Introducing Lyric and LJ; All Growed Up…

What may very well be the final two children to come from Alexandria and Lawrence Lakes have officially entered into a brand new stage of life. 

Happy birthday Lyric and Lawrence Jr, Happy Birthday.

With one child gone, one almost gone and two about to have birthdays, Alex finds herself in reflection most of the time.  Her husband is getting older and so is she.  She doesn’t know if she’s ready for a home without the sounds of small children.  She doesn’t know if she’s ready to enter her 40s.  She doesn’t know if she’s ready for yet another one of her children to venture out on their own.

What she does know, is that she doesn’t have any control over any of it.

LJ was having trouble with a bully in school.  Some big kid named Kevin.  LJ was really getting tired of this kid and asked his parents for advice.  Alex was worried and suggested talking to the dean.  Larry laughed and told LJ the best thing to do would be to beat the kid so bad he’ll return every cent of his lunch money.  Alex was not ok with this suggestion but once she left the table, Larry whispered to LJ to meet him in the backyard after dinner by the punching bag.  Everyone chimed in with their advice.  Alex overheard Koi telling LJ to “kick his little worthless ass” and promptly scolded her.  But no one heard Lyric’s advice:

“LJ, listen… we’re partners right? I know his sister, she’s in art with me.  Tomorrow, i’m going to tell her mom.  She picks her up right when we get on the bus.  She looks crazy, she has one leg, one eye and I swear a mouse lives in the bun on her head. I SAW IT.  You snap a pic of her.  Then, in photography class we’ll download the picture, blow it up, make copies and plaster them everywhere! Deal?”

Tuesday with the Lakes family.  Larry has always been Mr. Fix-It, he’s just getting much better at it!  He also hasn’t given up on his daily workouts.  Its a great chance for he and his wife to bond while the kids are away at school.  LJ prefers to get help with his homework from Koi.  He loves Koi, she’s literally the moon and the sun combined to him.  Lyric is still a daddy’s girl who loves her daddy’s stories even if she knows they’re totally made up.  Today was special however as Lauren showed up for dinner.  Once again the dinner table (that Larry crafted himself mind you) was full of familiar voices and new stories about life on the countryside.

Alex is still baking up wonderfully tasty confections, and Larry is still kicking the living shit out of his 40s.  Alex has absolutely zero complaints about Larry’s new found whenever-however-wherever philosophy.

Lauren, with a little persuasion, took Mike up on his offer to skip the dorms and live together. They decided to rent a little one bedroom + office in the vast countryside. 

Very meager beginnings for the young couple eager to get away from the island and city.

Meanwhile, back on land, Alex and the twins enjoyed movie night. Another really cheesy, straight-to-dvd movie night.

As promised, when Larry and Koi boarded the seaplane to head back home, he began the story of how he met her mother:

“You see goldfish, your mother wasn’t all that into me… AT FIRST! I was playing chess in the park, you know how I love my chess. Well, she sat down and just started moving the pieces around! Your mother couldn’t play chess for shit! I eventually taught her but I digress. We both loved the outdoors, I think that was the primary attraction.  I introduced her to chess in the park and she introduced me to sunsets at the bluffs.  And fishing! Did you know your mom taught me how to fish? She sure did.”

A smile crept across Koi’s lips as she closed her eyes and laid her head on  Larry’s shoulder.  She could feel the love in his heart with every word.

“Baby you gotta find someone who can teach you things.  Take you places you’ve never been.  But see, I was very persistent.  Thirsty as y’all call it. I mean I was blowing up her phone, showing up at her house unannounced just….”

They burst into laughter.  That gut laugh that comes with the ugly face and you have to catch your breath and wipe away tears.

“It was in the mountains where we fell in love though. We were in love with the mountains and, in turn, fell in love with each other.”

The seaplane landed on the water causing the familiar bumps and shakes that were expected living on the island.  For a moment, Larry and Koi sat, taking in the fresh ocean air.  Finally, Larry continued…

“I’ve been in love ever since.  We bought our house, had you guys and I still love her like that first trip to the mountains.”

Larry was finished. The plane grew silent and filled with Koi’s visions of finding a love like that and Larry’s heart filling with the memories he’s shared with the most beautiful person in the world.  The sailboat was on it’s way to break the silence and drop them off at the shore.

