That Time Again

Barely a day after Delaney’s death, and Gage is ready to go, too. I suppose when you raise six children together, you don’t want to be apart for long. Benjamin watches on sadly as his father turns into a ghost. Now the Wood family has truly been given to the second generation, and it’s up to them to carry it on. Gage, sadly, died one step away from fulfilling his lifetime wish.

A Sad Song

A sad Miranda takes her guitar to the park that night to get some space. A young man comes to watch, and he seems to appreciate her music. Miranda, who needs someone to talk to, takes a break long enough to get to know this stranger.

Sam I Am!

This man, Sam Sekemoto, and Miranda hit it off well, although he’s a bit older than her. Still, with her father and mother both gone, she feels the need for an older friend.

A Shoulder.

And more importantly, she needs a shoulder to cry on. Sam takes it upon himself to be that person, and Miranda graciously accepts. And she isn’t the only one looking for some comfort.

That's Love.

Theo confesses his sorrow to his girlfriend (and the mother of his child) Alexandria. Her compassionate reaction to him convinces him that maybe she isn’t as evil as he thought. Soon, he’s invited her to move in. With Gage and Delaney gone, they need another woman around the house.

A New Step

No sooner does Alexandria move in than does Benjamin move out. With two more people in the house (Brant has stayed with his grandpa, while little Gilbert is with his mommy and daddy), there’s not enough room for everyone. He decides to find his own place and pursue his medicine career in peace.

Benjamin's House

Benjamin is, apparently, becoming quite rich and buys a huge house near the water.

Daddy

Meanwhile, with thoughts of his father still fresh in his mind, Theodore takes to being Gilbert’s dad instantly. He loves the little boy, and he wants to make Gage proud, wherever he is. He also knows that, finally, the time is right to ask Alex to marry him.

"Will you marry me?"

Inside, Theo goes down on one knee, offering the ring he worked so hard to save for. Alexandria looks shocked – but is it a good surprise, or a bad one?

"I will!"

It is most definitely a good one! Alexandria accepts his proposal, and they set to work planning a private wedding by the sea, some day soon.

Comfort.

Now truly  part of the family, Alexandria sets to comforting her soon-to-be sisters. Miranda still seems pretty shaken up about her father’s death, but Alex sees to it that she realizes life goes on. And does it!

Gilbert as a Toddler

Theodore and Alexandria’s little son, Gilbert, grows into a beautiful toddler. He has Gage’s blond hair, something that gives Theodore a bit of delight.

Adulthood!

And Madeline, Miranda, and Mallory mature into young adulthood, entering the realm of romance and business like their siblings before them.

Madeline as a Young Adult

Madeline has developed the vegetarian trait, which goes perfectly with her gardening skills and her love of the outdoors. Her lifetime wish is to grow the perfect garden.

Miranda as a Young Adult

Miranda has developed the lucky trait. Maybe it’ll help her master the charisma and guitar skills, her lifetime wish!

Mallory as a Young Adult

And Mallory has developed the neurotic trait – maybe from the working out I kept making her do. Now she has the bad habit of checking the sink every five minutes and freaking out when she feels stressed – hey, at least it relaxes her when it happens! Her lifetime wish is to be a professional author.

The Great Beyond

Mommy Delaney pays a visit that night, maybe trying to meet up with her deceased husband. The girls decide that the best route to take in this – erm, strange – situation is to create a beautiful family plot in the spacious backyard.

Family Plot

Delaney and Gage are laid to rest in the modest plot created by their children. Later that evening, Theodore and Alexandria escape to the seaside to say their vows.

"With this ring . . .

I thee wed."

The ceremony is private and quick, but romantic. The two say their vows to the sounds of the ocean and are finally Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Wood. But don’t think you know everything yet, readers.

Saying Goodbye

The new couple decides to find their own house, and move out, taking little Gilbert with them. It’s sad to leave the home Theodore grew up in, but he knows that it’s time for he and his new family to live on their own. And then there were three. So who is the new Wood heir? Vote and find out next time, when we begin to explore the lives of the Triplets of Sunset Valley, Madeline, Miranda, and Mallory.

Making Eyes

Bryant comes home with Miranda after school, and she just can’t keep her eyes off of him. Hoping Delaney will stay out of her hair (who wants another interview?), Miranda begins to flirt with Bryant.

"Fancy seeing you here . . ."

Giving Bryant a sly grin, Miranda lays it on thick. It’s in her friendly nature to be outgoing and nice to everyone, but she’s being especially nice to Bryant. Meanwhile, Evangeline is having less luck.

Comes with the territory . . .

A life of crime isn’t going very well for our Evangeline. As she leaves work one day during her first week, the sound of police sirens meets her ears. The cops are on to her, and they’re not letting her go home! She’s going to spend some time in the slammer.

Contemplating

‘Here I am again, in a cop car,’ she thinks, remembering her teenage years. It seemed only yesterday she was getting arrested for breaking curfew. Now she’s in for something much more serious.

"Hey, Theodore."

Evangeline is taken to the police station, where she’s put in custody for over a day. Theodore, who’s working at the time, is less than thrilled with his little sister. And just like that, Evangeline loses one of the only people she felt understood her. She knows the Wood family isn’t the place for her, not anymore. While in jail, working out and playing dominoes, she decides it’s about time she moves out.

Hello!

Later that night, Theodore goes home and invites Alexandria over. Her belly is getting big now, and Theo’s thrilled at the prospect of being a father. Still, he can’t forget that Alex needs some TLC, too.

Pampering Mama

Theodore makes sure Alexandria is well looked after, giving her a nice gentle massage. He can’t wait to be a father, but he also wants to be a husband.

A New Face

The next day dawns normally, and Miranda entertains herself with playing chess in Central Park after school. A little ways away sits VJ Alvi’s son, looking somewhat lonely. Miranda, ever the friendly type, calls him over.

