Well, I did try to keep my cool this time. My daughter, Rylee, came into the world at around 6am. We were all still mourning the loss of Mother, but this little blessing was much adored and appreciated. Such a loving child, there's something in her eyes that worries me a bit, but I'm sure it's just me being over protective. She's a perfect child...as long as you don't take her outside.

The rest of the family poured themselves into their chosen fields to pass the mourning period. Brandon has been chained to his desk, Catrina barely looks up from studying for her officer training. and Leanna spends most of her time out around town playing her guitar.

We were able to all get together for another family portrait though. I can't help but think it looks like something is missing without mother or dad in the picture. I suppose that's how it should be though.

Rylee is progressing nicely. She quickly learned her sim-e-zees and plays her logic blocks and xylophone like a master. She really hates to be taken outside though, I can't figure that out.

Milo is doing great as well. He's accompanied his Aunt Leanna a few times trying to sell his baked goods. He's so cute cooking on that little stove. The cookies are great, but he's not had much luck selling any of them so far. He did make the honor roll at school. Monique and I couldn't be prouder.

Leanna brought home a Simbot. He said his name is LeShawn. When I told him I didn't really have a place for him to recharge, he slept in the sarcophagus my parents brought back from Egypt. It's a bit creepy, but I guess I'm glad it's getting some use. Monique was hoping that LeShawn would be helping her around the house and with the kids, but it seems he has his own dreams. He wants to be a stylist! Imagine it. He doesn't even wear clothes, but he's going to tell others what they should wear? I wish him well I guess. He did help us construct a garage, and went to work inventing lovely little toys and widgets that the kids just love.

All of Catrina's hard work has seemed to pay off. she received her first space mission the other day. She was just glowing with pride of achievement when she announced it to us. Between her promotion money and the money Leanna had made from her paintings, they decided they had enough to buy a cute little bungalow down by the riverside. I am sure I will miss them, but it was past time that they were on their own. I think Brandon will be here until he's an old man. he's shown no interest in getting married or having children. he seems satisfied to write his books and dote on his niece and nephew. As long as he's happy, I suppose that's all that matters.

I guess I was a bit of mess when Monique went into labor.

I was too nervous to drive us to the hospital even, so she drove us herself.

I couldn't even bring myself to go into the hospital, I was afraid something would go wrong if I did. Instead I stayed outside and waited with other expectant family members. My heart leaped when my beautiful wife appeared with our beautiful baby boy.

Monique is a wonderful mother. She fairly dotes on the child. He has become her whole world. Well almost her whole world. The same day Milo learned to walk, we found out that we were expecting our second child! I hope I can keep my cool a bit better this time.

The rest of the family is doing well. Brandon's writing has skyrocketed him into the world of literature. His editor is a bit irritated that he is such a recluse and won't come out to meet his adoring public. He seems happy enough as he is though, so I don't push him. Catrina is solely focused on her career. Mother has been pushing for her to get married, but she's shown no interest in anyone. Leanna on the other hand shows interest in everyone, but no one in particular. I thought she might fall for Darren Wyrick next door, but it didn't seem to work out. He's a bit too old for her anyway. She still enjoys spending all her time painting or playing her guitar around town for tips. As a family we've reached a point that none of us would have to work, so it's nice that she can follow her dreams instead. I guess we all can. I can only hope that we have made life secure enough that future generations can do the same. 

Mother passed over. She was out at her pond, fishing, when it happened. Would that we all go doing something we love. She lived a good long life, 102 when she left us. I still catch glimpses of her from time to time. We erected tombstones for her and Dad in the graveyard he had built when his parents passed. As much as I remember hearing her complain about it I can't help but wonder if she still feels the same now that she resides there. 

You will be missed Delores Winchell. 

I must go now, I think I hear my wife calling out for me...

I figured it was time for a new family photo. We all miss Dad a lot, but I know he would want us to go on, and keep the blog alive. I'm Russ Winchell, the one in the suit and smashing lime shirt. Beside me is my lovely wife Monique. She's carrying our first born right now, I guess that's why she looks a little frumpy in the photo (Don't tell her I said that, though). On the other side is Mom. She's held up real well since Dad passed on. She does spend a lot of time by herself, fishing at various spots around town. She has also found new joy in cooking, now that Dad isn't around to show off his Culinary expertise.

The day I asked Monique to be my wife was the most glorious day ever. I wish it could have been somewhere fancier than the kitchen, but when the muse strikes, one must follow. At least I wasn't all singed from work. I work at the Science Lab, I run the place now, but sometimes experiments go awry and I come home looking a little worse for wear. Monique doesn't seem to mind. Isn't she great? We didn't waste any time getting started on our family, and it wasn't long before she was telling me that I was going to be a dad soon. There is so much to do. We don't have room for a baby. I wonder if Brandon or the girls, Catrina and Leanna, would consider moving out.

