See you next time

Well, as I've moved to a new state, got a new job, and actually no longer even have Sims 3 on my computer anymore... I think it's time to retire this family. I know, heartbreaking - but you never know what might come up!! Maybe some short stories, or even a possible legacy in Sims 4. Never know!

Thanks for your support and loyalty in my family. I love you always for it!

See you next time!

Quick word

I know, it's been a really long time. I'm hoping to get back into posting updates on my family. Even getting more play time. I just wanted to let you all know:

If you didn't see, there have been a couple changes to the blog! Nothing huge mind you. I've added a page to the top. It's an Heir Information page! This page is just for me to highlight each heirs life. Just a simple reference guide. Actually I found it funny, as I made that page, that I have so far only had male heirs. This wasn't ever supposed to be, by any rule, a patriarchal legacy. It just has turned out that way so far.  Perhaps this generation will have a female heir, perhaps not. We shall see!

Also, the Legacy Rules page has been updated as well.

Anyway, just a quick update to say that I am still around, and even have played a good amount recently. Time to get it all written out. Thanks for sticking around. Love to each and everyone of you!

:D


Oh, and a quick note here.. random note... When we do get into Rylan college time, I'll have one post about that, and then we'll be back home with the heir. One post to highlight his dorm life.


***Fun fact about the Fuller family: Did you know, each heir has had an 'A' in their name?***

5.26 - Family Problems

Previously, in the Fuller family: The family that suffered a big loss is moving on with life. David and Rosetta have taken a few vacations and the teens are getting more familiar with each other. While the parents are away again, the three kids have hit the town for some fun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday morning the teenagers had leftover breakfast calzones for their morning meal. Each of them showered and dressed. By 10am they were on their bikes, ready for the outing they had planned. The fair wasn't that far away, just three or for blocks, so they were there in no time. 

"This place looks pretty neat," said Caylin. "Though, I can't help but notice the serious lack of other people."

Rylan and Dayna looked around. It appeared it really was just the three of them.

Caylin pouted, but Dayna shrugged. "Oh well, at least we don't have lines to wait in! Let's go check it out."

Rylan agreed with Dayna, though - with the park being empty - it made him feel like he was trespassing a little, even if the sign did say 'OPEN'.

The first place to see was the big dragon fountain. All three kids looked at it for a while, chatting about, and admiring, their favorite parts.

It wasn't long before the teens were at the archery range. Mostly this is the reason that Dayna really wanted to come visit the festival.

They each lined up, side by side, to take a shot or two. Rylan didn't get a bullseye, but hit the target's side. Dayna got a straight shot right down the middle, showing them all up. Caylin didn't even hit the target, but she enjoyed trying anyway. She even laughed about her bad aim.

"Oh let me take a picture of you two! You both look like natural bowmen!" She stepped to the other side and pulled out her cellphone for picture. "You guys look so cool. This is going on the wall as soon as I can print it. Hey, I'm starving, I'm gonna make some hot dogs on this grill I saw."

While she was cooking, Dayna and Rylan stood and chatted.

"Well, I have to say, maybe it's the lack of people but, I'm not too impressed with this place. I love the archery, and the medieval decor is awesome but there is something missing." He shrugged, "I'm glad we came but I wish it were more populated."

Dayna nodded in agreement, "Yeah, maybe it is the serious lack of peeps. I'm normally fine without a crowd, but this is kinda creepy."

"Perhaps we can keep an eye out in the paper for some kind of event being held here in the future. Try and come back when there are more people to liven it up. Maybe that would be more fun." Suggested Rylan.

Caylin said that lunch was ready and the three of them sat down at a picnic table to eat.

"Totally awesome of you to make lunch for us Caylin, thanks," said Dayna.

"Hey, no probs."

It was actually more like dinner than lunch really. When they realized how late it was, the three teens were surprised. Being in a wooded area can give you a false sense of time if you aren't paying any attention.

While they were chatting over their meal, Dayna was swatting away mosquitoes. They had stared to really swarm around. That is what made Rylan glance at his watch.

"Wow," he said, "It's a lot later than I thought it was. I guess time has just flown by. It's nearly 7! I'm ready to go back home if you two are. Especially with these overwhelming culicidae flying around."

Caylin looked at her brother questioningly. 

Rylan rolled his eyes slightly and smirked. "Mosquitoes Cay, bloodsuckers." Rylan had taken to calling Caylin 'Cay' for short. He jokingly called Dayna 'Day' one morning, but she had given him a deadly look and nearly shoved him under the approaching bus, so he hadn't done that since. Caylin didn't mind, actually seemed to like her new named given to her by her big brother.

The siblings started clearing up the mess they had made and headed for home.