Deep in Thought

They play for awhile, Jeremie talking about birthdays and Miranda listening kindly. While the subject of their conversation is an important life event, another life event is taking place back at the Wood house. This one, I’m sorry to say, is not so enjoyable.

Mourning.

An unwanted visitor has arrived at the Wood house to take someone home with him, and the family isn’t ready.

It's Your Turn.

Delaney Wood, founder of the Wood legacy, wife of Gage Briony Wood, mother of Theodore, Evangeline, Benjamin, Miranda, Mallory and Madeline, Weather Woman for the town of Sunset Valley, has passed away. The family is heart broken, and each member deals with her death in their own way. Evangeline’s way, of course, is the most colorful.

Getting Death Back

She decides to scare Death, maybe to give her a little bit of closure with what has just happened – despite their relationship, Evangeline has found that she misses having her mother around. Maybe she never quite understood the woman. Maybe she never tried.

Moving On, Moving Out

Evangeline decides that now is the time to leave the family. Things are bound to be rough for the next few days, and she doesn’t want to deal with it. She finds a new house and moves out before the funeral dirge has even been played.

Evangeline's House

Evangeline buys a new house and thankfully moves out, saying goodbye to her large family, ready to explore Sunset Valley on her own.

Moving Up

Time continues in the Wood household, whether they want it to or not. Later that night, Benjamin celebrates a bittersweet birthday, joining Theodore and Evangeline as a young adult.

Benjamin as a Young Adult

As a young adult, Benjamin has inherited the trait of  ‘heavy sleeper.’ He decides his lifetime wish is a perfect mind and perfect body, mastering both the logic and the athletic skills.

Daddy Theodore

And Theodore goes to visit his girlfriend and his new son, a little boy named Gilbert, a good boy who’s a bit of a couch potato. With half of the Wood children grown and the founder deceased, it seems the story has finally been handed to the second generation.

Gilbert and Daddy

Life truly does go on.

A Room with a View

A recently grown up Evangeline now has her own room, and she has begun to work on her lifetime goal of being an illustrious author by practicing her painting. Seems Theo isn’t the only painter in the family! Still, she needs a career to hold her over until her writing and drawing take off. Where to go?

Sailing Along

Gage’s career, on the other hand, is really starting to take off. He is now a Top Secret Researcher. He’s one step away from his lifetime goal of being a Cross-Creature Robot Breeder. He pours himself whole-heartedly into his work. So much so, in fact, that he’s barely home anymore. Delaney is starting to feel a little lonely.

Madeline and Khalid

Madeline has found a friend in Khalid Shah, a boy whom she’s known since she was a child. One day after school, Khalid comes over for a visit. Soon, they’re beginning to flirt. Delaney, bored and lonely, decides to step in.

"And what are your intentions with my daughter?"

Delaney, to Madeline’s dismay, begins to interview the new love interest. Khalid is a good sport, but by the end of the interview Delaney seems against their blossoming relationship. She’s learned that he’s a loser, and by no means does she want her little girl to date a loser! Madeline is mortified.

Long Walks on the Beach

Meanwhile, Theodore invites Alexandria to the beach with every intention of proposing to her. They spend all evening flirting near the lighthouse, but Alex just isn’t in a good mood, and the subject never comes up.

A Life of Crime

That evening, Evangeline escapes happily without a curfew, and goes to the only place she can think of to start her career:

A New Job

The creepy, old, abandoned warehouse she had seen before, when she was jogging as a teenager. She knows that whatever job she finds at the warehouse, it will be enough to make her mother angry. She signs up for a life in the criminal career track, and starts out as a decoy.

Old Friends?

Now, Delaney is feeling restless. Maybe it’s the fact that all her children are growing up, or the fact that Gage is barely home anymore (and their love life is suffering) or the fact that everytime she looks in the mirror she sees an old lady. One day off, she decides to pay her boss Connor a visit. It’s been a long time since they really spoke, and she has been harboring secret feelings for him ever since their unsuccessful attempt at dating. He’s getting old and won’t live forever – what’s so wrong with an innocent visit? But before she knows it, they’re in an amorous embrace.

Playing with Fire

And then they’re in a passionate kiss. Delaney knows this is wrong, but she can’t help herself. Connor’s girlfriend is out, and Gage will be at work for the rest of the day. Delaney decides to spend more time there than she should. Meanwhile, Theo continues to woo Alexandria back at the house.

Too Close for Comfort

As Theo and Alexandria get busy, Connor and Delaney are cuddling on his bed. And then, suddenly . . .

Forbidden Love

Connor and Delaney are under the covers together. She knows this is wrong, but . . . it feels so right! The next day, Delaney gets a disturbing phone call. She runs to the cemetery to see if what she heard is true.

Grieving

And it is. Connor, who seemed so healthy the day before, has passed away. Delaney is stricken with grief, but she needs to remain neutral at home, lest Gage suspects what happened  between them.

Secret Tears

Still, Delaney grieves when she’s alone, remembering their past and the moment they shared so recently. Did she make the right decision, cheating on her loyal husband like she did? Was it worth it? Is she to blame for Connor’s death? These thoughts begin to plague her mind, until all she can think of his Connor, and her own broken heart.

Passing it on

Meanwhile, Theodore visits Brant, who has aged to a child, after work. Brant, like Theo, has the good trait, and they seem to get along well. Theodore tries to pass on some of his knowledge while he can. Alexandria is a little – well – indisposed at the moment.

Food Poisoning?

She hasn’t been feeling well since she spent the night at Theodore’s, and she has a vague idea why. Soon her suspicions are confirmed – she’s pregnant again, this time with Theo’s baby.

You're Evil!

Knowing that Alexandria is going to be the mother of his first child, Theodore finally calls her out on her evil ways. They get into an argument, but it’s quickly resolved. Hopefully their nontraditional family will survive whatever comes their way.

