Desert Dreamers XVIII
Previously: Gideon and Gaby engaged in some father/daughter bonding, Rafael began an exhausting tech job, and Fátima struggled to let her firstborn go.
Since they didn't actually get to enjoy the scenery at all the last time they were in Granite Falls, I think it's time for one last family trip to the forest before Gaby is all grown up and out in the world on her own.
She's the only one who actually looks excited, though. Fátima seems terrified and like she is once again reconsidering her choice of outfit for the occasion, and Gideon looks like he's doubting his wilderness skills have held up after so long living blissfully in suburbia.
Come on, Gideon, chin up! Fishing is supposed to be your domain! Where'd all your former confidence go?
I'm hoping this cursed clump of seaweed is not a precursor for how the rest of the trip is going to go.
Fátima: DAMN MOSQUITOES! I CAN'T EVEN USE THE BATHROOM WITHOUT THESE BLOODTHIRSTY PESTS TRYING TO EAT ME ALIVE!
Whatever fortitude for the outdoors Fátima once had as a result of spending the bulk of her life in Selvadorada has officially dissolved if she can't even handle the possibility of a couple mosquito bites.
Gideon: Honey, look at these beautiful butterflies! Isn't nature just wonderful?!?
The random man in a bear suit trying to strike up conversation with her is not making her appreciate the wonders of nature any more. I want to talk to whoever came up with this idea, by the way. Would real bears have been too scary? Because this totally breaks any sense of immersion!
Anyway, these next few shots are basically all about the scenery... because this place is pretty boring beyond that. You'd think it was more interesting for how many times I've sent them here, but that was only because I was trying really, really hard to convince myself it was as fun as Selvadorada when it's absolutely not. But at least this statue is a sight to behold!
Finally, Fátima begins to enjoy herself... by going back to her favorite forest pastime of lying around doing nothing.
Meanwhile, Gideon must've gotten over his initial hesitation because he's now fully back into his bug-catching groove.
Unfortunately, a lot of the native plants seem to be out of season, which means he can't stock up on as many ingredients for his herbal remedies as he was hoping to.
The next morning, while Gideon and Fátima are still sound asleep in the tent, Gaby does manage to find some ripe berries.
As well as some giant moths that are somehow both pretty and creepy at the same time!
During the afternoon, it starts to rain, but Gaby's not about to let that get her down. She's braved harsher conditions than this when she was just a child, so she can definitely handle getting a little bit wet.
Strangely, Fátima is the most content she's been the entire trip when she's splashing giddily through the rain... It must be bringing her back to her carefree childhood or something.
The trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the hermit, who's looking a bit grayer but is still sticking it out in the middle of nowhere. Another reason why I'm not sure I could ever come back here again: it would feel pretty weird to suddenly encounter a new hermit after this one passes, even if we already know it's all fake anyway.
I still wasn't entirely sure where her life would end up going in the grand scheme of things, but I think it was around this moment when I officially fell in love with Gaby. Looking at this photo now is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, considering all the adventures she's gotten up to since then (not to be too spoiler-y).
Reality hits Gideon with a stark reminder that he's not getting any younger. By the final hours of their trip, he's feeling ready to take half a bottle of aspirin and sleep for a week straight.
I think whatever bug he's caught has passed onto Fátima because suddenly she's not looking too hot either. I guess it's time to pack things in.
Even Gaby has been afflicted with some mysterious forest illness. But she loves being surrounded by the staggering beauty of nature so much she'd be willing to ride it out if it weren't for her parents' insistence they get back home.
Speaking of home, Rafael has been taking advantage of his family's absence to stockpile some new videos for his SimsTube channel. Unfortunately, it seems he's finally found his drone's limit in the process.
I told you they were BFFs! Luckily, after a quick repair job, his gadget friend is back to (nearly) new.
I understand he doesn't need to do a beauty review video to complete this job, but the thing is... I need to see Rafael do a beauty review video for my own amusement. Besides, who would pass up the chance for more money?
Rafael: What's up, world? Today, I'm going to be testing out some of my mom's makeup because nobody has perfect skin and I think it's time to break down the beauty gender barrier! Even guys can benefit from a touch of foundation every now and then.
Rafael: Well-manicured nails are not only for the ladies either! I'm not sure exactly what it means to "push back one's cuticles," but today we're going to find out!
Bless this sweet summer child trying to apply eyeliner without removing his glasses. He really has no clue what he's doing.
Gosh, if the whole gaming thing falls through, maybe he really does have a future as a beauty guru...
He rounds out his weekend alone by inviting Alexis out on a real date. Needless to say, these two are really hitting it off.
Like, really. It seems Rafael has undergone a transformation from awkward to suave in the blink of an eye.