***Meanwhile***

David and Rosetta had only been gone a day and a half when Rosetta started feeling ill. So the two of them were calling the vacation off, and were on their way home.

I feel bad for making him leave early. He was really enjoying himself. When I told him I didn't feel well though, he understood and seemed to get worried. He says he's perfectly fine with coming home. I know he probably is, he wouldn't lie to me like that but, I still feel very guilty. I really just don't feel good. That makes me miss my babies very much. I just want to go home and see them.

Both David and I have a full head of grey hair, boy aren't we a cute couple. He looks just as handsome now as the day I met him. I'll never forget that day. I thought I was going to get a reprimand for being on his property. He invited me inside instead! That was really when his eyes started capturing my heart. I don't think I wanted to admit it at that time though. 

Rosetta glanced at her husband and smiled. He noticed her look and smiled back, wondering what she was thinking about.

I always thought I'd end up with someone else. Someone different than David. I'm so glad I was wrong. He's so perfect. I hope I've made him as happy as he has done for me. Our babies are growing up so nicely. I always wonder how Brenna would be now, were she still with us. Probably just as quiet as usual, not very popular. I miss her so. 

Rosetta found her mind wandering far from where the train of thought began.

"Everything okay my love?" David asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. "You've been awful quiet. How do you feel?"

She smiled warmly at him, "I'm okay I guess. I still feel dizzy and very lethargic. Maybe I am just homesick."

"Should we take you to the doctor instead of going home?"

Rosetta shook her head, "No, no I'm just ready to be home. I don't need a hospital visit." 

"Okay." David smiled and reached over to squeeze her hand. "Home it is, we'll be there very soon. I wonder what the kids are up to."

Twenty minutes later, David pulled into the driveway. He told Rosetta not to worry about the luggage, that he would get it in the morning. The only thing he did bring in was the bag of bathroom essentials. He wanted his wife to be able to brush her hair, or teeth tonight if she so wished. Maybe it would help her to feel better.

When they got inside, Dayna and Rylan were sitting at the dining room table having a little dessert. The two of them were very happy to see their parents and jumped up to greet them. After saying hello, they all sat back down at the table. Caylin wandered in just a moment later and squealed with delight.

David had been telling the other two that Rosetta wasn't feeling well, and that's why they were home early. Rylan instantly began to worry about his mom. He pulled out his tablet and asked about all her symptoms.

Rosetta smiled at Caylin and got up to give her a hug when she came in the dining room.

"Oh, I missed you guys so much," She said as she hugged her daughter. "Did you miss us?"

"Well you weren't gone too long, but yeah! I missed you." Caylin replied. "SO do you want to hear about what we did? We didn't actually stay home and do nothing this time!"

Rosetta laughed. "Sure, tell me all about it. But make it kind of quick, it's past your bedtimes. It is a school night you know."

Dayna piped up, "Aww, mom come on. You just got home. We want to sit with you for a while."

"Well, I'm tired and won't be up long myself. You guys need your sleep too. I already know you're not going to be fully rested when you wake up, it's so late! Anyway," She looked back to Caylin, "Tell me all about your weekend."

Caylin went of describing what they did on Friday night, and all of Saturday. Dayna volunteered some random information that her sister might have forgotten or deemed unworthy of reporting. Rylan was busy looking things up on his tablet and wasn't really part of the conversation.

"Momma," Rylan spoke up, "Are you sure you don't want to go to the doctor? I see some things here..."

"No," She interruped, "No I don't. I'm fine. I feel much better now. I just need some rest. Time for bed you three. Come give me extra hugs."

Rosetta was bombed by three sets of arms all trying to wrap around her at once. She smiled, and hugged them all back. David stood to get in on some of the action.

"I'll walk upstairs with you while I put this bag away. Then I'm getting ready for bed myself." He  said.

Rosetta watched her family disappear from the room one at a time. She turned and went out the back door, headed for her garden. The plants needed to be checked on before she could retire for the night. Rosetta wasn't sure if the kids had looked in her greenhouse while she was gone. It turned out that they hadn't, and that was fine. The plants just needed a little water, she gave them some and then headed up to the bedroom.

 Rosetta brushed her teeth, and let her hair down, giving it a brushing as well. She was brushing with her left hand. While she did, she felt a sharp pain. Switching hands, the pain seemed to dissipate, but some numbness remained. She supposed her arm had fallen asleep.

So thoughtful of him to bring these things inside. I'd thank him but he's already sleeping. He's still just so cute. I could watch him sleep for hours.

Rosetta sat on the edge of the bed. She felt exhausted. In addition to that, she couldn't seem to catch a full breath. She felt a pressure whenever she would breath in just a little. Closing her eyes, she tried to steady herself and breathe again.