Mom and Dad?

Theodore and Alexandria are soon back to their flirtatious ways. Now Theo knows he wants her to be his wife, no matter what. He just needs to wait for the right time.

Potential Daddy?

Theodore heads over to visit Alexandria, who’s living with her father Beau (you readers may remember Delaney meeting him at the pool) and her son Brant. He has decided to move ahead with their relationship whether Alex is evil or not, and Brant takes a liking to him almost immediately.

Insulted.

Beau, on the other hand, does not. He sets into a speech about Brant and seems to feel that Theodore is overstepping his bounds. Alex looks on with an evily pleased grin as Theo deflates, disappointed. Oh well, it’s not Beau’s life. Theodore decides he isn’t going anywhere.

Music!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the triplets dive in to some new hobbies to try better to distinguish themselves. Miranda buys a guitar with her allowance and begins to practice in the front yard. No shame, there!

Gardening!

Madeline follows in her mom’s footsteps and tends the garden, enjoying being outside and basking in the sun.

Cooking!

And Mallory begins to watch Cooking Cable religiously, hoping to learn all she can about the culinary arts. Meanwhile, Theodore has some other ambitions on his mind.

At Long Last

Theo invites Alexandria home. She graciously accepts the invitation and leaves Brant with Beau. Once back in Theodore’s room, things get steamy. This time, she doesn’t deny his advances.

"You're trash!"

For some reason, Alexandria traipses downstairs in her underwear – what, does she think she owns the place? Evangeline is on her immediately, calling her trash and telling her she doesn’t deserve Theodore. They get into a fight again, and Alex leaves without saying goodbye to her boyfriend.

Book Learnin'

The next day, Theodore works through a book his boss gave him. An elderly Hank Goddard (another one of Delaney’s past conquests) watches on with pride.

"Do you like cheesesteaks?"

Miranda brings a friend home from school and spends hours talking with him. They seem to be somewhat compatible, but Miranda also wants to focus on her guitar. Might be too soon for a relationship. Luckily, Delaney doesn’t interview him.

Staying Out

Evangeline decides to sleep on a bench outside of the school that evening, tired of going home every night and getting into fights with people. She doesn’t think she ever wants to go home again. Soon she decides to shatter curfew, and heads out of town.

Runaway

Evangeline runs and runs until she can barely run anymore, all the way to the Recurve Strand. She’s completely exhausted, but for once she also feels completely free. She doesn’t think she’ll ever go home again.

Busted!

Evangeline stays at the Strand until the sky begins to lighten. Only then does she head on her way. She doesn’t know where she wants to go, but she knows it isn’t home. Too bad she sees the cop that had been waiting for her all night as she rounds the corner.

Going Home

Evangeline is taken home against her will. In the cruiser, she contemplates her life. She doesn’t know why she feels so unsettled, why she feels the need to act out. She doesn’t know why she feels so much hatred towards everyone. But she does know one thing – Delaney isn’t going to be happy about repeating this situation, not at all.

Face-Off

Delaney and Evangeline look at each other for a long time in silence after she gets home. Evangeline has never seen her mother so angry. It almost gives her a bit of smug satisfaction.

"Whoa, Mom!"

The argument escalates until Delaney is fuming. Evangeline’s hard nature wavers for a moment and she seems, for once, almost vulnerable. Still, she can’t help herself, and continues the fight. She brings it inside the house, where she makes sure to push all of her mother’s buttons, hitting her where it hurts. This time, Delaney hits back.

"You ungrateful . . ."

Evangeline gets the slap she deserves after the language she’s thrown at her mother, but goes to bed unashamed.

Three-Eyed Fish

The next day, Gage decides to stay after work and get some fishing in. I wouldn’t trust what he find in that water. Could be a disaster! Speaking of disasters, here is why Benjamin should never cook:

Fire!

Attempting to make dinner, Benjamin prompty sets the stove on fire. Not very lucky today, are you, Benny? He frantically calls for help, and soon the entire 8-person family is hooting and hollering over the burning appliance.

Call 9-1-1!

"What have I done?"

A distraught Benjamin holds his head in disbelief. For a genius, he isn’t very good with simple machines. Fortunately, he knows whatever mistakes he makes are nothing compared to Evangeline. This gives him a small relief.

Big Brother is Watching You

The next morning, Theodore keeps a watchful eye on Benjamin before he heads off to work as a traffic cop. He doesn’t want to come home to burned-out shell of a house! He thinks again of Brant, and wonders if he’s ready to a father himself.

A Novel Idea

Delaney uses some time off to begin work on a novel, her first ever. She entitles it And Baby Makes Six. It’s based on true events.

No More Homework! No More Books!

Soon it’s time for Evangeline to enter the realm of adulthood, joinging Theodore. She’s way excited – no more stupid school, no more stupid homework and, most importantly, no more stupid curfew!

Evangeline as a Young Adult

As a young adult, Evangeline has decided (randomly) to become a vegetarian. Maybe she’s becoming mindful of her health again? After all the drama in her life, her lifetime wish is to become an Illustrious Author. She can write about her life and her troubles so all the world can understand. Maybe she and Delaney are more alike than they know.

Then again, maybe not.

Kids will be kids.

Now that all of the potential Wood heirs are children, there’s a lot more playing going on in the house! Benjamin plays after school with Mallory and Miranda, glad that they’re now old enough to be his companions and not his headaches.

Like Old Times?

And now that Theo is a young adult like Alexandria (who grew up a little before him), he invites her to the park to rekindle their romance. Things seem to be going well. He leans in for a hug like before, when suddenly . . .

"We can't do this, Theo!"

Alexandria pulls away. She doesn’t offer any explanation, but she leaves in a hurry as if she has somewhere to be. Come to think of it, she had been acting pretty cold towards him since they were younger. What could be going on? His dreams of storybook love beginning to crack, he goes home.