Nah, it's probably easier to just build on to the house. I'll have to talk to the architect about that. We could expand the upper floor easily enough I think. I think I might talk to him about a garage too. With so many adults in the house 3 cars hardly seems like enough. And around the meditation circle I could add a Dojo. I wonder how much the architect knows about Chinese architecture.

Leanna had an amazing opportunity to go play her music in Egypt. She didn't get to travel in high school like Brandon and I did, so this was a great experience for her.She said she also did some exploring while she was there and found enough trinkets and a few really classy vases to pay for the trip and add to the family treasure trove. Such a fine legacy I have to leave to my children. There can always be more though.

Catrina was sent to China by the Military to learn more about Martial arts. She is in great shape these days. I can barely remember the pudgy little teenager I used to make fun of. She is well on her way to becoming an astronaut. I just hate that she has to leave so early in the morning, and she always comes home exhausted.

Brandon has become a premiere author and illustrator. He's been asked to paint pictures for the Bistro and even has one displayed in the Art Museum. His books sell like hot cakes. I am so proud of him. Mom is always complaining about all the art all over the house. For some reason she just can't stand it. Between Brandon and Leanna painting all the time and now Monique learning to paint too, I think it's no wonder Mom spends most of her time at the pond or across the street at the park fishing.

Looks like I'll have to cut this short, I think Monique is going into labor!

The passing of Christopher Winchell

Christopher Winchell expired at his home in Sunset Valley while upgrading a stereo that had recently been installed in his bathroom. He is survived by his wife Delores, his sons Russ and Brandon, and his twin daughters Leanna and Catrina. Many of you readers would know Christopher as the celebrity chef at the Sunset Valley Bistro, or from his riveting blog on the web which chronicled the day to day life of his family.

When asked why he was installing the stereo in the bathroom, his wife Delores just shrugged and shook her head as if she didn't know. Anonymous sources, however, tell us that it was Delores's idea, and that she insisted that he upgrade the new stereo before fixing the shower that was leaking a puddle of water onto the floor around him. The Sunset Valley police offered no comment other than that there were no charges pending against Mrs. Winchell. 

Leanna Winchell and her mother threw a funeral party in honor of Christopher. While the food was not as excellent as what Christopher himself would have prepared, it was well thought out and the center of the party.

Everyone came dressed in their best, with the exception of Katrina Yates, who apparently thought that the party was to be a pool party. While the Winchell's do have a top-notch pool on their estate, it did not seem the appropriate time to go swimming. Leanna Winchell wowed the gathering with a rendition of "A Love Since Forgotten".  Everyone was heard to speak highly of Christopher, except for his wife, who could only complain that the Bistro did not have a spousal pension plan. Catrina Winchell came late to gathering, having participated in a military exercise late into the evening.

After the funeral Leanna Winchell created one of the most moving expressions of mourning the Sunset Valley has ever seen. It is rumored that she worked all night on it, in her formal dress. It seems that when inspiration hits her, she is compelled to express it.

The rest of the Winchell clan dealt with their grief in various ways. Brandon began an illustrated children's book about a child loosing a parent. Delores spent many hours fishing in the family pond. And Russ (not seen here) attacked the garden he and his father shared with a renewed gusto. While loosing a loved one is never easy, it seems this family has found ways to move on that honor their lost member greatly.

Catrina has really been working hard to get ready to join the military upon her graduation. She's been jogging all over town. As a father I worry about her out alone like that, but I do admire her will power. I can really see the change in her too. She no longer has that baby fat she suffered with as a child. If it wasn't for the fact that they did their hair differently it would be a lot harder to tell her and her twin sister apart now.

Brandon got to visit Egypt to deliver one of his mystery books that was based there, to the National library. He was greatly honored and thrilled to have a chance to explore another country. He couldn't stop talking about the pyramids and how elaborate the decor was compared to the starkness of the landscape. I had hopes that he would meet his future wife there, but so far I've not heard him mention anyone.




Russ invited his female friend over for dinner. It was nice to get all 4 kids at the table at the same time. Lately it seems they are all running off in different directions and we rarely get to sit down as a family for dinner. We barely even all sleep at the same time. Russ gets up so early for his job, and the girls for school ,that they are to bed early most nights. Brandon keeps his own schedule, just sleeping when he can't stand on his feet, or stare at his computer screen any longer.

And there are my two little girls, all grown up at their birthday/graduation party. It was a great time for everyone. We got a cake for each of them so there was plenty to go around. The next day Catrina headed off to basic training. She was very eager to start her training towards becoming an astronaut. The recruiter said she really shows potential. Leanna hasn't really shown any interest in a real job,  instead she's been playing her guitar at the park for tips and selling her paintings. At least the chances are good that she'll meet someone that way. Hopefully someone wealthy enough to take care of her the way she needs.

