Tranquility Creek Holiday Special 2021

 

Hello, everyone! It's that time of year again!

So, last year, I decided that all the...everything going on, I would try something a bit easier than the massive group photos I'd done in the past and posted a video slideshow recapping Tranquility Creek's first 5 years. And it turns out, it was easier. Way easier. So, we're doing it again. 

Of course, this one isn't quite as long as last year's, since we're only recapping 2021. (It also helps that I really didn't post a lot this year, all things considered.) Please enjoy, and I'll catch up with you all in 2022!

Kauker 2: Round 21

Last round, the Kauker family was preparing for their daughters, Gemini and Libra, to graduate high school. Both girls found themselves entering romantic relationships with one half of the Palmer twins, with Mark and Gemini becoming an item and Libra going with Harrison. But the end of the week, both girls had graduated and were off to college. 

Hi, guys! Welcome back!

Libra: Oh, hey Mysterious Voice.

I see you're checking out your new bedroom...everything good so far?

Harrison: Oh, yeah..

Libra: But you know...I think the bed could use a little more breaking in...

Ok, ok, I get it. Give me a chance to get out of the room at least...

Glad to see you're thinking about careers too. Politics, huh...well, I guess someone has to take over now that Misty's gone...

And I guess a work from home career is a good choice too...

No surprises with Harrison becoming an author...

Libra: What are you doing, Mom?

Leanna: (sigh) Making the shopping list for Winterfest. I swear, this family gets bigger and bigger every year...

Libra: Oh...well, speaking of that...you may want to add one more...

Leanna: Why...wait...you're....

Libra: Uh-huh!

Leanna: I'm going to be a grandma?

Libra: You are!

Man, a new grandchild and Winterfest. It's going to be a busy one around here.

Leanna: Can you believe it? We're going to be grandparents!

You're certainly much more excited than you were to become a mom...

Leanna: I think I'm going to take up knitting...I saw online you can make the cutest little outfits for babies...

Galaxy: Hey, that sounds like a great idea...anything I can do to help?

Leanna: Well...I guess you could go pick up the wool...

Um...you know most people would just go to a store...

But I guess we're doing it...this way...

Is...this really what Leanna meant?

Galaxy: What? I want my little grand baby to have the best! And what's better than freshly harvested llama wool?

Um...maybe fully cleaned llama wool?

Galaxy: Huh...maybe you have a point. I should probably wash this first.

So, let me get this straight. You bought a llama...to get wool. Which you then used to make...a blanket for the llama.

Leanna: Well, sure...I mean, I need to practice on something before I start making baby clothes.

Ok, I think I'm going to hang out inside the house for a bit....um, Harrison? Is that really the best attire for repairing a toilet?

Harrison: You've seen these things when they're broken, right? I'm not getting my clothes all wet.

Well, I guess that makes sense.

Oh, boy...let's hope the llama wool outfits are ready...it's baby time!

And I see we're doing a home birth...

It's a girl! Welcome, Andromeda!

Aww, she's cute...

Harrison: I...can't believe it...I'm actually a dad!

Yup, you sure are.

Um...we may want to give Larry a bath before we harvest the next batch of wool. Just saying...

Leanna: Here you go, honey...this is for you. Well, technically it's for Andromeda...

Libra: Mom, Winterfest is still days away...

Leanna: I know, but I just finished it, and I can't wait to see how it looks...

Ok, that is pretty cute...good job, Leanna.

And it turns out she wasn't that off for Winterfest.

Um...is Harrison worried that the tree is going to squirt him with water?

Libra: What do you think of your first Winterfest tree?

I mean, she's not screaming, so I'd say she's pretty thrilled.

Let's hope she's just as happy to see Father Winter for the first time.

Harrison: Ooh, I wonder what it is...

Let's hope it's pants...

And it looks like we've got two birthdays in the mix, too.

Two Winterfest birthdays. Let's do Andromeda first...

Ok, typical first-born...

And she looks exactly like her mom...

Aww, nice outfit.

Harrison: Thanks. I don't want her to get cold on the way to my parents.

Oh, we're going to your parent's house too? That's nice.

Harrison: Yeah, we're all having lunch there. Then Gemini and Mark are coming over here for dinner.

Andromeda: Daddy? Presents now?

Harrison: (sigh) Ok. You can open one present, then we have to go to Grandma and Grandpa Palmer's house.