She felt a sudden wave of nausea and beads of sweat form on her forehead.

Maybe I should have gone to the doctor...

Suddenly fear swept over her, as did a pain that ran right up her spine. The pain ran all the way up to her neck, but didn't stop there. It continued down the length of both of her arms and also into her jawline. Rosetta gasped. She tried calling out for her husband, but no sound came from her mouth other than small gasps, she couldn't catch her breath. She thought about standing up, but knew she wouldn't be able to, that she would fall. Just when she was turning to grab at David, she went numb from head to toe.

Rosetta's eyes opened wide and started to fall backward onto the bed. It happened so fast. As she was falling back, she couldn't move or say anything. She thought about her babies, and her husband. I love you so much. She thought about the day at the park, that horrible, terrifying day. The meteor, the shrapnel, the fire. She felt her heart break again at losing her baby so young. She thought about Dayna, her personality and her piercings. She felt joy at the happiness that Dayna expressed when she could keep them. She thought about Rylan and the way he called her 'momma' basically his whole life, she felt proud of all his accomplishments. Such a great guitar player. She thought of Caylin, and how wonderful of a person she was. So well known, and loved by all. She felt warmed by the thought of Caylin's love of life. They've all grown up to be so beautiful. She thought of David, his deep beautiful eyes, his soft touch and loving caress. She felt pure rapture at the memory of meeting him, marrying him, and having a lifetime full of memories with him in them. All those little moments that she took for granted, and all the big ones too. She hit the bed. Then she felt a breath escape her lungs through her lips, and knew it would be her last. A single tear rolled down the side of her face.

David felt her hit the bed, it jolted him awake. He smiled, glad she was with him. "Hey, finally decided to join me, huh?"

She didn't respond.

"Rose?" He raised his head and looked at her face. "Rose?"

"Dear spirits! ROSE! NO!" His voice cracked, "Please, Rose, please, look at me, please!"  He pleaded with her to respond to him. She didn't. David broke down into tears and scrambled off the bed, running to her side while pulling out his phone. "PLEASE!" he screamed one last time as he dialed 911.

 The kids heard their father yell, and came running in to see what was going on. As each of them entered, they stopped in their tracks and felt the anguish hit them. Each could tell it was too late for paramedics. All three of them wailed in agony.

David dropped his phone to the floor and cried with the rest of his family. He knew that the paramedics wouldn't be able to help. What was he going to do now? 

Unable to do anything but cry, the whole family stood in the master bedroom waiting. Waiting for the rescue squad to tell them what they already knew. She was gone, the best woman in their life was gone. They'd never hear her voice again, or feel her warm hugs.

David hit his knees and got next to the bed. He held his late wife's limp hand in his and leaned on her, begging her to return to him. He didn't know what he would do without her.

Teen Bonding - 5.25



Previously in the Fuller Family: Since money was not a problem, Rosetta quit her job as Mayor. Soon after, she and David took a vacation from home for a little while. The girls had a birthday while their parents were away, aging into beautiful teens. David and Rosetta returned home to find that Dayna had gotten multiple piercings, but accepted and let her keep them, much to her delight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The smell of fresh calzones filled the air as Rosetta cooked dinner. This was something she had really grown to enjoy since they had gotten the wood fire oven. Calzones were a favorite of the kids as well, and they always looked forward to it. This meal always brought the whole family to the table.

A few weeks had passed since David and Rosetta's vacation and they were feeling the urge for another one. They had originally decided to wait a year before going anywhere again but both of them were getting up there in years and wanted to spend some time with just each other before their time, and ability to travel, was up. Before becoming an elder, which was soon enough, Rosetta wanted to get out and see just a little bit more of the world. She had only known her birth town of Appaloosa Plains, her college dorm, and Hidden Springs. The last trip grabbed her taste for seeing new things. 



During dinner Rosetta mentioned to the kids that she and their father would like to leave tomorrow and probably wouldn't be home when they got back from school. The kids seemed remarkably fine with it. She had expected a little bit of hesitation from them, considering how bored they apparently were the last time. Then again, they wouldn't be gone as long this time. David only wanted to go for the weekend. 

My babies have grown so fast. They seem so mature sometimes. I didn't think they'd be so open to us leaving them home again. Rylan's birthday is so close. He's almost off to college. I'm so proud of him, he's grown so fast. The girls have turned into beautiful teens and I'm sure will be amazing young women. They haven't decided if they are actually going to college or not, but I hope so. Rylan is anxious to go actually.

 It's my birthday this weekend but I've requested not doing anything except the small vacation. I'm very much looking forward to it. Amazingly, David and I are both going to be entering our elder years while we are away. My grey hairs are already bursting through, I swear I have new ones every day. I don't want to color it though. 

