Better Together | The Holden Household

Holden Update 17
Fall | Week 2 - Part II: Darla Holden -- A Day in the Life

Holden Update 18
Fall | Week 2 - Part III: Keaton Holden -- A Day in the Life
WEDNESDAY
It was midweek, and the kids had one more day of school before Harvest Break started. Once Keaton woke up, he went to the restroom and checked himself out in the mirror. To his surprise, he took his first big leap into puberty and grew facial hair! Though the hair was fine and wispy, he was actually quite pleased with his new look.
https://i.imgur.com/8KpQoEf.png

Keaton headed off to school with his sister. His first class was art, but he didn’t pay much attention to the class material. Instead he took selfies throughout the entire class! He was really feeling himself this day!
https://i.imgur.com/4QtvBDW.png

At lunch, Lucia came up to the table visibly distraught.
“Hey! – Uhh, you look upset. What’s wrong?” he asked.
“You know my audition for our school production of ‘Wicked’?” asked Lucia.
“Yeah?” replied Keaton.
“Well, the good news is I got the part of Elphaba," she answered with a half-smile. "But then Hallway Hearsay had to ruin it by broadcasting that I was a talentless nobody who only got the part because I’m the closest thing Copperdale High has to a real-life witch.”
https://i.imgur.com/J4MjHQO.png

“C’mon Luc, you aren’t really going to let that get to you, are you?” he asked. “You’ve been singing since we were, like, ten. You’re super talented, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!”
https://i.imgur.com/uQD4JlS.png

“Whatever Keaton, we all know you’ll tell her anything she wants to hear, man.” Blake chimed in.
“No one asked for your opinion!” Keaton snapped.
“Look man, I’m just telling the truth, and we all know it.” Blake said as he started backing away from the table with his hands held up in truce. He smirked and laughed as he walked away. Keaton’s face felt flush as he was not only embarrassed, but he was furious his (so-called) best friend would put him in a position like that.
https://i.imgur.com/nx9uUZb.png

After the last class of the day, a fight broke out between Keaton and Blake. Blake kept provoking Keaton. He didn't stop. He just couldn't leave him alone. Keaton started to get angry, but he kept his cool until --
"What? You just gonna stand there behind your girl, or are you gonna fight?" Blake yelled as he puffed out his chest.
"Come at me dude! You mad? Come at me!"
Blake knew challenging Keaton would push him over the edge. He guided Lucia behind him, refocused his attention to Blake, and threw a punch.
https://i.imgur.com/Gm6DALy.png

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” everyone shouted as they huddled around and observed the fight.
https://i.imgur.com/lSskNeS.png
https://i.imgur.com/bdhCr4i.png

Keaton won, but he wasn't proud. He ran off to the basketball court to blow off some steam.
https://i.imgur.com/JaZP7e6.png

He was on a roll getting every dunk in the net. Then Jose, one of Lucia's brothers, rolled up.
"Nice! Hey man - uhh thanks for standing up for my sister" he said. "That Blake guy is a piece of work, huh?"
Keaton looked at Jose in acknowledgement, but did not respond.
"Ah, okay then. See ya around, buddy" Jose said as he walked off the court.
Keaton didn't mean to come off like a jerk, but he was overwhelmed. He had just fought a guy who he thought was his best friend. The last thing he wanted to do is talk smack about him. He kept shooting hoops until dark, and then he made his way home.
https://i.imgur.com/NpZ23fO.png

Once Keaton got home, he nuked himself a pizza rollup, and locked himself in his room. He had just created a SimTube account, so he streamed a game of Crypt Keeper, made 92 simoleons in tips, and called it a night.
https://i.imgur.com/n92hAfe.png
>:) Keaton's SimTuber Username: TheGrimKid >:)

Holden Update 19
Fall | Week 2 - Part IV: Wade Holden -- A Day in the Life

Holden Update 20
Fall | Week 2 - Part V: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Weekend Highlights
FRIDAY
Friday was Harvestfest in my game! This holiday is always such a fun one for the Holden fam. The day started relatively early with Dallas and Darla in the kitchen. They made carrot bread and pumpkin pie before the grandparents came over!
https://i.imgur.com/Tk3DWol.png