With her sister gone off the island, Koi tried to get out more.  This was one of the things Lauren had suggested to her in order to find the soulmate she desired.  Poor Koi, no matter what, she always ran into really creepy older guys in khakis who just stared at her.  She ended up calling her dad to pick her up.  Larry knew a thing or two about soulmates.  After all, he had spent many years with his.  Koi asked her dad how he did it.  Larry responded that he’d tell her all about how he met her mother on the plane back to the island.

And just like that, she was gone.

Lauren’s Open House: The Finale

As Larry and Lyric enjoyed an amazing desert, Alex slipped a birthday cake out of the back door and lit the candles.  The sound of the infamous birthday horn filled the air.  When Koi realized what was happening her scream of “DON’T LEAVE ME LAUREN!” echoed off the rocks and cliffs. It was time for Lauren to become a young and vibrant adult with the entire world ahead of her.

Lauren made one wish, the family sang and Koi swallowed back her tears as Lauren blew out her candles.  That evening, all was quiet and everyone helped to clean up, wash dishes and carry Lauren’s gifts to the basement.  Alex was the first to go to sleep, smiling and dreaming of the time when her big girl wasn’t so big.

Lauren’s Open House: Part Two

Mike, as expected, was trying to convince Lauren that they ought to get an apartment together rather than live in dorms.  After all, he added 500 simoleons to that suitcase of money from his own hard work.  Why not ask? But see, Larry was eaves dropping and sent Alex to run interference.  None of this mattered since Lauren hit Mike with the “I’ll think about it” before running off to pee.  Besides those shenanigans, Alex and Larry got a chance to focus on Koi and her plans since she was next up….

Soon, Mike had to go to work and Lottie had to get home to babysit her little sister.  They ran off while Lauren and Koi danced until the sunset.

Lauren’s Open House: Part One

Today the Lakes Family celebrated their first-born and her graduation, with honors, from Windenburg Academy.  They held an open house for Lauren Estelle Lakes and her closest friends.  Delicious food, lots of gifts and good times as Lauren prepares to enter into her young adult years away in college.

Mmmmmmm …..

Spinach and mushroom quiche and fresh blackberry juice.  Good morning Alex.

Alex and Larry spent most of the day preparing for Lauren’s open house. Larry grilled up a huge amount of chicken while Alex baked the perfect cake.  The older girls spent the evening watching movies while Alex, Lyric, Larry and LJ enjoyed some fresh air in the backyard.  When the twins finally went to bed Alex and Larry talked about their oldest leaving the home soon, their changing lives and how, with each passing year, their love for each other only grows stronger.

Alex is “sharpening her culinary skills” in the hopes of some new recipes.

LJ is soaring through the clouds.

After the children had gone to bed and Larry was settled at this computer with a cold beer to begin his freelance work, Alex took the seaplane to the mainland.  Her reason for going was to take some cuttings from the wild lemon and cherry trees.  However she was drawn in by the beauty of the countryside.  Her birthday was approaching soon enough, perhaps a quaint cottage in the hills would be perfect for her and Larry.

But how could she ever leave the water’s edge….? 

The twins don’t usually last too long after dinner.  Once they’ve eaten and bathed they can barely keep their eyes open.  They often miss out on some pretty juicy conversations.  LJ is suspicious of his sister Lauren who is always springing something on their dad (his hero mind you).

Tonight, the oldest girls were trying to get the permission of their parents to attend an overnight graduation party.

Apple juice fresh from the tree in the backyard.  Blueberry bagels fresh from the oven.  A great start to the day for LJ, Lyric and Alex.

And yes Larry, we can CERTAINLY tell you’ve been working out.  You are definitely winning the battle of middle-age.

Lyric Lakes has become quite the artistic prodigy!

So true Alex…..

They grow so fast.  Lauren Estelle Lakes, class of 2016, will be graduating and moving on very, very soon.

Today the Lakes family made a major update to the family wall in their Living Room.

Alex loves the big ‘ol teddy bear her husband has become over the years. However she is very supportive of his current battle against middle-age. She made him a nice salad this morning for his post-workout meal. She also recently purchased a juicer and showed him how to make fresh juice to give him the energy he needs for his daily morning workout regimen.

Saturday afternoon with the Lakes.  Alex has gone fishing.

The day after his birthday, aging was beginning to show.  Larry inspected the newly gray strands within his locs and the fine wrinkles that had popped up around his eyes and forehead.  Feeling a bit down, he decided to show 40 who the real boss was.