And I see she's already got Harrison wrapped around her finger.

Harrison: Hi, Dad!

Lucas: Hey! It's great to see you! Where's my new granddaughter?

Looks like she's more interested in Gary than in her grandparents.

Wow, this has been a busy day...

Libra: I know. But I can't help feeling like we forgot something...

I think I figured it out.

Sorry, Leanna: 

Leanna: Oh, that's ok. There's been more than enough celebration around here today anyway. Plus, now it won't look strange when I fall asleep in the rocking chair.

Well, I think you'll have to fight off Andromeda for a turn first. But, now it's time for me to be moving on. I'll see all of you next round!

   A Message From the Mysterious Voice: I know, I know. It's been a while. But..um...I wanted a Winterfest post to be up during the week of Christmas? Yeah, let's go with that. Obviously, it's been some time since I actually played this lot-this was way back when Cottage Living first came out. I couldn't wait to play with some of the new content, hence Larry the llama. Plus, it gives the elders something to do. 

Lytle 2: Round 21

Last round, the Lytles were diving headfirst into college applications. While their older daughter, Sprite, was obviously the focus Marylin and Moss also encouraged their younger daughter, Snapple, to take the application process seriously as well. By the end of the week, Sprite had been accepted to Foxbury Institute.

Hey there, Snapple...

Snapple: Oh, hey there Mysterious Voice...

Everything ok?

Snapple: (sigh) I still haven't heard back about my college application...and my birthday's today. 

Ah, so it is...maybe you just need a distraction...

Like a sick dog, perhaps? Maybe a trip to the vet will take your mind off the waiting.

Oh, look. Aunt Leigh is here...

Leigh: Snapple! I'm so glad I ran into you! Happy birthday!

Snapple: Um...thanks...

Leigh: I was surprised that you guys aren't having a big blowout...I mean, when the twins graduate I think I'm inviting the whole neighborhood.

Snapple: Yeah, well, you know...Harvestfest is only a few days away. We don't want to over-do it.

Leigh: Oh, have you heard anything about college yet?

Snapple: Um...

Hey, um...I think I just heard the doctor call you back.

Snapple: Right! Um...sorry, Aunt Leigh...I'll have to fill you in another time...

So I guess the whole distraction thing didn't work that well...

Maybe cake will help? Happy birthday, dear Snapple...

Well, we may not know about college yet but she sure did good with the character values...

Snapple: Hi...can I just get a tea?

Reyansh: Sure thing...but shouldn't you be in school, young lady?

Snapple: Nope...not anymore. Just graduated.

Reyansh: Well, congratulations!

Snapple: Thanks...um...what do I owe you?

Reyansh: It's on me. Consider it a graduation present.

Snapple: Thanks.

Reyansh: So...you off to those new college things now?

Snapple: Hopefully...I haven't exactly heard back yet.

Reyansh: Well, just be patient. I'm sure it'll come...

See? There you go. 

Snapple: I can't believe I got in!

You may want to go let your parents know...I'm sure they're going to want to celebrate.

Oh, and Marylin's birthday...we should probably celebrate that too.

Snapple: Oh, it's you...from the coffee stand.

Reyansh: Hey, it's the graduate! So, any news yet?

Snapple: Actually...yeah. I got accepted!

Reyansh: Hey, that's great! Listen, I don't know if you've got any plans for the afternoon, but...I'd love to take you out for a drink to celebrate.

Snapple: Well, I'm meeting my parents down at a restaurant for my mom's birthday later...but I guess I could grab a drink before I go.

Wow, this place is...cozy.

Reyansh: Yeah, I've been coming here for...wait a minute. How did you talk without moving your lips? You're not majoring in ventriloquism, are you?

Snapple: No, um, that's...well...

Reyansh: Man, it's so great you're going off to college. I hope my son's able to get in...

Snapple: You...have a son?

Reyansh: Yes...but don't worry, he's almost out of high school himself, so...

Snapple: Yeah...um...listen, this has been great and all, but I should probably get over to the restaurant to meet my parents...Mom's birthday dinner, and all...

Ok, well, now that we're out of that definitely not awkward scenario...Happy birthday, dear Marylin...

You ok?

Marylin: Yup...

Good...

Snapple: Wish me luck, Smoothie...

Luck for what? 