After they had eaten and cleaned up, Rosetta went out to tend her garden while David and the kids stayed inside to humor themselves. The girls played a game of chess and Rylan played his guitar. No one really knew where David had gotten off to, but they assumed he was upstairs watching some television.

The night seemed to end abruptly. It seemed that everyone was tired and wanted to turn in early. The night filled their heads with dreams of different things.

Rosetta dreamed of her upcoming trip and of course everything was going wrong. The taxi they called didn't come and they missed their flight. When they finally got where they were going, neither of them had their clothes, there were also rats in the room they were to stay in. It really was a nightmare as opposed to a simple dream.

 

David dreamed of life when the kids were little, just toddlers. They were sitting on the floor on Snowflake day, playing with new toys. The joy and laughter was infectious. Brenna walked through the door and gave him a big smile, which for some reason brought him out of sleep. In his waking state, though he was smiling, his heart sank. He missed her so much. It was hard when he dreamed of her. He settled his mind again and drifted back to sleep.

Caylin and Dayna both were dreaming of high school. Dayna was in the cafeteria hanging out with her friends, bragging about her soccer feats. Caylin's dreams were polluted by the pressure of having to recite a paper in front of her class. Of course, when she looked down at her paper, she noticed she was not wearing pants. A typical horror for a teenager.

Rylan dreamt of leaving for college. He had taken the bus and quite a few strange people accompanied him. Over all it was an unremarkable dream.

The next morning, all the kid were off to school in good time. The bus had stopped coming to their house though, which meant they had to leave a little earlier, so they could walk to the corner to catch their ride. Once they were off to school, Rosetta and David sat on the couch to talk before leaving on their trip.

"I'd like to stop by and see Sonia for a little bit, I miss her. I haven't seen her kids in a while either." Rosetta was saying.

"Sure, sounds good. Why don't you head over there for a bit while I finish getting us ready?" David told her.

"That sounds great. I won't be long, promise. I'm too excited to leave!"

She was out the door just a minute later and off to see her friend. 

Just as she arrived at Sonia's house, Sonia and her family did as well. 

"Hey! You're out and about already? It's so early." Rosetta asked.

Sonia let everyone in the house. "Yeah, We had to go pick up Nicholas from school, he wasn't feeling well. He'd only been there about half and hour."

 

"Aww," Rosetta talked to Nicholas, "You should drink some water and lay down then, you look a little pale. I hope you feel better!"

"Thanks Auntie Rose. I will." Nicholas walked off and hit the couch.

Sonia had been picking up toys that Sebastian had scattered around everywhere and now came to speak with Rosetta. Her husband, after setting the baby down, had gone to get Nicholas something to drink. Sebastian ran off to pull out all the toys his mom had just put away.

"How's it going Rose?" Sonia asked, "You look well. Happy. How are David and the kids?"

"We are all great, thanks." Rosetta replied. "Actually David and I are about to leave for the weekend. Just a little outing for us. We'll both be celebrating our birthday's too, while we're gone. I think the kids are a little excited to have the weekend to themselves."

"Oh that sounds fun! Where will you be going this time? I know you had fun in Monte Vista last time!"

"Actually we are hitting the city for the weekend, Bridgeport. I've never been and neither has David. I hear there are quite a few things for us to do there. I'm not sure how I'll handle the city people though." Rosetta laughed and Sonia joined in. "We are actually leaving in a few minutes, but I wanted to come and say hello first. It feels like it's been forever since I've been able to hang out with you."

Sonia nodded her head, "Yeah, sometimes it does feel like a while between visits. That's okay though, I'm still here. Just life gets busy for both of us, I get it."

Rosetta and her friend chatted a little while longer, about life and growing babies. The teething of Sonia's little tot and homework from Nicholas. Rosetta spoke of raising teens, and all the surprises that come with it. She advised Sonia to prepare herself. After a few more laughs, Rosetta had to say bye for now. She had promised David she wouldn't be long. The two friends embraced and parted ways.

Rosetta grabbed a taxi and headed to the house to pick up David. He was already waiting on the porch. He grabbed their suitcase and stuffed it in the trunk.

The school bell rang to dismiss students promptly at 1 o'clock. Dayna and Rylan happened to be among the first kids out of the building so they hung out on the play ground equipment to wait for Caylin. She was always one of the last kids to leave. She always took her sweet time getting things packed away.

"So, Mom and Dad are gone for the weekend. What do you want to do?" Asked Dayna as she was climbing the jungle gym. 

"I don't know, but I sure don't want to stay at the house." Replied her brother. "I mean, I don't know about you but I was super bored at home last time. They won't be gone as long this time though."