Then at 3:00PM, Mr. & Mrs. Holden came over to start the festivities. Waylon went straight to the living room, where Wade and Keaton were, to visit and watch sports TV with them. **Keaton's adoring face, watching his dad and grandpa hug, hits me in my feels**
https://i.imgur.com/QhF06lE.png

While Mae went to the kitchen to help the women finish the turkey dinner!
https://i.imgur.com/KYVVloN.png

Then Darla had the honor of calling everyone to the meal. Everyone grabbed some food, found a chair, and started to eat, laugh, and catch up on what was new in each other's lives.
https://i.imgur.com/TkSs20f.png
https://i.imgur.com/YlBhUhe.png
https://i.imgur.com/m1GzxM5.png

They later moved over to the living room and visited while the watching the game on TV. They also turned on some singer-songwriter music and broke out the deck of cards -- the party started!
https://i.imgur.com/m0NcfOH.png
https://i.imgur.com/vZl3we5.png
https://i.imgur.com/HmzKbSQ.png

Even Captain got a Harvestfest feast!
https://i.imgur.com/SJdJOCn.png

The clock hit 10:00PM, and the grandparents had to leave. It is a long drive back to Strangerville!
https://i.imgur.com/tLlsAtd.png
https://i.imgur.com/feOt8ei.png

~ Happy Harvestfest! ~
https://i.imgur.com/bvPfU6Q.png

SATURDAY
Saturday rolled around, which was the day of Dallas' cheer competition! Darla and Dallas went to the gym to get in a quick yoga session before the competition started.
https://i.imgur.com/1REQmgE.png

Time for the cheer competition!
https://i.imgur.com/vBbkCvS.png

Dallas, Sydney, and Zuri signed up to compete as a group and individually. In the group performance, Dallas was doing a stellar job!
https://i.imgur.com/cDHTKva.png

Until she fell...
https://i.imgur.com/ysl6PYN.png

She redeemed herself in her individual performance!
https://i.imgur.com/D7mb7Bc.png

Until she fell...again. Yikes!
https://i.imgur.com/cs7qFB1.png

Dallas didn't place in the cheer competition, but she wasn't too upset -- it's her first competition! She'll just need to practice, and hopefully she'll do better next time. After the competition, Dallas and Sydney went back to Sydney's house for a sleepover!
https://i.imgur.com/Pu7eLxf.png

They put on face masks, ordered a pizza, danced, gossiped about boys (River and Ryder - the Cowley boys), took pictures, and had a pillow fight! The only thing missing from the sleepover was literal sleep! :p
https://i.imgur.com/ebC3tX7.png
https://i.imgur.com/0JbOkux.png
https://i.imgur.com/tfmMTWU.png

SUNDAY
Sunday was pretty uneventful for the Holdens. After breakfast, they went to volunteer at the local soup kitchen. Once their shift was over, the family members went back home and focused on their skills, housework and homework. However, Keaton invited over Jose to play Party Frenzy for a little while. It was nice to see the friendship grow between these two!
https://i.imgur.com/CgzlMbQ.png

Holden Update 21
Winter | Week 1: Part I - Defying Gravity
Highlights
MONDAY
Monday was mostly uneventful for the Holdens. However, during school, Keaton pranked the whiteboard. He scored points with his peers, as everyone thought his prank was hilarious, but his teacher thought otherwise. He got caught, sent to principal's office, and was given detention.
https://i.imgur.com/WBc12JJ.png

Once the kids got home, Darla wasted no time and grounded Keaton for his behavior. Getting detention doesn't fly in the Holden household. He got his phone taken away, and he can get it back in a couple days after he helps out around the house as his punishment. He was so bummed, but at least he wasn't grounded from seeing his friends — he was invited to Lucia's "Wicked" premier that following Thursday, and he was not going to miss a chance to support her!
https://i.imgur.com/br4FL0y.png

While Keaton was under so-called house arrest, Dallas went to the Magnolia Megaplex with River. They went on a little bowling date. Dallas won the 3 frame game, while River is kind of a sore loser!
https://i.imgur.com/R2afc5x.png
https://i.imgur.com/VUh2qmM.png

