Author Topic: Banks Dynasty (Read 1906 times)

alyssa.cole · « **on:** September 03, 2010, 06:39:16 PM »

Once upon a time, there was a lovely young lady named Lila Banks. She had an idyllic childhood, and was well loved by her many extended family members, including her parents River and T.D. Banks, her brother Shore Banks, cousin World Banks, and cherished (if a little plump) grandmother known to all as Piggie Banks. Feeling a bit overshadowed by her extremely successful family members, Lila decided to strike out on her own as soon as she'd become a Young Adult.

She hopes to establish her own dynasty of happy and thriving Banks family members!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2010, 06:50:38 PM »

With her own start-up money, Lila purchased a large lot with a stunning view at 15 Summerhill Ct. in Sunset Valley. She's a Sim of many talents, but her personality is dictated by her traits. She's a Natural Cook with a Green Thumb who Loves the Outdoors. Lila's a bit of a Loner, but as a Born Saleswoman, she knows how to turn on the charm when it's time to impress. She'd love to learn every recipe available to her, and hopes to someday be a premier Culinary Librarian.

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #2 on:** September 03, 2010, 07:15:16 PM »

Lila began exploring her new town. She spent some time reading at the library, slept overnight at the firehouse, and then made her way to the park. While harvesting some apples and limes, Lila spotted the man of her dreams picnicking all alone. She and Stiles McGraw hit it off right away, and after a whirlwind courtship, decided to have a private wedding ceremony on the beach near her home.

New town, new home, new husband, and the challenges keep coming. Stiles and Lila's family funds are fairly limited, so to prove his love Stiles sold the guitar in his inventory and quit his low level gig as a musician. He knows that Lila has big plans for their new family, so he's joined the ranks of the self-employed as a painter, and is at his easel around the clock. After just a few days, his skill level has greatly improved and will soon be able to paint a portrait of his beautiful wife.

Meanwhile, Lila has a small garden planted. She grows a lot of lettuce, and between weeding and watering spends her time preparing Autumn Salad over and over to improve her cooking skills and move toward those meal total challenges. To make ends meet, she's also taken a job at the diner, waiting tables and getting to know her co-workers.

So far this founder is off to a busy start. Stay tuned to see what the Banks family is up to next!

Schipperke · « **Reply #3 on:** September 03, 2010, 07:28:54 PM »

Nice start, Alyssa. I look forward to reading more!

simfulicious · « **Reply #4 on:** September 03, 2010, 09:37:34 PM »

I love your beach wedding photo! Keep up the good work!

Pam · « **Reply #5 on:** September 03, 2010, 09:58:06 PM »

Interesting to see Stiles McGraw as the spouse of the founder. In my game, he was killed by lightning at a young age. Really caught me by surprise.

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #6 on:** September 03, 2010, 10:07:46 PM »

One of the first sims I ever played in my game married Stiles McGraw, but he's never been a romantic interest for any of my ladies since. He didn't bring much to the table finance-wise, but he's fairly good-looking, so hopefully they'll produce an attractive heir. That, or Lila just couldn't resist his amazing red plaid lumberjack shirt!

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! This is my first time posting any kind of story, so it's great to see it being read by other forum members!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2010, 09:57:18 AM »

Since we last checked in, Lila and Stiles Banks have been steadily improving their skills. She's still preparing Autumn Salad like there's no tomorrow, but took a break to pose for her Young Adult portrait. It's turned out to be a Brilliant painting, Lila and some apple trees from her garden in the background.

A few days before her birthday, Lila got to thinking that the timing might be right to start planning a family. She and Stiles tried their luck, and were soon eagerly anticipating the birth of their child.

Saltypaws · « **Reply #8 on:** September 04, 2010, 10:00:43 AM »

That portrait turned out really good. The ones mine do are masterpieces, but look awful, really fuzzy, so maybe outside is better, unless that is my painters style, then nothing will help. Keep up the good work, you are off to a great start.

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #9 on:** September 04, 2010, 10:04:56 AM »

Oh, boy! Lila and Stiles have welcomed a son, Sam Banks. There could not have been a more wanted child. Just before his birth, Lila had the wishes 'Have a child with Stiles', 'Have first child', and 'Have a boy'. Stiles also had the 'Have first child' wish, so Sam's arrival brought the family a whopping 17,500 happiness points. I think it's safe to say that they're overjoyed!

Sam is Artistic and Loves the Outdoors. He also loves clean diapers, full bottles, and being cuddled by mom.

AriaGirl77 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 05, 2010, 07:40:19 PM »

Very cute! I love how you came up with names for Lila's parents and grandparents! So funny!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #11 on:** September 07, 2010, 07:35:16 PM »

A little more stable, the Banks family decided it was time for walls, windows, and a roof over their heads. They built a small, yet charming house, and are quite happy to be living indoors.

Sam has grown up so quickly! He learned to walk, talk, and was potty trained. He sat still (thank you pause button) for his toddler portrait, and before the Banks' knew it, he was off to his first day of elementary school. As he's going to take on the role of household painter, Sam's started to look the part early, and has chosen to wear an outfit that includes an apron.

When he's not at school, doing homework, or chatting on the phone with his female classmates (never too early to develop romantic interests!), Sam's busy painting at his easel.

Schipperke · « **Reply #12 on:** September 07, 2010, 08:39:04 PM »

I am enjoying your story, Alyssa. You have a charming little family!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #13 on:** September 08, 2010, 06:03:30 PM »

Sam registered as a self-employed painter as soon as he aged up to a teen. With the exception of posing for his portrait at this age, he dedicated every spare moment to raising his painting skill and selling them to increase family funds. He couldn't even be troubled to turn around for this snapshot.