Happy Birthday to you Lawrence Lloyd Lakes Sr.!  Welcome to your 40s and the mid-point of your life.

Larry and his wife celebrated until the sun switched places with the moon.  So many beautiful years of marriage.  Such wonderful memories to share.  Not only was the lovely couple celebrating their wedding anniversary, this was just the first of a two-part celebration.

His wife teases..

“It’s time for a birthday cake old man! You think all the candles will fit?”

“Do you know what today is?”

Alex had been making some pretty good income from the sales of her outdoor guides and yoga instruction books.  The royalties were lovely and a nice addition to the overall household income.  She was saving specifically for her husband.  Larry made a vow to get in better shape so Alex purchased a new weight set for him and threw in a brand new grill on top of it.

Larry put them to good use.  Alex was pleased knowing that he would make good use of these gifts.  Gifts for a very, VERY special milestone in their lives.

Lauren was so caught up with her boyfriend and parent problems that she didn’t even notice the subtle changes happening to her best friend, her sister Koi.  Koi aspired to have a soulmate.  The same as her father.  Koi was noticing how much attention Lauren was receiving just because she “had a man”.  Koi wasn’t naive however.  She knew it was because Lauren wasn’t a virgin anymore.  Thing is, Koi was growing jealous of her sister who was dating a hot guy who made it all the way from first base to home plate by getting the goods  AND meeting the parents.  Where was Koi’s high school sweetheart? 

Lauren felt her heart break into a million pieces when Koi, in a voice of pure desperation rather than excitement asked “Does he at least have a brother?”

Now that the two were alone, it was time to get down to business.  Larry wanted to test Mike on his proficiency of the proper usage of prophylactics.

Alex turned the kitchen to a complete drool fest as she served dish after scrumptious dish.  We’re talking Lobster Thermidor, Fresh Carrot Bread and Exotic Fruit pie.  Alex and Larry had already instructed the other children to find some things to keep them busy so they could focus on Lauren and Mike.  Just as the awkward-ness was starting to pass Larry compliments Mike on managing to pull his pants above his ass cheeks for the occasion.  Lauren whispered “sorry” while she and Alex gave him the look of death.  “Be nice Larry” Alex asserted through clenched teeth.  The rest of dinner was a hit.  Lots of laughs as they all learned about Mike and he learned about them.  Mike was good about complimenting their home and the food (especially the dessert that Alex was exceptionally proud of) which kept Lauren blushing at the gentleman side she hasn’t seen since prom night.  Larry, however, didn’t like how hard Alex was laughing at Mr. Mike’s jokes….

Alex got up to clear away dishes when Larry stopped her.  You could hear a pin drop in the room.  Larry looked Lauren square in the eyes and asked if Mike was capable of washing dishes.  Without skipping a beat, Mike chimed in “Oh no problem Mr. Lakes.”

Larry then instructed Alex and Lauren to start up the fire pit out back.  He and Mike had other things to discuss. Mike gulped so hard it could be heard on the mainland.

Alex was thrilled to have a guest for dinner and spent the evening prior perfecting her recipes.  She was particularly pleased with how the Baked Alaska turned out.  Alex saw things quite differently than her dear husband.  To Alex, this was her future grandchild-maker and should be welcomed as family.  She was very confident in how she taught her girls.  Alex was also an idealist.

The next day, Mike showed up involuntarily.  He was nervous and really didn’t want to get his butt whooped.  Larry may not have realized it, but his size combined with the bass in his voice put the fear of God into poor Mike.  He even pulled up his pants for the occasion.  As he went around back he found his girlfriend looking stunning in a beautiful blue dress.  He reached out for a hug not realizing Larry was coming to open the door upon hearing the knock.  Lauren tried to warn him but Mike is seventeen so “come here and let me grab that ass girl” flowed as easily as “hello” to him.  Too bad Larry heard him.

This time Lauren made the proper introductions, however the side-eye (level: expert) from Larry was the only greeting Mike would receive.

Lauren whispered to her brand new boyfriend not to say anything, not to make any sudden movements and not to breathe.  Larry stopped in front of them and looked them both up and down.  The look he gave his daughter suggested that if she were to say one word he would promptly toss her into the Windenburg River.  Mike tried to give a muffled introduction but Larry, as we know, has a quick temper and untreated anger issues.  Larry stopped him mid intro with one question: “Are you the little boy that’s been sleeping with my daughter and ruining her GPA?”  Against Lauren’s instructions, Mike tried it.