The date ended with River asking Dallas to officially be his girlfriend, and new couple said goodbye with a sweet embrace!
https://i.imgur.com/QP8NFbw.png

TUESDAY
On Tuesday, the school put on a career fair for the students to get insight of various career paths and learn more about secondary education at Britechester University and Foxbury Institute.
https://i.imgur.com/Dl8bpLO.png
https://i.imgur.com/aUrM2eK.png
https://i.imgur.com/AqO5uzr.png

Both Dallas and Keaton took their aptitude tests at the fair as well! They'll get their results in early spring.
https://i.imgur.com/e1fdFfK.png

Though the fair was a fun way to get out of class, it put a lot of pressure on Dallas. She took home a scholarship pamphlet and both brochures for Britechester and Foxbury. She hasn't even thought about what she wanted to study after high school yet, and she realized during the fair how little time she has left. She has a lot to think about!

Dallas is thinking about applying to the following scholarships:
1) Newcrest Resident
2) Super Scout

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday was Polar Palooza in my game! This holiday is perfect for sims to enjoy all of the snowy activities! The Holdens traveled to Windenburg to participate in the polar plunge for Llama International (as they do every year!)
https://i.imgur.com/mwvm0Xq.png
https://i.imgur.com/23vVZJj.png

They enjoyed the rest of the day playing around in the snow — making snowpals and snow angels, and having a family snowball fight. They also went ice skating, drank hot chocolate, and warmed up at the end of the day by the fireplace watching The Khlumzee Sisters!
https://i.imgur.com/LuWUtWF.png
https://i.imgur.com/ciFvPfe.png
https://i.imgur.com/Gn4540K.png

THURSDAY
It was the night of the premier of Copperdale High's production of 'Wicked the Musical' which Lucia was starring in as Elphaba Thropp. Lucia stood nervously in the dressing room. She's rehearsed her lines over and over, and she knows them like the back of her own hand. She wasn't nervous about forgetting her lines, but instead she was nervous thinking about how the show would be perceived. She wanted everyone to think this production was one of the best put on by the Copperdale High Drama Department. She heard through one of the stage crew members that an agent was attending the show to scout out new talent! That news would normally be so exciting, but honestly, it added a ton of pressure to Lucia to nail this performance. This one performance could be a make or break for her and her dream of becoming a serious actress!

*sigh* "Focus Lucia, focus" she thought to herself. "You've got this!"
https://i.imgur.com/bsx4oJi.png

"Luc, you're on in 2, get to side stage right!" a stage crew member shouted.
"It's now or never" Lucia told herself as she took one final look at herself in the mirror.
It was time for the most crucial musical number of the show, the ultimate turning point...
https://i.imgur.com/zgfErGs.png


~ Copperdale High presents 'Defying Gravity' of "Wicked", starring Lucia Santos and Gigi Taylor ~
https://i.imgur.com/2ZxqTBS.png

——
"Elphie, listen to me. Just say you're sorry!"
"You can still be with The Wizard,"
"What you've worked and waited for,"
"You can have all you ever wanted.."
https://i.imgur.com/QxfGnoh.png

——
"I know. But I don't want it—No! I can't want it anymore.."
"Something has changed within me, something is not the same,"
"I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game."
"Too late for second-guessing, too late to go back to sleep,"
"It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap!"
https://i.imgur.com/htl8QpX.png
"It's time to try defying gravity,"
"I think I'll try defying gravity,"
"And you can't pull me down"
https://i.imgur.com/5OUfDMt.png
"I'm through accepting limits, 'cause someone says they're so,"
"Some things I cannot change, but 'til I try I'll never know,"
"Too long I've been afraid of, losing love, I guess I've lost,"
"Well if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost,"
https://i.imgur.com/vlbbNLV.png
"I'd sooner buy defying gravity,"
"Kiss me goodbye, I'm defy-ing gravity,"
"And you can't pull me down!"
https://i.imgur.com/vHU1kMT.png
"Glinda, come with me. Think of what we could do, together!"
"Unlimited, together we're unlimited,"
"Together we'll be the greatest team there's ever been, Glinda!"
"Dreams the way we planned 'em"
https://i.imgur.com/67n0AuZ.png
——
"If we work in tandem.."