We'll let the words speak for themselves here. Some things are just so sacred they're better left to the imagination.
Since they didn't actually get to enjoy the scenery at all the last time they were in Granite Falls, I think it's time for one last family trip to the forest before Gaby is all grown up and out in the world on her own.
She's the only one who actually looks excited, though. Fátima seems terrified and like she is once again reconsidering her choice of outfit for the occasion, and Gideon looks like he's doubting his wilderness skills have held up after so long living blissfully in suburbia.
Come on, Gideon, chin up! Fishing is supposed to be your domain! Where'd all your former confidence go?
I'm hoping this cursed clump of seaweed is not a precursor for how the rest of the trip is going to go.
Fátima: DAMN MOSQUITOES! I CAN'T EVEN USE THE BATHROOM WITHOUT THESE BLOODTHIRSTY PESTS TRYING TO EAT ME ALIVE!
Whatever fortitude for the outdoors Fátima once had as a result of spending the bulk of her life in Selvadorada has officially dissolved if she can't even handle the possibility of a couple mosquito bites.
Gideon: Honey, look at these beautiful butterflies! Isn't nature just wonderful?!?
The random man in a bear suit trying to strike up conversation with her is not making her appreciate the wonders of nature any more. I want to talk to whoever came up with this idea, by the way. Would real bears have been too scary? Because this totally breaks any sense of immersion!
Anyway, these next few shots are basically all about the scenery... because this place is pretty boring beyond that. You'd think it was more interesting for how many times I've sent them here, but that was only because I was trying really, really hard to convince myself it was as fun as Selvadorada when it's absolutely not. But at least this statue is a sight to behold!
Finally, Fátima begins to enjoy herself... by going back to her favorite forest pastime of lying around doing nothing.
Meanwhile, Gideon must've gotten over his initial hesitation because he's now fully back into his bug-catching groove.
Unfortunately, a lot of the native plants seem to be out of season, which means he can't stock up on as many ingredients for his herbal remedies as he was hoping to.
The next morning, while Gideon and Fátima are still sound asleep in the tent, Gaby does manage to find some ripe berries.
As well as some giant moths that are somehow both pretty and creepy at the same time!
During the afternoon, it starts to rain, but Gaby's not about to let that get her down. She's braved harsher conditions than this when she was just a child, so she can definitely handle getting a little bit wet.
Strangely, Fátima is the most content she's been the entire trip when she's splashing giddily through the rain... It must be bringing her back to her carefree childhood or something.
The trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the hermit, who's looking a bit grayer but is still sticking it out in the middle of nowhere. Another reason why I'm not sure I could ever come back here again: it would feel pretty weird to suddenly encounter a new hermit after this one passes, even if we already know it's all fake anyway.
I still wasn't entirely sure where her life would end up going in the grand scheme of things, but I think it was around this moment when I officially fell in love with Gaby. Looking at this photo now is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, considering all the adventures she's gotten up to since then (not to be too spoiler-y).
Reality hits Gideon with a stark reminder that he's not getting any younger. By the final hours of their trip, he's feeling ready to take half a bottle of aspirin and sleep for a week straight.
I think whatever bug he's caught has passed onto Fátima because suddenly she's not looking too hot either. I guess it's time to pack things in.
Even Gaby has been afflicted with some mysterious forest illness. But she loves being surrounded by the staggering beauty of nature so much she'd be willing to ride it out if it weren't for her parents' insistence they get back home.
Speaking of home, Rafael has been taking advantage of his family's absence to stockpile some new videos for his SimsTube channel. Unfortunately, it seems he's finally found his drone's limit in the process.
I told you they were BFFs! Luckily, after a quick repair job, his gadget friend is back to (nearly) new.
I understand he doesn't need to do a beauty review video to complete this job, but the thing is... I need to see Rafael do a beauty review video for my own amusement. Besides, who would pass up the chance for more money?
Rafael: What's up, world? Today, I'm going to be testing out some of my mom's makeup because nobody has perfect skin and I think it's time to break down the beauty gender barrier! Even guys can benefit from a touch of foundation every now and then.
Rafael: Well-manicured nails are not only for the ladies either! I'm not sure exactly what it means to "push back one's cuticles," but today we're going to find out!
Bless this sweet summer child trying to apply eyeliner without removing his glasses. He really has no clue what he's doing.
Gosh, if the whole gaming thing falls through, maybe he really does have a future as a beauty guru...
He rounds out his weekend alone by inviting Alexis out on a real date. Needless to say, these two are really hitting it off.
Like, really. It seems Rafael has undergone a transformation from awkward to suave in the blink of an eye.
We'll let the words speak for themselves here. Some things are just so sacred they're better left to the imagination.