Mike didn’t want to back down from an “old man in Vans” and, instead, grew cocky and defiant.  Mike insinuated that perhaps Larry keep a closer eye on his daughter if he thought someone was “sleeping with her and ruining her GPA.”

Lauren wanted to run but one of her teachers was also approaching from the other side.  If she could swim, she would have jumped in the river herself.  Larry felt his blood start to boil and his heart was pounding out of his chest.  He wanted to knock the little kid out but there was the whole jail issue.  Instead, he read poor Mike like a book and completely embarrassed him in front of Lauren.  He advised that if he wanted to look like he wasn’t wearing a shit-filled diaper to pull up his pants.  He asked if the gap in his front teeth caused him  to whistle when he spoke.  He asked if he was raised by Llamas to be so disrespectful.  And the final sword to come from Larry’s mouth:  “I want you over for dinner.  We need to talk man-to-not-quite-a-man.  See you tomorrow night.  If you don’t show up, I’ll come and get you myself.”  This, as expected, scared the life from Mike who waddled away, escorted by the teacher, with his tail (and the crotch of his jeans) between his legs.

Now to focus on Lauren who was devastated and angry.  Larry was filling with guilt and asked her why she was being so sneaky.  Lauren loved Mike (or so she thought).  She declared that she was seventeen and allowed to have a life outside of the island.  She loved her daddy too and wished he wasn’t so mean.  She told him all of this with tears in her eyes and Larry was slowly realizing she was right.  His oldest daughter was going to college soon, he didn’t have the same control over her that he used to. He’s getting older just as she is.  They got up to go home and not a word was spoken the entire way there.

Lauren & Mike.  Such a sweet, young couple.  Blinded by the
hypnotic trance of puppy love, first crushes and raging hormones.  Today
the couple skipped out on their last few classes to go to the library
in town and study for finals.  Studying led to the two becoming official and
exchanging promise rings.  

Sounds so romantic….

But see…..

Windenburg
Academy keeps very close tabs on their student body, so when Lauren and
Mike didn’t show up for their Psychology class, Dean Crumplebottom
started making calls.  The Dean discovered from the librarian that the
two were studying there but walked toward the viaduct.  The next call
went to Lauren’s father, Larry WillKickATeenageBoysAss Lakes.

The Lakes children on any given afternoon.

Alex let the twins stay up well past their bedtime.  She enjoyed their company as she continued her hunt for the most amazing catch.  She laughed to herself at their shenanigans.  She loved to hear them talk.  Larry would soon join them to enjoy the fresh ocean air and the beautiful, bright, bursting moon.  Larry, Lyric and LJ attempted to identify all of the constellations. The trio quickly found out Lyric was quite good at it.  The sun was peaking over the water so Alex and Larry sent the twins to bed.  It was a school night after all.

The few moments left of dawn belonged to Larry and his beautiful wife.

Now that there were no longer any babies to stay home for, Alex spent most of her days back in her natural habitat while the kids were away at school.  She finally caught that elusive Tilapia and couldn’t wait to pan fry it for dinner.  That evening she journaled her travels and how that one amazing catch is still out of reach. 

Where will she travel to next?

Prior to the epic showdown between he and his daughter Lauren, Larry made good on his promise to his wife to expand their dining room table to make room for the twins.

The next morning Lauren tried to tell her mom how her dad snapped about her coming home late after prom, seeking sympathy of course.  Alex simply smiled and nodded.  Lauren couldn’t understand why her mom didn’t have her back and wouldn’t stop talking about how “unfair” it all was. 

Koi was pretty tired of hearing about it and announced that if she didn’t shut up about it she was going to tell mom and dad what REALLY went down at the Bluffs.

Exactly. @simminglychic

Larry tried not to embarrass Lauren in front of her siblings so he came off calm.  He lectured her about her responsibilities and reminded her of her curfew (which was certainly not 3:00 in the morning, prom or no prom).  But Lauren… oh Lauren…. she tried it.

Before she could even get the second hand on her other hip Larry told the twins to go to bed and proceeded to rip Lauren to shreds (this time his anger issues are quite warranted)!  He covered everything from boys only wanting her for woohoo, being a role model for her younger sisters and how dare she even fix herself to even think about smart mouthing him.  He was proud of himself, however Lauren felt horrible.  She went to her room to cry it out under her blanket.  Normally Larry would feel guilty, she’s always been daddy’s little girl.  But not today.