Losing It.

Back at home, a newly-skinny Evangeline chows down on a salad. She has been going to the gym or jogging after school everyday, and it’s starting to show. Could this be evidence that she’s changing her old ways?

"Someday, you'll understand."

Not bloody likely. Now that the triplets are old enough, Evangeline enjoys nothing more than patronizing them and trying to show them up. Mallory is naively appreciative.

The Job Search

Theodore sets to work finding a job, and takes one in the law enforcement career track as a snitch. Hey, it’s work! And, with a little bit of time and logic, he should be climbing the ladder in no time.

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

As the kids start back to school after the weekend and the adults head to work, the Wood house is eerily still and silent, save the gurgling of the clogged toilet.

Practice.

After his first day on the beat, Theo meets Alex at the park to practice his chess skills. If nothing else, maybe they can continue to be best friends. Then again, wouldn’t a best friend tell him what was bothering her? Why she won’t be with him? Something’s up with her, and Theo is going to find out what.

The Wrong Side of the Tracks

Evangeline, meanwhile, goes for an after-school jog and finds herself in front of a creepy, abandoned warehouse. Something seems to be operating out of it, and she’s curious as to what it is. If it’s something her mother would disapprove it, it’s something she wants to be a part of.

Midnight Revelations

A few days later, Theo again attempts to reconnect with Alexandria. When she arrives this time, Theodore can immediately tell that something is different about her. The way she walks seems a little strange, almost like . . . a waddle? And either she’s gained some instant weight, or . . .

Baby Bump.

And suddenly it all becomes clear to Theo – well, as clear as it can be at least. Alexandria didn’t want to be with him because she was already involved with someone else. Very involved. So what will Theodore do?

"Please, Alex!"

Alexandria tells him about her relationship with Moshe, how she’s unhappy but going to have his baby. In a burst of courage and goodness, Theo tells Alex to break up with Moshe and be with him. He tells her he’ll raise the baby as his own, if he needs to. Then he waits with bated breath for her response.

"I take that as a yes . . ."

Alexandria and Theodore move into a passionate embrace as if they’ve been waiting for it since childhood – and, as a matter of fact, they practically have. Alex agrees to break up with Moshe, and before they know it, she and Theodore are going steady.

Theodore, Jr.?

The two spend the night remembering old times and thinking about the new. Theodore latches on to Alexandria’s unborn baby like he’s the father, and he already dreams of what things will be like when he and Alex can be together as a family. Hopefully, those dreams will come true.

Typical.

The next day, Theo returns home after work to continue building his logic skill. Evangeline, on the other hand, visits Jeremiah’s house again with the intention of mooching a large amount of money. Surprisingly, she succeeds. She begins to find Jeremiah a little more attractive than she used to.

A Little Bite.

Gage takes up fishing in hopes of getting a raise at work. His lifetime wish is within his grasp, but he only has so much time to achieve it. As he catches a few fish, he dreams of being a cross-creature robot breeder. Hopefully he’ll live to see the day!

His Own Room.

The money Delaney, Gage, and Theo have earned is enough to build an upstairs to the house, and now Theodore has his own room, with his own bed! He no longer has to sleep in a room with his five siblings. He finally feels like a real adult. And he’s not the only one who knows he’s growing up!

And Many More!

Hovering creepily over Madeline’s bed, Benjamin cheers for his birthday. Soon he’ll be a teenager like Evangeline! Well, hopefully not just like Evangeline. He’s excited to see what will come next.

Benjamin the Teenager

Ben has grown into a teenager and inherited the family trait, a good sense of humor! Good work, Benny.

Working Mother.

As for Delaney, who we haven’t seen for awhile, she continues to work in the field of journalism, climbing the ladder. She is an investigative reporter now, and still loves her job. Even though she’s getting older, she gets a kick out of writing for the paper and doesn’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.

Working Father.

Gage pours over a book his boss has asked him to read, knowing it will help him get ahead in his field. He is now an Aquatic Ecosystem Tweaker. All he longs for before he dies is to reach the top of the science track, and by gum, he’ll do it – even if he has to read all night.

Contemplation.

A newly teenaged Benjamin, meanwhile, sits on the playground equipment after school, thinking about the ways of the universe. It’s not easy being a genius, and he feels somewhat alone. Oh well, maybe his test tubes will talk to him.

Catfight!

That night, Theo invites his new girlfriend over. Alex has had her baby, a little boy named Brant Andrews, and Theo is excited to meet him. But soon, Evangeline comes between them. She doesn’t trust Alexandria, and she’s not afraid to show it! She insults her for her flighty ways and soon it has become an all-out catfight.

Oh no she didn't!

Evangeline slaps Alex a good one as Theo watches on, worried. He still loves Alex, but during the fight he has learned some more of her traits – she is, in fact, evil.

Silly Brothers.

Still, he has a friend in Benjamin (and Benjamin has a friend in Theo), so all isn’t terrible with the world. Wherever his relationship with Alexandria goes, Theo knows he’ll always have his family.

Birthday! Birthday! Birthday!

And his family is growing up before his eyes! Soon it’s time for the triplets to join Evangeline and Benjamin as teenagers, and boy, are they ready!

Teenager Miranda

Miranda has grown into quite the beautiful young lady, with her mother’s full lips, and a pair of gorgeous brown eyes. She has also developed the family trait, a good sense of humor.

Teenager Mallory

Mallory, who already has the family sense of humor, has developed the artistic trait, and has her mother’s eyes.

Teenager Madeline

And strong-faced Madeline also has a good sense of humor, and eyes like Delaney. And just like that, Delaney’s lifetime wish of raising five children to teenagers has come true! In fact, she raised six!

Mwahaha.