"Yeah, true." Dayna laughed, "Not enough time for me to get a tattoo huh?"

Rylan chuckled, "Oh, hey, there's Caylin, let's get out of here."

The three teens hopped on the bus and sat in silence on the ride home. They had some leftovers for dinner and watched a little television. Rylan helped both his sisters with their homework before all three of them went to bed. Everyone always slept better on Friday nights, probably because they knew they didn't have anything they absolutely needed to do the coming morning.

Saturday rolled around and woke the kids with sunshine. Generally the weather in Hidden springs is always a little foggy. The same was true today, but there was more sun than normal peeking through. Rylan woke first and decided to make some breakfast calzones. Eggs, sausage and gravy wrapped up and baked. The smell wafted in through the door, when it was opened, and filled the house. That alone would have woken the girls had they not been up already. They bounded down the stairs and sat at the table with their brother.

"Oh thanks man, these smell amazing!" Dayna said. She complimented Rylan on his cooking skills and chowed down her food.

Caylin had thrown on her bathing suit this morning which gave Rylan an idea. "Hey. I don't want to sit around the house today, so how about we go swimming?

"That sounds like a great idea." Both the girls agreed. 

Dayna mentioned a small lake, just around the corner, that she knew wasn't busy or crowded and suggested that spot for their outing.

"I don't want to get my bathing suit wet!" Caylin piped up. Here siblings looked at her with odd expressions. 

"Okay, well wear what you want then, or don't get in the water." Rylan said. He tried to be serious but when he glanced at Dayna and noted a grin playing on her lips, he laughed aloud. It was hard to be serious with such loose cannons in the family. 

Breakfast was finished up and each of them went upstairs to change and get some things to take with them. The weather was getting colder, Rylan hoped it wouldn't be too chilly to swim.

Again, Caylin got some weird looks when she came down in her fanciest dress. Complete with gloves up to the elbows.

"What? I like it. It's comfortable." She said in her defense.

The arrived at the little lake which was protected around it by land and hillsides, and only a small entrance to the ocean. The cove was perfect for swimming or even a little jet ski fun. It was large, but not so big as to feel overwhelmed or lost. 

Rylan and Dayna found some rocks along the shore that were perfect for skipping. Both of them practiced and challenged each other to a skipping contest. Caylin went her own path and pulled out her fishing pole.

"I heard there were sharks in this cove! Mom and Dad swam here once, and Dad told me!" Caylin said excitedly. "I want to catch one."

Rylan and Dayna rolled their eyes. "Good luck with that." They both said.

After a while, skipping rocks got old and no sharks were caught. They changed into some swim gear, except Caylin. She changed into her workout clothing because she didn't want to get her new bathing suit wet. Rylan grabbed some shallow diving gear and passed his sisters a set each. They all went about trying to find whatever he could under the surface. Dayna got bored with that fast, as there was  no real action to be had in it.

Caylin found quite a few shells then changed course, she decided just to swim. For a while she was fine, but eventually she got really tired of having her clothes stick to her and changed into a real bathing suit.

Rylan was enjoying finding his treasures too much to stop snorkeling. He had gotten lots of cool looking shells and also a gem or two. He wondered if he might be able to find something that was actually worth anything. He actually enjoyed himself so much he considered picking up scuba diving as a hobby, as a second to his guitar playing.

Dayna had pulled out her windsurfer and tried to catch a good breeze. It wasn't too hard, since the hillside surrounding the cove created a tunnel of sorts for the wind gusts to travel along. She glided the surface for a while and practiced some small stunts. She hadn't had much experience with this sport but was really enjoying it.

Caylin blew up a couple of floats for her and Dayna, Rylan said he didn't want his. She floated atop hers for a while, dozing in and out of a gentle sleep state. She stared a the sky between each lapse of consciousness. The fog had actually become a lot thicker, and the sun had basically disappeared. There must have still be some shining through though because a beautiful and full rainbow was visible just above them.

"Dayna come lay with me. It's awesome." Caylin suggested. 

Dayna glanced up from her board and smiled. She nodded and made her way back to the shore to put the windsurfer up. Joining her sister in relaxing on the water, she stared at the sky as well. She wasn't sure exactly how much time had passed but knew they had been here basically all day.

"What do you want to do tomorrow?" She asked aloud.

Rylan was too busy under the water to hear but Caylin suggested going to the fair. "It's just here today and tomorrow, it's a Medieval fair! Won't that be fun?"

"Oh that would be cool, I wonder what they have there. Sure let's make that our plan for tomorrow. Sounds fun." She let out a big sigh and closed her eyes. This had been a cool day. She was glad they got out.