——
"There's no fight we cannot win,"
"Just you and I defying gravity,"
"With you and I defying gravity!"
https://i.imgur.com/NFUAnyH.png
——
They'll never bring us down! Well, are you coming?..
https://i.imgur.com/j721A4B.png
(Glinda does not go along with Elphaba)
https://i.imgur.com/gN4Ne86.png
——
"I hope you're happy, now that you're choosing this"
——
"You too, I hope it brings you bliss"
——
"I really hope you get it, and you don't live to regret it,"
"I hope you're happy in the end, I hope you're happy my friend"

——
"So if you care to find me, look to the Western sky!"
"As someone told me lately, everyone deserves the chance to fly,"
"And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free,"
"To those who ground me, take a message back from me!"
https://i.imgur.com/VwbtuBh.png
"Tell them how I am defying gravity, I'm flying high defying gravity"
"And soon I'll match them in renown, and nobody in all of Oz-,"
"No wizard that there is or was, is ever gonna bring me down!"
https://i.imgur.com/0I7F4tQ.png
*It should go without saying, but I am obviously not claiming 'Defying Gravity' as my own work!*
Defying Gravity (From "Wicked" Original Broadway Cast Recording/2003) • Kristin Chenoweth • Idina Menzel
Originally Produced by Stephen Schwartz

Interesting update, has me wondering if Lucia landed the attention of the Talent Scout. I also really loved how you captured the snow-ball splatter! That is a great shot!

Holden Update 22
Winter | Week 1 - Part II: A Jungle Adventure

Holden Update 23
Winter | Week 2 - Part I: Gratitude for Winterfest
Highlights
MONDAY
After the Holdens got back from Selvadorada, the kids were off from school for Winter Break. Dallas' cheer squad had captain tryouts, and Dallas figured it was worth a shot to give it a go! As part of the tryout, she had to come up with a crowd riser with original choreography. Dallas took her position and started her performance.

"Hail the Womp Womps, hats off to thee,"
"To our colors, true we shall ever be!"
"So firm and strong, united are we,"
"Rah-Rah-Rah for Copperdale,"
"Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!"
"Rah for Copperdale High!"
https://i.imgur.com/qiw0QM5.png

Once tryouts were done, Dallas went with Keaton to take their University Admissions exams. Unlike their aptitude tests, they got their results right away. They both passed with flying colors! This made them so excited, so they went home and started researching both of the universities. It's almost that time of year to go visit Britechester for school tours, so they also called and scheduled tours for both Britechester and Foxbury since their options are wide open!

Dallas is pretty certain she wants to follow her in parent's footsteps and study at the University of Britechester. She's thinking about either a degree in Communications or Language and Literature. She's got it all figured out!

Keaton, on the other hand, has no clue which path he wants to take. He's under quite a bit of pressure from his dad and his grandfather to study History at the University of Britechester just like they did. The only problem is he isn't very interested in joining the Military. He wanted to find a career path that embraces his interests. Keaton likes soccer and video games, and the career fair showcased the Start Up Entrepreneur career, which he thought was interesting, but honestly— he didn't really want a traditional 9-5 job. So much to think about with so little time! He's got the spring and summer to figure it out though.

That night, Dallas got a call from the cheer coach— she got captain! She was so proud of herself. Hard work really does pay off!
https://i.imgur.com/zGZcxw1.png

TUESDAY
Tuesday was Winterfest Eve in my game! As the family was decorating their home for Winterfest, Dallas heard her phone beep. She picked it up and saw that she got a text from Zuri that read "Social Bunny, NOW!" Dallas quickly opened Social Bunny and— oh no! Hallway Hearsay posted. Seriously, who runs this account? Why aren't they doing Winterfest Eve activities with their family? Who has the time to post about high school rumors during Winter Break?! Well, it didn't matter, because this one really hurt.

"Hallway Hearsay: Merry Winterfest Eve Copperdale High!
This season's Nice List: Zuri Pancakes, Jose Santos, and the nicest of all— River Cowley
This season's Naughty List: Lucia Santos, Sydney Lehman, and the naughtiest of all— Dallas Holden
Congratulations to Dallas Holden for landing cheer captain, but did she really deserve it? Word in the hallway is she plagiarized the routine that won her the title!"