And finally, the next night, Alexandria’s evil trait is confirmed when Theo attempts to invite her to spend the night with him. She refuses, leaving the house with a cackle. Alas, this relationship could be more difficult than he thought.

And now, vote for the Wood Family heir at http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/91452.page

A Birthday!

The time has come at last for Evangeline to join her brother in the land of teenagedom. What does her future hold? Will she someday grow into being the Wood family heir, or will she get lost into Sunset Valley, away from her large and crazy family?

Evangeline as a Teenager

Evangeline grows up into a teenager and inherits the family trait, a good sense of humor. Something tells me she’ll need it. Not the thinnest of girls, and certainly not the most popular, Evangline embarks on her life as a teenager, wondering where the road will lead her. First things first . . . an apology is in order.

Apology Song

Now both teenagers, Evangeline feels the need to explain herself to Theodore. She apologizes for her actions as a child and Theo, always good, tells her to think nothing of it. Feeling better, she decides to head out to the gym to get in shape before she heads off to high school for the first time.

Eye of the Tiger

Evangeline works out until late, after curfew. She doesn’t care, of course. Why should it matter when she stays out until? Better to stay away from the chaos of home, right?

Wrong.

As she exits the gym, Evangeline is stopped by a policewoman for breaking curfew and is promptly taken home. This is bound to be a fun start to her teeange years.

Talking Back

Evangeline returns home to a furious Delaney, and promptly gets into a heated, catty argument with her.

Mocking.

The newly teenaged Evangeline begins to mock Delaney, making fun of the way she speaks.

"What do you want from me?!"

In the end, Evangeline is yelling at her mother about everything: about their family, about their relationship, about her life. Unfortunately, the two go to bed as enemies.

Calm Blue Ocean . . .

The next day, Delaney takes a needed day off, calls a babysitter, and heads off to the beach. She runs down to dip her toes in the waves and gladly takes in the warm sun. After the rough night with her teenage daughter, she’s glad to be alone.

A Seaside Nap

She closes her eyes and takes a calming nap by the shore, forgetting (at least for awhile) about her fight with Evangeline and her crying toddlers.

Going, going . . .

Gone

Theodore, meanwhile, is exhausted from keeping up with his little sisters (and from being awakened by Delaney and Evangeline’s fight). On the way to the bus after school, Theo passes out. Evangeline, of course, either doesn’t notice, or just doesn’t care.

Evangeline and Jeremiah

She rides the bus with Jeremiah Crumplebottom to his house after school, where she decides to spend her time terrorizing his family.

Boo!

Hahaha!

Pleased with herself, she returns home to get some sleep, disregarding her mother and brother’s weariness.

Meaty.

That evening, Madeline and Mallory play with the dollhouse. Mallory is a little hungry, obviously, and chews on the daddy doll until Delaney brings her her bottle. Evangeline sleeps. Soon it’s time for an exciting night of birthdays!

Growing Up - Times 3!

First it’s time for the triplets to end their terrible twos. No more tears! No more waking up in the middle of the night! No more howling from their cribs! I almost can’t handle it. Now that they’ve grown, the slight differences in their faces are becoming apparent.

Miranda as a Child

Mallory as a Child

Madeline as a Child

With their age, the girls have developed another trait each: Miranda is a heavy sleeper, Mallory has the Wood family sense of humor, and Madeline loves the outdoors. Now that they’re older they begin to dream of having their own identities, apart from their sisters.

Becoming a Man!

As Theo paints, he can feel his birthday approaching, too. What kind of man will he become? Will he end up with Alexandria? Will he inherit the Wood Family Legacy?

Pixie Dust.

He grows up in a flash of light and, before he knows it, he’s an official young adult. No more high school, no more homework, no more curfew! He can now fully explore his town and his options.

Theodore as a Young Adult

Theodore decides his lifetime ambition is to reach the top of the Law Enforcement career. Eternally good, he wants to hold up the law to his best ability. Unfortunately, he’s developed the couch potato trait. Hopefully this doesn’t affect his job performance!

At Last.

And now, finally, their children grown past the toddler stage, Delaney and Gage settle in for a full night’s sleep. They will never again have to worry about waking to the sounds of crying babies. They’ll never do another midnight feeding, or change a diaper. Life for the Wood family, at last, is starting to settle down.

Waffles?

The morning after her sisters are born, Evangeline drowns her sorrow in a plate of leftover waffles. Gage doesn’t approve of her eating habits, but Evangeline couldn’t care less. She considers making a snide remark about his own habits, but declines.

The Ladies

Delaney remains at home for a few days with Mallory, Miranda and Madeline. Raising three babies, a toddler, a child, and a teenager is almost impossible, and no one is getting much sleep these days, but Delaney is thrilled that her dream of having five children came true – plus one!

Just a Bite?

A friend named Jeremiah Crumplebottom comes home with Evangeline after school. Instead of running around playing tag like her older brother did in his day, Evangeline decides to mooch some food off of Jeremiah. Something tells me this isn’t the best way to make friends, Evangeline.

The Good Son

Meanwhile Theo, the perfect son, works on teaching Benjamin how to walk. It seems he’s paying more attention to his little brother than he did to his sister, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Catharsis

Later that evening, Evangeline plays with her dollhouse and imagines her family in the tiny rooms. She yells at Benjamin and Theodore for leaving her out, and at her mom for spending too much time with the triplets. She’s not exactly the happiest of children.

The Work is Never Done

But it’s not all fun and games for Theodore, either. As the oldest of six children, he’s given a lot of work to do around the house. When he’d rather be at the park with Alexandria, he’s scrubbing the waffle gunk off the counter tops and calling the repairman to fix the broken dishwasher.

So then I said . . .

School is where Theo finds the time to break free of his crazy family. After class he calls Alexandria and brightens her day a bit before asking her to meet him at the park.