Delores and I spent much of our trip to China apart. She was determined to catch the illusive Dragon fish. I wasn't convinced that they existed but let her have her fun. Turns out they do exist. She even caught enough to stock the pond at home and start a breeding program. I spent much of my vacation running around looking for precious metals and gems for the merchants who were building a mini first emperor exhibit. It seemed like a strange undertaking to me, but they paid well, and I got to see much of the landscape so who was I to judge.

Back home Russ was busily perfecting the garden in the new location. I'm hoping to take some outstanding pomegranates to work, but so far the best we can grow is excellent quality. I did make some money from some Renoit grapes that we grew. The theater group in town wanted them to try their hand at nectar making. I hear it turned out rather well. Delores was happy with the extra income. It helped to fund her birthday party.





Leanna and Russ have both started learning the guitar. Russ just uses it to relax after work, when he doesn't have the energy for his martial arts practice. Leanna however thinks she wants to make a career out of music and art. It doesn't sound very lucrative to me, but fortunately I have provided a lifestyle in which she doesn't have to make the lucrative choice. I am blessed to be able to give my children the freedom to follow their dreams.




Russ has been trying to find the right girl. So far he has found it hard to make a meaningful connection with anyone. I keep telling him that the right one will come along, but with his busy work schedule and gardening he's finding it hard to really make the time to pursue a relationship. I am hoping to see my grandkids before it is too late, so I continue to encourage him to get out more. I told him I would gladly take care of the garden so he wouldn't have that to worry with. Mother would be so proud to see what we have done with her meager start at nutritional independence.


Leanna planned a great party for Delores's birthday. Unfortunately it fell on a day I had to work at the Bistro. I told Delores I could take the day off but she insisted it was more important for me to go to work. That people were depending on me to be there. I hurried home after work but only arrived as Leanna was cleaning up the aftermath of the party. They did save me a piece of cake. It was store-bought but still very good.

Time flies...

There's my family. I can't help but think the kids are growing up too fast. It seems like the twin's childhood went by in the blink of an eye. One day they were playing tag in the back yard, and the next they were asking for money to go shopping downtown. They have such different personalities. Catrina already knows what she wants to do with her life, she wants to be an Astronaut. I must say I'm a bit leery of her going into space, is that even safe? But she has her heart set on it, so all I can do is support her. Leanna on the other hand, doesn't seem to want to do anything but party all the time. I'm amazed she's been able to keep her grades up with the lack of focus she has. Both of the girls got jobs at the Spa after school. I thought it would be good for them to have some responsibility.

Besides, feeding 4 teenagers on a regular basis has put a bit of a dent in my wallet. A lot of what we eat comes from the garden, but still, it seems someone is always hungry around here. The house is feeling a bit cramped when everyone is home too. I prefer a quiet house, but I only seem to get that when everyone is at school. Business at the Bistro is booming, thankfully so my income is stable. But even there I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of people around. Often I just want to sit in my room for hours and chill out. Delores has been pushing me to do upgrades on all the electronics in the house. I told her I was more than willing to buy her new things, but she said that wasn't neccessary, that I could just do upgrades and make them better than new. I thought I caught her trying to turn the power back on when I was working on the trash compactor, but she said I was being silly.

Brandon is more and more like my brother Devlin everyday. He has decided to follow in his footsteps and become an Illustrious author. He spends all his free time working on beautiful paintings and tear-wrenching dramatic novels. I worry that he isn't getting out enough. How is he supposed to make friends if he is always stuck behind a computer or in front of an easel? He's never going to find a a spouse that way, is he?





Russ recently graduated from High School and got his first real job. He started out as a Test Subject at the Science Lab, but it wasn't long before he was promoted to Lab assistant. I dream of him becoming a real scientist, I'm sure it won't be long. He is so driven in developing his skills.







Consequently the garden has never looked better. We decided to move it to the side yard so there would be more room. He really made it look beautiful, and such variety I've never seen. Devlin visited France on a school trip and brought him back some foreign fruits, pomelos and plums, and a few varieties of grapes. He's been asking for someone to bring him some cherries from China.

Delores has been hinting that she would love to go fishing there herself. She wants to see if she can catch the mythical Dragon fish that is rumored to live there. I told her I don't think it really exists, but she insists that it does. I think I'll surprise them both by taking her for a trip around our birthdays.

My birthday kind of snuck up on me. Delores apologized for not throwing a party. She said she didn't think I'd still be around this long. I'm not sure what she meant by that. I had my family around though, that's all I really needed. So much love. Now off to China with my beloved bride!