come on, sweetie, you're not even trying. You might like it if you give it a chance.
Ana: Nope, never, not happening! Ugh, why did no one remember to pack any insect repellent?!?
Well, at least Rafael has taken a liking to the outdoors. He wants to be an expert fisherman just like his dad!
Luckily, the fish are out and biting in full force.
Gideon and Fátima sneak a moment away from the kids for a scenic forest kiss.
Ana: Of course the data network in this place is non-existent... What am I supposed to do if I can't obsessively check my socials every five minutes? Go on a hike? I'd rather die.
Ana: Oh, great! I see the furry convention has started now. Why is everything about this forest so awful? This is why nobody likes nature!
But, Ana, there are moments when spending time outdoors can be truly delightful, as long as that fire remains contained.
Okay, never mind, she can't even catch a break here, having immediately lost her marshmallow to the flames.
Gideon: And now for a rousing rendition of "Home on the Range." Don't be afraid to sing along!
Ana: Hey, guitar man, I have a burning question that only you can answer... How does it feel to know your music is literally so boring it immediately put everyone to sleep?
Gideon is so proud to have single-handedly constructed the tent they're all sleeping in for the night that he doesn't even hear Ana grumbling complaints under her breath while climbing reluctantly inside.
The next morning, Rafael is up early to work on his homework because there is no rest for an aspiring golden child.
Meanwhile, Ana channels her aggressive energies into practicing her lines for the next school play, much to the delight of her entire family as they try to enjoy a peaceful breakfast, I'm sure.
Rafael is thrilled to be receiving a personal lesson in bug-catching from his dad.
Ana: You guys disgust me. No way am I getting anywhere near those creepy crawlers.
Rafael: Dad is so heroic. I want to be just like him one day. Don't you think he's amazing?
Ana: I mean, he's fine... I guess. Mom could have done worse.
Rafael: Don't worry, Dad! As soon as I get my strength up, I'm right behind you!
Gideon welcomes his family to the deep forest with a heartfelt acoustic guitar serenade. Even if no one else appreciates it, at least he's safe in the knowledge that Rafael will unreservedly worship everything he ever does.
Ana: *breathes a sigh of relief* Finally. Proper civilization at last.
Ana: Excuse me, sir, a few questions for you. One, do you have wi-fi here? Two, if so, can you please tell me the password? I'm dying to check my Simstagram notifications!
Hermit: Wi-fi? Whatever does that mysterious word mean? I am just a humble forest hermit with no need for the thoughtless indulgences that have overtaken our sad society!
Ana: Okay, from one actor to another, I think you're laying the whole "recluse" bit on a little thick. Here, why don't you work on my lines with me? It'll help you perfect your own skills and land a better gig than this pathetic display!
Understandably, the hermit chose not to practice acting with Ana and instead escaped to his garden, where hopefully no annoying teenagers will pester him with their annoying requests for Internet access.
The family sets up camp for one final night sleeping under the stars.
Ana: You'd better close your eyes, kid, because they're totally about to fuck in there.
Rafael: No way! That's a dirty word! Mom and Dad would never!
Ana: Told you so.
Rafael: *will surely never be the same again*
The next morning, they return to an unusual sight for Oasis Springs: light snow flurries. I can't quite tell if Fátima is nauseous over the sudden shift in weather or experiencing the ill effects of some bad campfire food or feeling sick for some entirely different reason... I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.
Gideon has decided he needs more plants and insects for his burgeoning interest in herbalism, and he also wants the rest of his family to love Granite Falls as much as he does, so it's time for another fun-filled weekend nature retreat. At least everyone's a little more appropriately dressed this time.
I know I said this game was hideously boring last time, but I'm willing to give it another chance.
Ana: Mom and I are about to cream you, pipsqueak! Prepare for total domination.
Ana: You're good at this game, right?
Fátima: What? No! I have no idea what I'm doing! Do you?
Ana: God, we are totally doomed.
