Movin' On Up

We're back! Very quickly, but I can't write my report tonight, because it'll make my head hurt. So let's watch the Grays instead. Speaking of which, I see Remi. Hi Remi!


Stupid bills. Oh hi. Could you consider giving us about $18000?
Sorry, that's against the rules. Besides, if I had 18 grand, I'd pay off my student loan and credit cards and go to Japan, I mean, grad school.

Bye Daddy!
Goodbye, Sydney. Be safe. Remember what I told you about boys?
Beat 'em up!
That's my girl.
You realize that you can't use that trick forever.
I can try.



C'm'ere!
Aah!
A'right, I gotta go arrest some bad guys now.
Have a good day, Brooklyn!



Yes, I talked my teacher into giving me an A!
Sydney! That's not right!
Who cares, I'm telling my daddy!
Daddy, I got an A!
That's great, honey!
Remi, I don't think she got that A on her own.
Are you saying that my child is not smart?
...Oh, you're good, kid.
What did you get, Bronx?
I don't know, but I don't think it's good. Why would the teacher say I don't play well with others?
I have no idea. You seem to play very well with Sydney, when you do.

Who happens to be stuffing her face with her father. You see where she gets it from.

Seriously Bronx, your antisocial antics are kinda scary. Do you even have any friends?
Sssh. I'm doing my homework.



Sydney grows up today! You're going to be a teen, how do you feel?
Uh, okay, I guess.

And Brooklyn gets a promotion. Congrats.
Thanks. I'm glad I can get outta the streets.

Hi Mom!
Hey kid. You do your homework?
Uh-huh.
Good.



My goodness, Remi! You still paintin' me?
Of course my dear. Your beauty must be preserved for generations to come.
That's so romantic. You're makin' me blush.

What are you doing, Sydney?
Jumping on the bed.
Brooklyn wouldn't like that, and that's not something teenagers do.
I know. I'm not growing up.
You can't decide that.
Yes I can. Daddy says I can do whatever I want.
Syd! We've got cake!
Ooooh! Wait for me!



Hey Syd, stick 'em up!
I'm comin' to get you, outlaw!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Ah, I'm hit! It ain't over outlaw...
Ha.
Bye bye sheriff.
Ow!
*gasp* Bronx! I can't believe you just kicked your sister. That is not playing well with others!
What? What'd I do?
What are your parents teaching you?



Trust me Sydney, it's not as bad as it seems.
Make a wish and blow out the candles.
Hmmm...What do I wish?
Keep it to yourself.
Okay.
Huh, I don't feel any different.
Whoa, that was quick. And cool clothes!
Regretting growing up now, Sydney?
Not a bit. Guess what I wished for?

Lots and lots of friends!
Popularity. God help me.
I really wish I had a party.
Don't start already.

I like this better. It's cool, like Mom's hair.
Your mom's hair is legendary.



Remi, where are you going?
Work.
It's 2 am, and Brooklyn's gonna wonder where you've been. I'm gonna tell.
Uh-huh, sure. Hello Angalie, take me to the usual place.
Yes, Mr. Gray.



Sydney? Sydney??
You are the yin to my yang, the moon to my sun...
Sydney!
What?
...What are you doing?
Um, uh, I, yeah...
Nevermind. Where's your father?
He's not here?
*facepalm*

I can't believe my daughter is a teen. I'm old.
Brooklyn, where's your husband?
Oh, he's somewhere 'round here. We're old. We have a daughter who's been in the bathroom all mornin'.
Oh, I can't get anyone to pay attention to me.

Hahahahaha!
I might as well not even try.


Congratulations, Remi, you are now the epitome of evil.
Well, I've done what I wanted to do.
What do you mean?
You're QUITTING?
I wanted to get the family funds to a good level. Now we have all we need, so I don't need to work in this job anymore. Besides, as much as I love Brooklyn, she turns into a different woman when she puts on the uniform.

Hey Dad, check it! A+!
Alright! See? Cheering on the kids is a full-time job.



Hmm, this looks interesting.
What's interesting?
This job. Campaign worker.
But you guys are fabulously wealthy. You don't need a job.
No, but I think Mom wants me out of the house more, so she suggested I get a job to see what I want to do when I grow up. Riiiiiiiight.
Or maybe Bronx complained about the bathroom.
What's that supposed to mean?



Hi Bronx, how was school?
Bronx, did you convince Mom to tell me to get a job?
Yes! I got an A! And I didn't think Mom would listen to me.
Dad, look! I got an A+!
Whoohoo!

Hi. I'm Marsha Bruening.
Oh god no.
I want to get to know everybody and be best friends with you all. Bronx and his mom and his dad and his sister and you too. But first, I think I'll see if he has any more family members.
I don't think the pool is any relation to the family.



Brooklyn, I have a surprise for you. I finished the portrait.
Oh wow, that looks amazin', Remi! I love it.
Me too.