Dallas put her phone down and immediately started to sob. She didn't care that she didn't make Hallway Hearsay's Nice List. She didn't really care that she was put on the Naughty List either! No one puts much weight on what Hallway Hearsay reports, but the rumor that she stole her original routine is what caused the tears. This was one of her greatest accomplishments...who is this heartless?
https://i.imgur.com/8CWtcPX.png

Darla noticed Dallas crying, and called her over.
"Dallas, what happened? Where are the tears coming from?" Darla asked.
"Social Bunny!" bawled Dallas. She told her mom about the Hallway Hearsay account and the things they've been saying about her and her friends all year.
https://i.imgur.com/xBDQQtZ.png

Darla couldn't believe what her daughter was telling her, it's absurd! There was no point of getting into a fuss about it today though, so she comforted Dallas and gave her advice to take the high road and brush it off. Clearly whoever runs that account isn't very happy with themselves, and that's why they need to bring everyone else down by reporting rumors. She went on saying that if that person (or people) had a good life at home, they probably wouldn't be thinking about posting a Naughty and Nice list or reporting the latest fabricated story. Dallas should feel sorry for whoever owns that account instead of being upset.
https://i.imgur.com/qDB2YhL.png

After the heart-to-heart, they finished decorating the house together. Dallas put all of the energy she had from getting fumed about the Hallway Hearsay drama into her decorating skills, and it totally paid off. The house looked amazing!
https://i.imgur.com/PUEoP1Q.png
https://i.imgur.com/OqIIXmB.png
https://i.imgur.com/lmwpqTx.png
https://i.imgur.com/OwlTdaf.png

Later that night, the family cozied up by the fireplace laughing, being merry, and watching College Cram (a Winterfest classic?! :D).
https://i.imgur.com/o49QQZA.png

WEDNESDAY
The next day was Winterfest! The day started out with a grand breakfast and golden honey milk. Yum!
https://i.imgur.com/iWQCIL4.png

Later on, the grandparents came over for presents and Winterfest dinner!
https://i.imgur.com/SLkbcRY.png
https://i.imgur.com/Pk4ygd5.png

They spent the evening visiting with one another until it was time for the grandparents to head out.
https://i.imgur.com/mtpJxBe.png
https://i.imgur.com/pUoBrt2.png

~ Merry Winterfest from the original Holdens! ~
https://i.imgur.com/mp74GIk.png

THURSDAY
The day after Winterfest in my game is called Boxing Day! The day is designed for sims to be grateful for what they have and donate to those who are less fortunate. The Holdens got up, bright and early, to volunteer at a nursing home. Some elders didn't have any family to gather with during Winterfest, so they were delighted to see the Holdens when they rolled up. Dallas ended up having a really great time with Mr. Johnston, an elderly man at the nursing home. He wanted to play Go Fish which wasn't that exciting of a game, but he shared stories of when he travelled around the world as a pilot. That peaked Dallas' interests, so she ended up having a ball spending her afternoon with him!

When the Holdens got home, each family member donated a large donation to a charity of their choice. Wade and Darla went in together on an extra large donation to World United as they do every year, Dallas donated to No Sim Left Behind, and Keaton donated to Meals on the Move. It was a pretty uneventful night as everyone spent their evenings building up their skills or doing housework, getting ready for the weekend to arrive!

Holden Update 24
Winter | Week 2 - Part II: New Year, New Memories
Weekend Highlights
FRIDAY
As the weekend rolled around, Keaton went on a solo train ride to Del Sol Valley to meet up with Lucia. She was in Del Sol Valley for an acting gig. Remember that talent scout that attended Copperdale's production of Wicked? Well, he liked what he saw and spoke with Lucia after the show. Everything happened so fast, but she did manage to land a role in a movie! Once Keaton got to Del Sol Valley, the two went out to dinner at SolCaf to catch up on each other's winter breaks.
https://i.imgur.com/x1tXnzH.png