Snapple: Well, I thought I'd go out and see if I can meet some guys...preferably ones who don't have kids almost as old as me.

Mind if I tag along?

Snapple: Only if you promise to be quiet...I'd rather not have to explain you to every guy I meet.

Yeah, I guess meeting the disembodied narrator is more of a second or third date kind of thing...

Snapple: Hi...I'm Snapple.

Sean: My name's Sean...

Snapple: Nice glasses...I guess you work in a lab?

Sean: Oh, yes...it's fascinating. Right now I'm working on a project involving dissecting several eels...

Snapple: You...don't say...

Snapple: A police officer, huh? Do you like, get to arrest people? Like on TV?

Cedric: Well, no...not yet, anyway. Someday, maybe. Right now I mainly file the reports...

Snapple: You don't say...

Snapple: (sigh) Maybe I should just head home...

Broderick: Hey there...listen, I know this is awkward, but I saw you inside and I was waiting to come introduce myself. I'm Broderick...

Snapple: Snapple. So, do you live around here?

Broderick: Sure do!

(whispers) Snapple, may I suggest you two take this conversations somewhere a bit more private?

I think we have a winner!

And I see that Moss is settling into his old age just fine...

Slushie! No! Stop! (Sigh) Maybe I should just stick with Snapple for a bit...

Broderick: Hey, you made it! Man, you were right. This place is awesome...

Snapple: I know, right? 

Strange to hear a Lytle say that about this place...

Broderick: Huh? What was that?

Snapple: (sigh) Ok, I guess I have no choice now. Broderick, meet the mysterious voice. Mysterious voice, Broderick.

Broderick: Mysterious...what?

Snapple: Look, I don't really understand it either, but she just kind of...shows up and follows me around sometimes. You get used to it...

Broderick: Um...if you say so...

Broderick: Anyway...I wanted to share the good news in person. I got into University of Britechester too!

Snapple: You did? That's great! That means we'll be at school together! Hey, look...I know this might seem fast but...do you want to come over to my house for Harvestfest dinner tomorrow?

Broderick: That sounds great! Should I bring anything?

Maybe a generator...

Marylin: Of course it would be on Harvestfest. Look, I care about saving energy as much as the next person, but why couldn't we have done this yesterday? I have 20 people to feed, and the oven won't work, and...

Moss: Don't worry, honey...I've got us covered. You just go upstairs and relax...

So...you're trusting Moss when he says he's got this covered?

Marylin: What else can I do? It's not like I can turn the power back on...

Oh, grilling...that isn't actually a bad plan.

Let's hope the family appreciates grilled turkey...brace yourselves, everyone. The Lytles are assembling...

Allegra: So where's your boyfriend?

Snapple: He's coming later...

Allegra: I bet he isn't even real...

Finn: Uh...hi...

Wow, Finn really is a cat person, huh?

Allegra: Hey! The lights came back on!

Leia: Thank goodness...I almost fell down the stairs earlier...

Yeah, I was going to ask why we're all hanging out in the upstairs hallway...

Broderick: Um...am I interrupting?

Snapple: Broderick! You made it!

Tylenol: See, squirt? I told you he was real.

Snapple: Sorry about my cousins...I know my family's a lot.

Broderick: It's ok. It's kind of nice, to be honest...I just moved here on my own, and it gets a little lonely.

Snapple: Listen, this may seem...crazy, but...

Snapple: Will you marry me?

Broderick: Yes! 

You ok?

Moss: (sigh) Yeah, I guess...it's just...I can't believe my little girl's getting married.

Well, not just yet. She's got to go to college, first...oh, I guess that's not much better.

Moss: So you promise you'll call?

Snapple: Yes, dad. For the 1000th time. And you know I'm moving back in after, right?

Moss: I know, but still...call.

Don't worry, Moss. I'll keep an eye on her. But now it's just about time for me to be moving on. Snapple, I'll catch up with you and Broderick at college. Everyone else, I'll see you next round.

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: And the second Uni household for this round begins! I decided to shake things up and have the townie fiancee's go through university too. (If anything, it will make it easier if I have to do shared weddings again.) It really did take forever to find the right guy for Snapple. I was all in on Reyansh the coffee guy...but then I realized he had a kid already. And yes, you're starting to see snippets of Cottage Living here and there...it won't really come into play for a few more lots, but I wasn't able to hold off playing around with it a bit.