And it was here that life actually started to settle down into a routine. In the mornings Sydney hogs the bathroom...
Syd, I gotta go.
There's another bathroom, twerp.

Remi finds something useful and engaging to occupy his mind while he was waits for the family to come home...
Yo ho ho! A pirate's life for me!
Don't you dare sing that song! I know that doesn't come till Bon Voyage!
What?

After the kids finish with their annoying cheer (when did that stop?) they do their homework...
Making friends is very important because... it's fun? No, that's not gonna work...

Sydney goes to work...
Alright, people! Vote for me, uh, I mean... What was his name again? Oh well, I'll remember when I get there.

And Brooklyn works out...
while Remi keeps her company.




Except today.
Oh, good. I've been waiting for you to grow up. Finally I can make an informed decision.
Congratulations!
Hey, you were right about the future in politics thing. This is fun, but I wish I could do more. I'm bored.
Sorry, no way to finish quicker. Not till University.

And then this happened.
You again? Seriously, this is like the third time.
Well, this time I'm prepared. So bring your worst.
Hehehehe.
Yeah, you just wait till the police get here.
Where do you think you're going, lawbreaker?
Booo-ring! I'm going back to bed.
This isn't a time to rate the fight!
Oh, you've got to be kidding me! Again?
In case you were wondering where the head of the household was during all this. My mom always said having kids makes you sleep harder once they stop crying. I guess Brooklyn is proof.
Yes, hand your head like the sorry excuse for a policeman that you are. Brooklyn is not going to be happy in the morning.
Chief Gray?
Yes, Chief Gray.
Chief Gray, this was not my fault, I swear. That burglar must have been taking steroids. I fought my best, but he got away.
Take my advice. Wake her up and she'll be even angrier.
You're right.
Of course I'm right. Now go on.



I've got two things to tell you. One: I quit my job. Two: That burglar that robbed you years ago came last night, but I fought him off.
You're my hero!
You're a liar. Hmm, lightning strike sounds good. No, crap, not till Seasons.



Hey Bronx, you grow up today, how do you feel?
Violated! Get out of my shower!
Geez, kid, it's not like I can see anything.
Bronx, who is dancing with Sydney?
Her friend, I think she said his name was Orrin.
Orlando!
Sydney, stop dancing so close to him. You, young man, should know better than to make moves on my daughter in my presence.
Oh, lay off, old man.
Dad, you're lowering my best friend count.
Sydney's really pretty.
I don't know if this party idea of Sydney's will work out.
If that boy's thinking about Sydney, I'll knock his lights out.
Why's Syd looking at me like that?

Just make a wish, Bronx.
Hmm, what do I want?
I got it!
Now blow out the candles.
I really want to know what you wished for.

Whoa, is this what happened to Syd? Cool!
Wow.
Hey, this is pretty awesome. I hope I get my wish:
To know everything there is to know.

There, much better. Now Sydney will not be embarrassed to be seen with you.
And a special congratulations to you Sydney. Your first party was a blast.
Awesome. Let's do it again!
Not right now.



Get out of the bathroom, Syd!
Go find another one!
Ugh, it's mornin' already?
Uh-huh. *yawn*
Aww, you have your father's nose!
Not now. I couldn't get in the bathroom to brush my hair.
Is that why you're wearing the hat?
Uh-huh.
Finally, he's gone.
And you're gonna be late if you don't hustle.


Uh, I dunno, Edit?
Oops, well, you didn't get fired.
I got demoted! I was interning for the city controller and I got demoted!
It's not fair!



I got a surprise for you this time. Like it?
What's that? Oh, this little told me to tell you he thinks you could be the next Picasso.
Remi, you ok? Why're you talkin' to your hand?





Welcome home Sydney. Who's your friend?
That's Tosha.
Sophie's in the house!
Sophie! I was wondering when you'd come around.
That's really funny, Mr. Gray.
Hey, that's not your piece! You're cheating!
Congratulations, you're smarter then I thought. But not smarter than me.
Humph!
Hey, look over there!
What? Where?
Heheh. Sucker.



You did it! Good job Brooklyn!
'Parently the cops trust me so much, I'm like a superhero or somethin'.
So modest.
And that is?
Oh, a novel. I'm writing an autobiography, on how I started out with nothing and ended up with all this.
Good idea.

I swear the only sane person in this house is Brooklyn. Now what? Can Brooklyn hold on to her job now that she's so preoccupied with being old? Sydney and Bronx are teens; who will be the heir? And I really should start shopping for spouses for my kids. See you next week.
Theme Song: Movin' On Up - The Jeffersons theme song

All the Small Things

OMG she's back. Yeah, through a long story, I had access to nothing from January 2 till this week. So let's get on with the update.

Sssssh, I'm trying to concentrate.
Tree pose.
Downward dog pose.
And that one's not even on here. What's that one called?
Scorpion...can't...talk...now...