"It was so cool!" Lucia expressed to Keaton. "I mean, I only had two lines, and my part was for "Girl 2" in one scene, but still— it was amazing!"
She and Keaton laughed about Lucia's small role, but it was still great that she got to experience what it was actually like to land a real acting gig.
"I'm so happy I did it, and I'd do it again, but I'm not going to ditch the books anytime soon" she went on. "I've already looked into the Drama program at the University of Britechester, and I think it'll be a perfect fit! I'm talking to Mr. Sorenson about a recommendation letter as soon as we get back to school."
This news made Keaton a little worried. Everyone had their future figured out and knew their next steps, but he didn't. He also was a little bummed once he heard Lucia planned to study at UBrite because the only education path he was potentially going to follow was a better program at the Foxbury Institute. He didn't really want to separate himself from her. What would happen to their friendship?
https://i.imgur.com/c2CTreA.png

As the dinner ended, the two stood out in the front of the restaurant blabbing for two hours!
"Do you have any New Year's Eve plans for tomorrow?" she asked.
"Uhm yeah, totally! — No, haha I don't actually. Are you doing anything fun?" replied Keaton.
"Well, this girl on set was raving about a party at the Sky Deck in San Myshuno, so I was going to check it out. Wanna come? Oh! And Dallas can come with River! That'll be fun, don't you think?"
"Sure" Keaton replied with a laugh.
https://i.imgur.com/d7t9d5c.png

"Awesome! Well text me tomorrow, and I'll give you the deets!" Lucia said as she turned around to head back to her hotel.
The two started going their separate ways as Keaton turned around and yelled "Lucia, wait!"
She turned around, and Keaton felt a lump in his throat, so instead of talking...he just went for it! (finally!)
https://i.imgur.com/HujLPn4.png

He stood back, smiled at her and said "See you tomorrow" in a low, hushed tone as he walked off leaving Lucia speechless.

SATURDAY
Saturday was New Year's Eve in my game and it was time to party! The Holdens didn't have much going on during the day, but they each had big plans that evening. Wade and Darla had a charity gala to attend for Llama International, while Dallas and Keaton had plans to attend the New Year's Eve Bash at the Sky Deck in San Myshuno. It was going to be a magical night!
https://i.imgur.com/k6Ss3DX.png

Dallas and Keaton met up with River and Lucia in San Myshuno and they all went up to the top floor of the Sky Deck together to get a table for the night. They all ordered meals and drinks (no one carded them, shh!) :p
https://i.imgur.com/JbzvPfg.png

Dallas got a little too happy with the drinks...
https://i.imgur.com/IjPvDZT.png

With all of that juice, Dallas was really feeling herself! They all danced, laughed and celebrated throughout the night.
https://i.imgur.com/ap01H78.png
https://i.imgur.com/aMkrk50.png

Well, okay, Dallas got a tad annoyed when she saw that someone had the same dress as her at the party..
https://i.imgur.com/gNieF99.png

But she quickly got over it once the clock hit midnight and her and River rang in the new year with a New Year's kiss!
https://i.imgur.com/bNjh1lR.png

Don't forget about Keaton and Lucia's New Year's kiss!
https://i.imgur.com/pUXPsnL.png

~ Happy New Year from the Holdens! ~
https://i.imgur.com/ViImsq9.png
https://i.imgur.com/ayCBl5C.png

SUNDAY
The next day, Keaton and Wade went on a day trip to the Granite Falls cliff for a rock climbing adventure! Darla took Dallas out on a mother-daughter spa day at the Contour Spa. They did a little bit of rock climbing too :)
https://i.imgur.com/fXz0N6O.png

But they got to enjoy some hand massages afterwards — ahh, lovely!
https://i.imgur.com/dU9Sdtf.png

Don't forget the stone massages!
https://i.imgur.com/BlB1OcB.png

Or the mud baths!
https://i.imgur.com/Em6DT3x.png

The girls spent all day at the spa, literally from 9am - 9pm! So much relaxation happened. Once all of the family members returned home, they focused on getting ready for the week ahead of them. Wade was going to return to work, Darla was going to get ready for some spring cleaning, and the kids were getting ready to go back to school. It was going to be Dallas' last term at high school, so she's hoping to make it a good one!