Teenage Hopes

He spends some time flirting with Alexandria. In fact, it’s all he’s been thinking about for days. The distance between them lessens until they’re almost touching, and then . . .

Closer

Theodore and Alexandria are holding each other. Alex looks completely at ease and Theo can’t believe his good luck. Only time will tell if their friendship becomes more, but Theodore feels hopeful that it will. He goes home to his brooding sister, his smart little brother and the crying triplets with a little more bounce in his step. Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .

True Exhaustion

Delaney and Gage have been pushed to the limit with three crying babies, one crying toddler, and a troubled kid. They barely sleep a few hours every night, and they both find themselves passing out within moments of one another, truly exhausted from their daily life. How long does the baby stage last?

Did you hear about . . .

One day after school, Evangeline corners one of Theo’s friends and gossips with the girl about her brother. Theodore isn’t happy when he hears of this but, being as good as he is, he doesn’t take it up with his sister. Anyway, there are more important things when it comes to siblings – like three birthdays at once!

Toddler Miranda

Toddler Mallory

Toddler Madeline

The three girls aren’t exactly identical, with different facial features and eye colors, but they all share Gage’s blonde hair. (Theo seems to be the odd man out with Delaney’s dark hair, but he wouldn’t complain!) Miranda’s face is warm and open, Mallory’s eyes are stunning, and Madeline is going to have quite the strong jaw. Delaney is proud of her beautiful little girls.

Nom Nom

Mama spends her own birthday enjoying a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in honor of her husband’s favorite food. As she reflects on her adult life, she can’t help but feel extremely lucky. Sure, having six kids is difficult sometimes, but she has Gage to back her up.

The Final Stage

Delaney is more than excited to grow into an elder which is a testament to her excitable nature. Evangeline watches on, confused (she doesn’t think she’ll ever understand her mom) while Gage celebrates more than you think a man would at watching his wife go gray. Before she knows it, Delaney has grown from an adult into an old woman.

Elder Delaney

Delaney doesn’t look too bad for an old lady. She remains active in her job as an Anonymous Source Handler and dreams of seeing all of her children grow into teenagedom. She keeps her cutting-edge hairstyle to remind herself of where she came from.

No Place Like Home

Evangeline is invited to a friend’s house after school and she takes him up on the offer immediately. His house is about twenty times the size of hers, and he has one of the most amazing contraptions ever made to man.

A Television

Evangeline plops herself down in front of the family TV, not even bothering to play with her friend. Instead, she mooches off of his hospitality and uses his entertainment.

Age Difference

Back at home, Delaney’s age is shown when she holds little Benjamin or cares for the triplets. She knows her days are numbered now, and her wish of seeing five of her children grow into teenagers bears heavily on her mind.

Priorities

Evangeline, on the other hand, spends her time thinking not of her future, but of money. Maybe she wants a TV of her own? She attempts to mooch a large amount of money off of one of her friend’s housemates to no avail. The little girl returns home empty-handed and maybe just a little more disappointed than she was when she left.

It's My Party!

Evangeline returns home to a very excited Gage. It’s his turn now to get some more wrinkles, and he’s a lot more enthusastic about it than he should be. After a few minutes of cheering, the time has come to join his wife as an elder.

Elder Gage

Gage makes quite the nice grandfather type as an elder, and he falls right into his role as an old man before you can say ‘dentures.’

Light Reading

He heads to the bookstore on his day off and finds a new book on handiness to study for his job. Enjoying the lovely weather, he is pleased with his decision to splurge on a babysitter for the afternoon so he can finally get some peace and quiet.

How much is he paying me?

The babysitter, however, is not so pleased.

Restless

Benjamin seems restless that night, and I think I know why. It’s time for another birthday! Soon he’s joining his sister as a child. Let’s see how the gene pool is treating him, shall we?

Benjamin as a Child

Lookin’ good, Ben! Those eyes’ll get you far with the ladies, I fear, as will that lucky trait you’ve gotten. But no sooner does Ben become a child than does his sister decide to celebrate her birthday, as well.

Happy Birthday!

With her brothers looking on and cheering, Evangeline can’t help but remember her last birthday, right after the triplets were born. Maybe it wasn’t their fault that she had such a rotten childhood. Maybe she just never let them in. Evangeline begins to realize that maybe she’s been a little unfair to these boys.

To Me!

Evangeline begins to get into the spirit of the festivities, wondering finally about her future. She can’t wait to be a teenager, with more freedom, more friends, more adventures! Maybe it will be the chance she’s been waiting for to turn her life around. As she feels her body begin to change, however, the back of her mind wonders if maybe the worst is yet to come . . .

It Happens to Us All.

A lag in paying bills has resulted in the repowoman coming to repossess some of the Wood’s belongings. Theo watches on, unamused, as she uses her magic yoinking wand to take . . . the lamp. What is it with this lamp? First the burglar, now the repowoman. For some reason everyone just wants the lamp. Must be made of gold.

Big Brother

In the days that follow, Theodore falls easily into his role as big brother to Evangeline and Benjamin. In fact, he’s the best big brother they could ask for. Must be that good trait he carries.

Man at Work

Theo continues to hone his creativity with painting. As the family grows and Delaney gets older, she convinces Gage to get fertility treatment, too. If she hopes to have five children, she’d better get pregnant again, and fast! No sooner is Benjamin home from the hospital, in fact, than do Delaney and Gage get to ‘work.’

Petals from Heaven

Their midnight rendezvous is successful, and soon Delaney is feeling the familiar pangs that tell her a new life is beginning to form.

And Baby Makes . . . Four?

She stands near Evangeline and Benjamin’s cradles and imagines her future child joining the brood. Will it be a boy or a girl? Will Delaney and Gage be able to pay the bills? A million questions race through her mind but, for now, she occupies herself with getting ahead in her articles while she has the time off. Because of the leave she was given for Benjamin, she now has almost an entire week in which to improve her job skills. Theo, on the other hand, has something else on his mind . . .