Once he became a young adult, Sam picked up the Observant LTR, and invited over a few of the young ladies he'd gotten to know during his time in school. He narrowly avoided committing to one with an Evil trait, another that somehow ended up quite a bit older than him, and settled on Julia Kahn, a papergirl of no particular address. Following in his parents' footsteps, Sam and Julia had their own private beach wedding.

Sam and Julia Banks are off for a honeymoon in Egypt, where he'll pick up a top-of-the-line camera and snap photos of some of the landmarks (and his new wife). Julia will be collecting some of the exotic fruits to add to the garden at home, and hoping she doesn't get caught sneaking them through customs on the way home.

Stay tuned! Up next, Lila prepares to mix up a tricky and precise recipe for everlasting life.

Pam · « **Reply #14 on:** September 09, 2010, 04:02:13 AM »

Looks like Stiles turned out to be good daddy material! Lovely story.

AriaGirl77 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 09, 2010, 08:52:16 PM »

What beautiful wedding pictures!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #16 on:** September 14, 2010, 06:11:15 PM »

With a new couple in the house, there were bound to be some growing pains. Lila didn't quite hit it off with her new daughter-in-law, Julia. As far as she's concerned, Julia's cooking leaves something to be desired, and she hardly ever sees Sam anymore. Julia has a brand new career in Business, and is very Ambitious about moving up the corporate ladder. When Lila kindly suggested that Julia might think about spending a little less time at the office, and a little more time at home, this is the priceless look she got in return.

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #17 on:** September 14, 2010, 07:06:24 PM »

In order to keep the peace and provide some private space for the members of this growing family, the Banks' hired a contractor and stood patiently by the mailbox while a new home was constructed for them. The builder and decorator was a family friend, so the space has been very well planned and personalized. Finally, there's room for each of the Banks' to live and grow!

The new home's exterior:

Immediately inside the front door is a large foyer with a sunken garden, inspired by a house Sam and Julia saw on their Egyptian honeymoon. The family is planning to add ice sculptures to this space sometime soon!

Straight through the foyer is an enormous kitchen with Lila's top-of-the line fridge and five-star chef-worthy appliances. There's a breakfast bar, and a large dining area with seating for eight.

AriaGirl77 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2010, 07:14:58 PM »

Very nice house! I love the kitchen and how you recolored the appliances.

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #19 on:** September 14, 2010, 07:21:27 PM »

The best features of the new house are the individual suites that have been prepared for each generation. Each is made up of a bedroom, bathroom, and living area. Each is decorated to reflect the tastes of its owner. Lila's is somewhat formal, with patterned browns and stylish accents. She and Stiles enjoy the quiet space to relax in their elder years.

Sam and Julia's suite is directly across the foyer from his parents, and is a mirror image layout of their space. It's decorated to be much more casual, and has a bit of a world-travel inspired theme. Sam's painting easels look out the windows to the back lawn.

Saltypaws · « **Reply #20 on:** September 14, 2010, 08:09:46 PM »

Very nice. I like it spacious and I think mine is too big, but will fill up quickly. You did a very good job on the house.

Joria · « **Reply #21 on:** September 15, 2010, 02:53:12 AM »

Great story and I love the house. That's a wonderful idea for keeping the generations at peace with one another!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #22 on:** September 15, 2010, 03:58:44 PM »

I'm hoping that the space is well planned out enough, and doesn't end up being too big. Each one of the current suites has a staircase already built-in for generations 3 & 4 to live on the second floor, and then for 5-8 I'll add on to either side of the kitchen and upstairs as well. It may end up being too many rooms for each sim once my spouses start passing on, but I kind of like the idea of decorating the rooms to reflect the owners' personality, favorites, and chosen skills. It's a good thing the dynasty can move at our own pace, as it seems like I've been spending more time in buy or build than in live mode lately. LOL. Thanks for the input!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #23 on:** September 17, 2010, 11:00:43 AM »

With the family unpacked and settled in, Lila decided there was no better time to take stock of everything she'd accomplished so far in her life. She's a very detail-oriented record keeper, so she pulled out her laptop and sat down to type up some notes.

Well, for starters, Lila thought to herself as she glanced down at her outfit, I've conquered the professional world, making it as a Celebrated 5-Star Chef. I've met a number of different challenges that have come my way, from reading special books to delivering requested items to my neighbors. I've helped to improve my community by investing in a local business (Diner) and upgrading a local natural landscape (Stoney Falls). I've built lasting friendships, and raised a delightful son. I've posed and smiled as my husband painted my likeness, and as my hard work began to pay off, I slowed down long enough to enjoy a few rewards (Collection Helper, Discount Diner, Complementary Entertainment). It's always been my lifetime wish to become a Culinary Librarian, and my bookshelves are stocked with recipes. I guess that all there is left to do is prepare the most difficult and precise of the recipes perfectly. Very content with her accomplishments, Lila snapped the laptop shut. Off to the kitchen to make Ambrosia!

alyssa.cole · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2010, 11:15:16 AM »

Hard at work in her beautiful kitchen, Lila slices up some Lifefruit from her garden, and seasons the fresh DeathFish that Stiles caught for her.

She mixes it all together, bakes it up, and brings a plate to the table to sample her creation. Hmm, Lila thinks, I must have done something right, this dish is delicious!

Oh my! What is going on! This stuff is making me feel all tingly and glowy!

I feel like all of my wrinkles are tightening up. My aches and pains have faded! I'm calm and peaceful, like the years have melted away and I could live forever! I'm amazed! The look on Lila's face clearly says "What is IN this stuff?!?"