Taking Leave - 5.24

Previously in the Fuller family: Not finding the joy he'd previously found in his entertainment career, David has quit his job as a magician. The family tries their hand at going out on the town for a bit of fun, though Rosetta stayed home. The day did not turn out quite as expected. Rylan went off to attend a school dance as his mothers demand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rosetta sat on the front porch one day as her family inside did whatever they were doing. She was thinking about calling her job and quitting. She just didn't want to do it anymore. This had been on her mind for a little while actually. When David had quit his job it gave her pause because she figured they would need income to support themselves. So she put it off. After reviewing their bank account though, Rosetta realized that they had money enough to last them the rest of their lives with no extra income. It would even provide a college fund for all three of the kids. That set her will to quit in motion once more. Rosetta watched a little bird fly by and sighed.

"Yep." She said aloud to no one in particular. "Why not?" She pulled out her phone and dialed work to let everyone know that she was done. She also nominated her stand in while she was at it. Her stand in could handle things until a new Mayor was appointed. She felt no regrets as she hung up the phone. She smiled as she went inside to share the news with David.

David and Rylan had just sat down to a game of chess when Rosetta came in looking like she had something to say.

"Everything alright?" David asked, looking up at her.

Confusion flashed across her face, "Why wouldn't everything be okay?"  She shook her head a little, "Yeah, yeah, everything is good. I just quit my job!"

There was a brief moment of silence. David looked at Rylan then excused himself from the game for a moment.

"Well you're full of surprises aren't you?" He said to Rosetta as he stood up to talk to her. Then he smiled. "If you're okay with it, so am I of course. Should one of us be getting a different job though?"

"Nah, I looked over our bank, everything is alright for a good long time. Unless of course you want a job. That would be fine. I'm planning to stay home for a while though. Perhaps redecorate or something. A change would be nice."

"Speaking of change. I have a surprise for you too. I hope you go along with it and are happy." David hesitated just a little. "Okay, I reserved us a hotel somewhere. I wasn't going to tell you until you were in the car with me and on our way, but I just have to. We're going on vacation. Tomorrow, we leave in the morning."

Rosetta's eyes popped open wide. "What? When? What about the kids? Where are they going? How much was this? Where are we going? What if I don't want to go?"

David grinned at all her questions. "Well first off, you're going. No question there. I need you with me, and I'm going. You need to go too. It'd be good for us. Secondly, Rylan is old enough to stay and watch the girls. Besides, and you need to talk to them about this, but they will been teens themselves soon, and I think they can all handle themselves. We are just going to go exploring for a bit. I'm not sure how long, however long we want. It was a free vacation offered to us because of your job I guess. Though, I upgraded our hotel, so it did cost a little. Not enough to worry about. Did I cover everything?"

Rosetta looked speechless, but a wispy smile soon crossed her lips. It sounded good to her. Time away, kind of what she was looking for anyway. Then she gasped, "The girls! Their birthday is in just two days! What about that?"

"That's why I said, you'd have to talk to them about that."

"Okay, I'll do that. First I'm going to get changed, I put this on thinking I'd go to my office to let them know, but decided over the phone was better." She leaned in, kissed David's nose and smiled shyly at him. "This sounds fun."

The girls had been outside practicing their soccer moves. Dayna loved being the goalie, and generally always chose that position when practicing with her family. She hoped one day that she'd be put on a real team, perhaps a school team or something.

Caylin was kicker for now, but always tried getting the goalie position first. She figured it'd be less stressful on the body. Obviously, she hadn't ever done it before. Dayna always laughed when she suggested it's easier to protect the goal than kick the ball in. The two girls soon got warm, especially Caylin because she was in her cold weather outfit when it wasn't cold, and went inside to hang out.

When they came in, oddly enough, Caylin took off her outer wear. Dayna spotted Rylan playing chess and instantly requested to join his game. Caylin watched them play together.

A minute or two later Rosetta, having changed her clothes, came back down stairs. "Oh there you are girls. Your dad told me to talk to you about your birthday plans. Have you come to a decision of how you want to celebrate?"

Caylin looked at Dayna, who gave her a little nod. She turned and sat with her mother and father on the couch.

"Yeah, actually we did. I don't know if you are going to like it, but it's what we want."

"Oh, well what did you choose to do?"

"Well. Nothing actually. We don't want anything, no party... we just don't feel right celebrating without her."

Rosetta swallowed hard, the sob that threatened her throat came on her fast and unexpected. She nodded, unable to speak just yet.

Caylin continued, "So we just want you and dad to go on that vacation he's got going for you two and have fun. We'll be just fine here."

'She sounds so much older than she should be. Still so young, and have experienced things she shouldn't have yet. It makes my heart hurt to think that these two have lost someone so close to them. It must be hard to have a birthday without one you were born with. I'm not surprised they don't want anything special actually. Maybe that's their way of coping with the loss.'