And What's the Deal With . . .

Theodore has made the aquaintance of a stunning young girl named Alexandria Andrews. He charms her with his wit and celebrity impressions, and even attempts a bit of innocent flirting. Alex seems grumpy, but friendly too. Will she latch on to his good sense of humor? Only time will tell.

Interrogations.

A pregnant Delaney takes the opportunity to interview her son’s best friend, Royce. She writes an article that isn’t exactly well received, but at least she completed it. Royce seems like quite a nice young man, too. Delaney approves of him as Theo’s buddy.

Who's the Man?

Theodore is feeling pretty good about himself. He talks to Alexandria on the phone every night, and their friendship is indeed blossoming. His grades are on the up and up, and his painting skill is improving too. Soon he hopes to paint a portrait of his loving, clumsy mom before she goes gray. Speaking of . . .

Gray Hairs

You know you’re getting old when your friends start looking like grandparents. On her way to get a massage for her aching back, Delaney runs into Artie Page, who’s gone a little rough around the edges. She has a nice conversation with him, giving her some closure, before heading in to the spa. Later that night . . .

What Was I Thinking?

Surrounded by the evidence of her growing family, Delaney goes into labor. This time she stays at home, anticipating an easy birth. As the pains progress, she begins to wonder how in the world she thought having another baby was a good idea. And then she remembers.

Oh, Yeah.

After changing into her nightgown, as the labor continues, Delaney thinks about just why she’s doing this. Having this baby will bring her one step closer to her dream of having five children. It makes this whole thing a little easier to remember this.

It's a Girl!

As her baby girl is born, Delaney feels just a bit worried – she’s too old to get pregnant again, and this leaves her with only four children. But wait . . . what’s this?

And Baby Makes . . . 6?

Delaney doesn’t stop at a single birth. No. Soon there’s another little girl in the family. But that’s not all! Delaney, at long last, is having triplets. With toddler Evangeline playing on the floor and Benjamin, still a baby himself, sleeping in his crib, Delaney gives birth to three beautiful baby girls: Mallory, Madeline and Miranda. Something tells her and Gage that they are in for a long, long life of raising children. Mallory is as good as Theo, but she may be a bit of a couch potato in the making. Madeline seems as smart as Evangeline and Ben, but she’s a potential couch potato, too. Miranda seems to have gotten the best traits, being clumsy like her mom, but friendly, as well.

Evangeline, Ignored

With her Mommy and Daddy distracted by their new bundles of joy, Evangeline crawls off to Theodore’s room to grow up. She doesn’t have an easy time of it after all the commotion, and has developed the mooch trait.

Evangeline as a Child

Little Evangeline takes after her father, and not just in her eyes and hair . . . she seems to have retained a little bit of that toddler fat, too. Maybe she and Daddy can go to the swimming pool together sometime. That is, if he ever finds a moment between taking care of Benjamin, Mallory, Miranda, and Madeline. Evangeline, it seems, isn’t going to have the easiest childhood.

Toddler Benjamin

And Benjamin has grown up as well, into an adorable little toddler. Where he got the beautiful, golden brown eyes from no one knows, but the family agrees he’s going to be a looker, just like his big brother. They don’t say this in front of Evangeline.

Catching Their Zzz's

As the Wood family settles down for the night, they know that the real journey, a new chapter, is just beginning. Now that Delaney has six children, she knows her days of being pregnant are over. Gage wonders when he’ll become the scientist he’s always wished to be, the one who can support a family of eight. Theo dreams of getting closer to Alexandria while Benjamin sits peacefully in his crib, dreaming of being outside. Mallory, Miranda and Madeline drift off in their cribs, the newest additions to the crazy household.

Sweet Dreams?

And Evangeline Wood, feeling like the middle child, falls asleep in the room she shares with Theodore, dreaming of what it must be like to be the center of attention. She fears her prospects of becoming the Wood Family heir are dwindling and, unfortunately, I think she’s right.

Finishing the Hat

Life after Evangeline’s birth continues normally. Big brother Theo has started to become interested in painting and works on creating the best masterpiece ever produced by someone under ten.

Wait!

His first day of school comes before he knows it – literally – and he’s left running to the bus so he doesn’t miss it. However, Theodore doesn’t seem to be the only one having technical difficulties this day and age.

Click Click Boom!

Although Gage’s career is really starting to take off, it seems he had some trouble in the laboratory one afternoon. He comes home to his napping wife a bit singed. Delaney has been talking recently of wanting another child again – she would like to have five, as we know, and her biological clock isn’t exactly going to get rewound. But with charred skin and exhaustion, who can find time to make another child?

No Time for Friends

One would think Theo was as unlucky as his father when it came to making friends. The fact that he’s sleeping in the same room as his little sister is making him unbelievably tired when he should be off playing with the friends he made in school. He falls asleep, along with his mother and blackened father, in the middle of the afternoon. What will this tired family do?

Thoughtful Theo

Theo rides home from school in silence a few days later. He loves having a baby sister, but he hates waking up in the middle of the night every night. Things were easier when he was the only child, and now his mom’s talking about having even more kids! What’s a boy to do?

Drink Up!

But what’s this? After nights of losing sleep, Theo is excited to come home to a new bedroom! It seems Mommy and Daddy’s work is paying off and now he won’t be woken to the sounds of Evangeline crying anymore. Who said a new baby would be trouble? Gage falls right into the baby dada position again as if he were made for it, taking care of his little girl as if she’s his world.

Freedom

Now the couple’s eldest child, Theo, seems rather carefree as he rides home from school. He’s keeping on top of his homework and is holding an A average. Although things are more stressful with Evangeline in the house, he still finds time for his art and even to make some new friends. And he has his own room!

You're It!