Rafael: *effortlessly racks up all the points*
Yeah, I still have no idea how to tell who's ahead. All I know is that no one's horseshoes are making it around that stake, so I guess they're all varying levels of mediocre and the points are negligible.
Meanwhile, Gideon has forgone the tedium of horseshoes to continue his investigation of various natural habitats, all while a bald eagle soars majestically overhead.
Fátima: Honey, stop playing around with bugs, and come have a hot dog with us! I made vegetarian ones just for you!
Gideon is too busy concocting herbal remedies to sit down and have lunch with his family.
Ana: This place is disgusting! Why do you keep forcing me to do these stupid family activities instead of letting me do what I want? I'll die if I don't get some independence!
Fátima: Aw, come on, sweetie, you're not even trying. You might like it if you give it a chance.
Ana: Nope, never, not happening! Ugh, why did no one remember to pack any insect repellent?!?
Well, at least Rafael has taken a liking to the outdoors. He wants to be an expert fisherman just like his dad!
Luckily, the fish are out and biting in full force.
Gideon and Fátima sneak a moment away from the kids for a scenic forest kiss.
Ana: Of course the data network in this place is non-existent... What am I supposed to do if I can't obsessively check my socials every five minutes? Go on a hike? I'd rather die.
Ana: Oh, great! I see the furry convention has started now. Why is everything about this forest so awful? This is why nobody likes nature!
But, Ana, there are moments when spending time outdoors can be truly delightful, as long as that fire remains contained.
Okay, never mind, she can't even catch a break here, having immediately lost her marshmallow to the flames.
Gideon: And now for a rousing rendition of "Home on the Range." Don't be afraid to sing along!
Ana: Hey, guitar man, I have a burning question that only you can answer... How does it feel to know your music is literally so boring it immediately put everyone to sleep?
Gideon is so proud to have single-handedly constructed the tent they're all sleeping in for the night that he doesn't even hear Ana grumbling complaints under her breath while climbing reluctantly inside.
The next morning, Rafael is up early to work on his homework because there is no rest for an aspiring golden child.
Meanwhile, Ana channels her aggressive energies into practicing her lines for the next school play, much to the delight of her entire family as they try to enjoy a peaceful breakfast, I'm sure.
Rafael is thrilled to be receiving a personal lesson in bug-catching from his dad.
Ana: You guys disgust me. No way am I getting anywhere near those creepy crawlers.
Rafael: Dad is so heroic. I want to be just like him one day. Don't you think he's amazing?
Ana: I mean, he's fine... I guess. Mom could have done worse.
Rafael: Don't worry, Dad! As soon as I get my strength up, I'm right behind you!
Gideon welcomes his family to the deep forest with a heartfelt acoustic guitar serenade. Even if no one else appreciates it, at least he's safe in the knowledge that Rafael will unreservedly worship everything he ever does.
Ana: *breathes a sigh of relief* Finally. Proper civilization at last.
Ana: Excuse me, sir, a few questions for you. One, do you have wi-fi here? Two, if so, can you please tell me the password? I'm dying to check my Simstagram notifications!
Hermit: Wi-fi? Whatever does that mysterious word mean? I am just a humble forest hermit with no need for the thoughtless indulgences that have overtaken our sad society!
Ana: Okay, from one actor to another, I think you're laying the whole "recluse" bit on a little thick. Here, why don't you work on my lines with me? It'll help you perfect your own skills and land a better gig than this pathetic display!
Understandably, the hermit chose not to practice acting with Ana and instead escaped to his garden, where hopefully no annoying teenagers will pester him with their annoying requests for Internet access.
The family sets up camp for one final night sleeping under the stars.
Ana: You'd better close your eyes, kid, because they're totally about to fuck in there.
Rafael: No way! That's a dirty word! Mom and Dad would never!
Ana: Told you so.
Rafael: *will surely never be the same again*
The next morning, they return to an unusual sight for Oasis Springs: light snow flurries. I can't quite tell if Fátima is nauseous over the sudden shift in weather or experiencing the ill effects of some bad campfire food or feeling sick for some entirely different reason... I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out.