Rosetta let out a breath and glanced over her shoulder at Dayna, who happened to be looking her way. Dayna smiled a little. "Okay girls. That's fine. I'll miss you while we're gone." She threw her arm around Caylin and hugged her close. "My big girls. Growing so fast!"

"Mom. Can't. Breathe." Caylin struggled to say. She straightened up and smiled. "I love you mom."

"I love you too baby."

"You too dad!" Caylin added, glancing at David.

He smiled, "I love you too. I hope you have a good birthday, even if it'll basically be just a normal day."

The next morning, bright and early, Rosetta and David were up and dressed, ready for their spontaneous vacation. The kids weren't even up yet. Each one had said their goodbye's the previous night, knowing that they were leaving really early in the morning.

Even though she was happy to be getting out of the house, temporarily getting away from the memories, Rosetta felt bad for leaving her babies. She saw her husband looking toward the bedroom doors of their kids often too. She knew he was anxious about it, but would not back out.

The two of them got in the taxi and, holding hands, headed off.

'Such a conflict of emotions here. I'm happy to get getting away from home and spending time with David. It seems like it hasn't been just us two in a very very long time. I miss that. I wouldn't trade my kids for the world, but maybe I'd like to add some more time with just my husband every once in a while. It was so sweet of him to plan this.

On the other hand, I feel so terrible for leaving without the kids! I wonder if they are really okay with this, or just saying that they are. I'm going to miss them so much. I hope I can stop worrying long enough to enjoy myself.'

It did take a few days for Rosetta to loosen up enough to relax. Eventually she did though, and that made her and her husband happy. David was enjoying himself too and so far, they didn't have a return date. They were just playing it day by day. It had been nearly a week since they'd left home and the two of them called daily to check in with their kids. From what they knew, everything at home was fine.

The girls had had their birthday and sprouted into beautiful teenagers and Rylan was just going about his life as usual. He was starting to count the days until graduation, him aging to a young adult, and going off to college. It wouldn't be long now.

Early one evening, Caylin was getting ready to make some dinner for her and her siblings. Dayna joined her in the kitchen.

"Guess what?" She asked.

"Um, your hair is grey and that's why you wear a hat all the time?" Caylin replied with a smile.

Dayna scoffed and shook her head. "No. I've decided I'm going to get a piercing. Or two. Won't that be awesome?"

"Yeah, uh, no. I don't know if mom and dad would say that it was. But hey, it's your life." Caylin studied her sister a moment. "Actually I think you'd look cool with a nose ring."

Dayna smiled at that. "Yeah, me too! Anyway, I've saved up a lot of my allowance, and I've got an appointment tomorrow. It's totally happening."

Caylin had gotten everything for dinner out of the fridge and was walking out the back door to cook it in the wood burning oven. "Hey, when do you think they'll be home anyway? It's been like, a week or something."

Dayna frowned just a little and shook her head. "They didn't say the last time they called. I miss them though, hope they come home soon."

Caylin wrapped-up her Calzones and was baking them while Dayna chatted to her. The food was smelling delicious and making both of their stomachs growl with hunger. When it was finished, they both grabbed a plate and sat down outside to enjoy it. They started eating while it was still steaming hot.

It was Caylin's turn to break some news. She grinned, "Anyway, I hope mom and dad wait for at least another two days to come home. I'm calling friends and inviting them over for a party tonight!"

Dayna paused in her bite. "Are you serious? You know you'll have to clean up any mess they make right? Might not be a good idea without asking."

Caylin rolled her eyes. "Look who's talking! Yeah yeah, I know. It's just going to be a small get together anyway, I don't know that many people. I'll call them when we are done."

Dayna took a deep breath and a look crossed her face that said, 'Don't say I didn't warn you.' The two of them finished up their meal and Dayna complimented her sister on her new found skill of cooking. She was especially good with the wood oven. Dayna grabbed their plates and started inside to wash them. She shook her head when Caylin pulled out her phone and started dialing.

Caylin made the phone calls and invited the friends she had planned on. When the first person turned her down she was a little disappointed, but she continued on with her list of friends. By the fourth person she felt really defeated. They had all said no. No one wanted to come to her party. She stood on the porch and pouted. She wondered if any of them actually liked her, or were they really busy like they said? Her attention was redirected when her sister came back outside wearing some work out clothes and carrying a soccer ball.

"What's happening?" Caylin asked.

"Well first you tell me what's with the long face? Boyfriend break up with you?"

"Oh." Caylin frowned again, "No one wanted to come to my party! I'm distraught."