Theo joyfully plays tag with his new best friend, Royce Donner. And while he enjoys the outdoors, inside Mom and Dad catch up on their work.

Business as Usual

Delaney works on an article that will gain her 60 simoleons a week in royalties while Gage reads a book his boss has given him. But a few changes are about to come to the Wood household . . .

Toddler Evangeline

To begin with, little Evangeline has grown from a baby to a beautiful toddler with her father’s coloring: blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Something tells Delaney she’s going to be a heartbreaker. Now that she’s grown and things are finally starting to settle down, Delaney and Gage decide to try for another baby.

Woohoo!

With Theo in his own bedroom and Evangeline sleeping peacefully in her crib, Gage and Delaney quietly make love – and a new life.

Morning Sickness

The morning sickness makes Delaney second guess her decision to have three more children, but she knows that in the end she’ll be happy to be surrounded by family. She has begun some fertility treatments in hopes of bearing twins or triplets to make the going easier – well, as easy as multiple births can be.

Turning In . . .

One night, after hours of painting, Theo decides to turn in – but little does he know, he won’t just turn in. He’ll turn into a teenager!

Growing Up!

Delaney and Gage sing Happy Birthday as Theo grows up. He’s definitely inherited his Mom’s sense of humor, and added onto his good and easily impressed traits, he seems to be quite the nice young man.

Teenager Theo

Theodore is ready to tackle the world of high school, and Delaney is ready to tackle her next child – well, not literally, of course.

It's Time!

Delaney wakes in the middle of the night to the feel of her baby kicking. Gage is, as usual, a bit distressed. You’d think that by the third baby he’d be used to labor, but no. Luckily Theo is asleep in the other room and misses all of the commotion.

Super Dad!

Gage rushes into the hospital. Evangeline in tow, to witness the birth of his third child. It seems only yesterday his daugher was born, and here he is, a father again. Despite the weariness, he couldn’t be happier. It’s a boy!

Goodnight, Little One

After they return from the hospital, Delaney tucks little Benjamin Wood into his crib. Ben seems every bit as smart as his sister, and he also seemed especially thrilled when he was outside. Delaney heads to bed, happy with her three beautiful children.

Sleeping Beauties

Meet Benjamin Wood!

And then there were three. Who will carry on the Wood name? Will it be good Theodore, artistic Evangeline, or the newest addition to the family, genius Benjamin? Then again, no sooner is Ben born than is Delaney thinking of trying for another child. She knows she doesn’t have much time to have the five children she’s always dreamed of. Oh well, she thinks, there’s always tomorrow.

The Harvest

Things are business as usual after Theodore is born: Gage continues tending the small garden, Delaney cooks.  The couple is excited to have finally earned the money for a real stove and refrigerator, and are glad they can live off of more than apples now. Before they know it, Theodore has grown from a bouncing baby into a toddler.

Toddler Theo

He definitely has inherited his mother’s eyes and hair, along with her sense of humor. He begins playing with his toy xylophone everyday. Theo, however, isn’t the only one changing in the Wood house.

Looking Good!

Gage’s dedication to diet and exercise has paid off for the time being, and he’s feeling pretty proud of himself. He even has gotten promoted at his job in the science career track, from test subject to lab tech. Lookin’ good, Daddy!

Growing Up

And Mrs. Delaney Wood has grown as well, from a young adult to an adult. Her age is starting to show on her face, but she still feels as young and as ready to tackle the world as ever. Her career continues to bloom as well, from freelance writer to professional blogger to anonymous source handler.

Trials and Tribulations

Still, raising a toddler is no easy feat. Theodore’s crying has started to wear on Delaney and Gage’s nerves, and even a little on their love life. It’s hard to find time to be romantic, and even harder to find time to feel romantic.

No Means No!

Delaney wants another a child, but the stress level in the Wood household is making Gage a bit cranky. Night after night they go to bed unsatisfied. They decide to focus, for now, on little Theo. Another child will come when the time is right.

Dreamland

Baby's First Steps!

Theodore continues to grow everyday. He’s played his xylophone enough to become bored with it, slept through the night, and taken his first steps. Soon things begin to slip into a calm routine in the Wood household, and Gage and Delaney finally feel ready for that second child.

Getting Closer

One night, after Theo is asleep, Gage and Delaney share a special moment. Again, Delaney imagines the chimes of her second child. She hopes it’s more than her imagination.

Unpleasant.

What’s this? A case of food poisoning? A bad burger? No. Delaney Wood is pregnant for the second time.

Theo as a Child

Little Sister?

They grow up so fast, don’t they? As Delaney’s stomach grows, so does her little boy, Theodore. Soon he’s no longer a toddler, but a handsome young boy. He hopes for a little sister, but who knows what he’ll get? Soon, he and Gage are woken in the wee hours of the morning to the sounds of Delaney getting ready to have her baby.

Ooh!

Aah!

Eek!

To be honest, it seems that Gage and Theodore are a bit more worked up about the baby coming than Delaney, who stays calm. She heads to the hospital and there, after a quick birth, she has her second child.

It's a Girl!

Delaney and Gage return home to a sleeping Theodore, with their beautiful baby girl. Both are thrilled at the perfect route their family is taking. Delaney’s secret lifetime wish of being surrounded by family is taking shape, as is Gage’s desire to reach the top of his career. Who needs a dining room when you have two great children?

Goodnight, Sweet Evangeline

Delaney tucks little Evangeline Wood into her crib for her first night. She seems like quite a smart little girl already, and the artwork in the room seems to catch her eye as she drifts off to sleep.

Two Beds

And then there were two. Could the next heir of the Wood Legacy be easily excitable, good Theodore Wood with his keen sense of humor, or artistic, genius Evangeline? Or will Delaney have the three more children she desires? Again, only time will tell. For now, the new brother and sister pair sleep peacefully, their futures willing to wait.

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