Bye honey.
Daddy's gotta go to work.



Hey Sydney? What's up? You haven't maxed charisma yet.
Aw crap. Brooklyn, we have a birthday!
Happy birthday Sydney!

Yay, I'm a big girl now!
Well, you can use the big toilet and feed yourself. You're close. Clap after I change your hair.

Much better. Don't you think Sydney?
I think it looks funny.
I'll interpret that as a sign of approval.
What?
Don't worry, you'll learn all those words at school.
Okay.




Hi Daddy!
Oh, hi honey.
Why are you wearing those funny clothes, Daddy?
Um, I was at a...costume party, yeah, that's it. Don't tell your mother.
Okay Daddy.

Bye honey.
Oh, bye Remi.
Brooklyn! Look, quick!
...I wonder if I've learned enough about cleaning...
Brooklyn?



What's going on?
Of course, a birthday! Happy birthday Bronx!
Now go on the potty like a good boy.

Hi honey.
He-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-e-y Re-e-e-e-e-e-m-i-i-i-i-i-i.
*sigh*



Bye Mommy! I'm going to school!
Have fun honey, and learn lots.



Looks like learning is going on elsewhere.
Say "teddy".
Nuuu!
*sigh*
Can you say "chair"?
Chair?
His first word!

How was school Sydney?
It was okay, but my teacher wants me to take this note to my mommy or daddy. What does "talks out of turn" mean?
That I see a bright future for you in politics.
Cool!

And that's how you do long division.
What was that last part again?
As you see, it wasn't that hard.
Hmm, I wonder if I can get somebody else to do it for me?
Sorry Sydney, influence doesn't come till University.
What does that mean?
In short, the answer to your original question is no.







Ah, the power of smartmilk.

Good thing too. I've been waiting to see Bronx grow up.
I just included it cause it's cute.



What are you doing eating chips in the morning. You might want to slow down too. You could get indigestion.
Okay, never mind.



And you, young man, look less conspicuous, but I still know your secret.
You haven't outed me yet.
Not for lack of trying. I'll see you when you get home.


And what are you doing?
Checking for fingerprints.
You have a sponge hidden somewhere, I know it.

Who's your friend Sydney?
Olen.
Orlando.
Right, that. All he talks about is how good his grades are. Boooo-ring.
Well, you can say goodbye to him.
Okay. Bye Orion.
Orlando!
Yeah, that.


Well, I'm ready, but I'll wait. Only fair to let them suffer every moment of Bronx's toddlerhood, just like Sydney.




And these are just for showing the family love. See, they do interact!



And thank you for maxing mechanical.



This is ridiculous! Why am I cleaning this tub when we're supposed to have a maid?
I really don't know. She just didn't show up.




Remington Harris Gray, I love you.

I don't care what you have to do, I need a distraction. I don't know, pretend you're robbing a bank. Just get the police off me.



What are you doing swimming? We didn't say you could stay!
Daddy, the maid's about to swim.
No, I'm not, you little brat.

Hi Mommy. The maid was swimming.
Oh, was she? She might be out of a job.
But I already tried to fire her. It ain't working.



And more skill maxing. Congrats Brooklyn, only six more skills to go!



Happy birthday Bronx!
Whoo!
What's the maid doing here?
Uhhh... I dunno.
You're not bad looking, I must say. You're gonna be a heartbreaker when you grow up.
Okay, and here is where I figured out that I broke the lot. I managed to save them simply by moving them, fortunately.



And now that we're here, I need something to do, so let's embarrass ourselves.
It's Kaylynn, not the glitchy one!

Sydney, what are you doing?
Spying.
What are you doing?
Reading.



Oh Kaylynn, I've never been so happy to see your cheating self.



Oh wow, that should come out really well if it ever gets finished.



Oh God, not you...
Hello Mr. Jitma-somethin' or other.
Hmm...hello Mrs. Gray.

I can assure you that my children have all their necessary vaccinations. They will not be visiting any doctors anytime soon.
Congratulations Mrs. Gray. Despite your bohemian hair and your mispronunciation of my name, I will accept your children to Coast Academy.

You're so cute!
Oh, you're cute too!
And this is when my sister decided to get violently ill and I forgot to pause the game for 12 sim hours. Whoops. But I got these pics:
Remi got fit! I might actually be able to respect you now.
Bronx learned to study. Remi is now convinced his son can write in iambic pentameter. Bronx isn't so sure.
Brooklyn's still working on her body.

What will happen now? I have to choose an heir next week. Cheerful, talkative Sydney? Or serious, studious Bronx? How Brooklyn has not seen Remi is beyond me. Will that change? And I got the Happy Holiday Stuff Pack. What will Santa bring?
Theme Song: All the Small Things - Blink 182

Odd Pic Out:
Maybe we'll leave Alina alone. I think the loneliness is getting to her.