Dayna couldn't help but chuckle at the look on her sisters face and her choice of word, she was always a little weird like that. "Well, it's not the end of the world you know. To be honest, it wasn't a good plan anyway. Why don't you get changed out of your fancy clothes and come play with me instead?"

Caylin brightened and smiled, "Sure!" She bounced off to her room to change into something more suitable.

Dayna shook her head, sometimes she was still amazed at how easily Caylin could be distracted from things. She laughed aloud when her sister came back wearing her bathing suit. The two of them played outside for the rest of the afternoon, switching from soccer to hopscotch and back again. Dayna finally let her sister be the goalie and Caylin frequently teased Dayna that she couldn't make a goal. She was always wrong, but it was all in good fun. Caylin did finally learn that it was actually harder to be a goalie than to kick the ball in.

Rylan had been upstairs playing his video games for hours, he didn't even know that Caylin had made dinner. He didn't really seem to care either. He was busy. Rylan had put off his worries about growing up and going through more schooling for a little while so he could have some fun. Once he did, he was thoroughly involved and not much could break his attention.

The next day, Dayna was true to her appoint with the local tattoo and piercing artist. She went off early in the morning and came back just a few hours later with a new look. Caylin actually liked it and hoped, for her sisters sake, that she was allowed to keep them. Rylan hadn't said anything about it at all so no one knew his opinion. Dayna assumed he disapproved because he usually was a straight arrow and liked to follow rules. There were no rules about this though, not ones that were ever mentioned by their parents.

The three teenagers, having enjoyed being home alone for a while, were now getting bored with themselves and wanting their parents back. Life was different without them. It was more stale or tedious.

After finishing lunch this day, courtesy of Caylin once again, they all did the homework that they had ignored for a few days. They had so much it that it took them three hours to finish it all. When they were through Rylan offered a game of dominoes. Since the girls were equally as bored as he seemed to be, they accepted and the three of them went to the den. to play.

Rylan sighed and rested his head on his fist. "They've been gone a long time. Feels like a month."

Dayna laughed a little. "Oh it does not, don't exaggerate. Granted, it does feel like a long time, it's only been a week."

Caylin interjected, "Still, I never imagined it would be so boring without them here. Too quiet." Her siblings nodded in agreement.

The three of them sat for another hour or two playing dominoes in silence. Every once in a while someone would sigh or say something but mostly, it was a quiet game. When they finished the girls went upstairs to do some things and Rylan went to the living room to read a book.

Just as Rylan was about to sit in the living room, David walked through the door. He was followed closely by Rosetta, who was smiling broadly.

"We're home!" David announced loudly and happily, as Rosetta hugged her son. He heard his daughters upstairs say 'Yay.' and start making their way down.

"Oh we've missed you so." Said Rosetta, "How were things while we were gone?"

The three of them sat down to chat while they waited for the girls to come downstairs. The first thing Rylan said was about the one thing that could have been against the rules.

"Just wait until you see Dayna!" He said. "Other than that, it was very uninteresting here with just us."

"Oh boy, what happened to Dayna?" Rosetta was asking when the girls walked in. When she saw her daughter she said, "Oh my. Well first of all, you two are so beautiful, we are sorry to have missed your birthday. Secondly. Dayna! What in the world?"

David spoke up, "Interesting birthday present to yourself. What makes you think we'd let you keep those?"

Dayna could tell that her dad was more upset about it than her mom so turned to plead to him.

"Oh come on dad! Please? It's the in thing now! I really love them, even Caylin does."

Caylin interrupted, "Hey, don't bring me into this."

Dayna rolled her eyes. "Please? I don't see anything wrong here. I used my own  money and everything!"

David studied his daughter, the look on his face showed no mercy. He was just not going to allow this. She had indeed become a lovely young lady over the week they were gone. He remembered her as a little girl, so cute. His heart warmed at the memories, his face softened. With a glance at his wife, who shrugged, seeming fine with it, he smiled.

"Okay, okay. Fine. You can keep them. You have to take care of them though, I don't want any infections on my little girl's face!"

Dayna broke into the biggest grin ever. She pumped her arm, "Yes! You guys are so awesome!"

David was assaulted by a huge hug from his growing girl.

Rosetta smiled at the scene. She was happy that David had agreed, she was hoping he would let Dayna be herself.

The mood was much lighter after that, the tension evaporated and laughter spread. They all stayed in the living room to chat about the events of the week. David told the kids that they were actually planning another vacation in about a year and hoped that was okay with them. Rylan, Dayna and Caylin all nodded and said that it would be fine but for them to try not to be gone quite as long next time. After an hour of stories and tales, it was time for sleep. This week had been interesting, and even though it was a year away, everyone wondered what would come with the next time this happened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Some Home Changes~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The new porch

Dayna's new room

Caylin's new room