(PART TWO)

Lottie and her date skipped out to head to the pier.  The plan was for Lauren and her date to meet them there.  Needless to say they never made it.  It was prom night after all and hormones were raging in Lauren and her date’s seventeen year old bodies. They promised each other that what happened at The Bluffs stayed at The Bluffs (although I wonder who put an air mattress in the trunk of the limo)

Good thing Alex and Larry gave Lauren “the talk”, however if they knew what went on at The Bluffs last night, Larry would be shooting targets in his backyard.

Last night was the Senior Prom at Windenburg Academy.  Lauren and Lottie, of course, went together with their very handsome dates.  Rather than stay in the stuffy, packed-to-capacity gymnasium at the Academy, the group headed to the Bluffs where the fellas had a nice surprise waiting.

(PART ONE)

@redhotchilisimblr

Larry may or may not be considering anger management classes.

Lyric Moon & LJ, all grown up.  Perhaps the last of the Lakes clan.

Alex spent the entire day in the nursery.  She sang songs, cooed at them, rocked them, changed them, nursed them, made silly faces at them, nursed them more…. It was the last day the twins would be babies and Alex just didn’t believe she’d ever have these moments again.  A tough reality as a mother; one day they all grow up and it all happens way too soon.

Enjoy the moment Alex.

Lauren and Koi had no idea that morning what their parents had in store for them but Alex and Larry had been planning it for weeks.  When they approached Koi as she was washing dishes, she sent a sneak text warning to her sister who was studying in her room.

With prom season approaching it was time for….. “The Woohoo Talk”.

As her family grew, one thing Alex wanted more than anything was to get rid of the old bench and woodpile and upgrade her outdoor living space.  Made perfect sense for everyone since they all were lovers of the great outdoors.  Alex picked out the furniture and Larry picked out the fire pit.  Lauren chose the side of the house with the best view to catch the seaplanes landing. 

The Lakes family surely have some of the best nights.  After the twins are put to sleep, the family enjoys a lively dinner as Alex has mastered the art of the “clapback” putting her loved ones in tears.

As the only boy in their beautiful family of six, Lawrence Lloyd Lakes Jr. got his own little photo shoot.

The twins will grow up very soon and Larry Sr. and Alex wish to savor every moment.  There is no guarantee Alex will be able to have more.

Larry had grown accustomed to waking early with the twins.  He had also grown accustomed to Koi’s attempts to persuade him into letting her hang out with boys.  He would need a shotgun first.  Alex, however, was a bit more lenient.

Alexandria Mariana Oceana Lakes is finally healed, well and centered.  Which means now, the Lakes family is officially back to normal.  Alex and Larry couldn’t wait to get their hands back on each other.  Larry was as gentle as a lamb, afraid he might hurt his wife.  Alex had other plans.  Citing her peak physical condition, she took over and completely wore poor Larry out after the second round.

Meanwhile the girls stayed up late to engage in a little friendly competition (while sneaking an occasional sip from their father’s liquor cabinet).

Lauren was developing quite the green thumb.  She had taken over care of the garden while her mother recovered.  Koi was getting to know her way around the kitchen; her specialty is ice cream.  Tonight, like so many others, is movie night in the Lakes’ home.  As many times as they’ve seen this cheesy horror movie in all of its cheesy glory, it still freaks Lauren out.  Afterwards, Larry went to check on the twins while Lauren and her sister discussed the various actors and questioned the effectiveness of the plot.  They both agreed: it sucked.

This is the first movie night Alex missed with her family however the rest is very much needed. At least she could hear them from her bed.

Lauren had become best friends with one of the most popular girls at Windenburg Academy. Her name is Charlotte but Lauren calls her Lottie because she likes the way “Lauren and Lottie” sounds. Their favorite spot to hang out was on the pier.  In true teenager form, several photos and random poses were always involved.

@redhotchilisimblr  Thanks again love, she’s gorgeous!

Alex has some very strong genes.  Will any of their children look like dad?  Maybe Koi does a little bit….. But, without further ado:

Happy birthday Koi!

Lauren Estelle Lakes age 17

Koi Alondra Lakes age 15

Alex still had a long road ahead of her, but she wasn’t about to miss Koi’s big day.  Lauren, however, didn’t see what all the fuss was about. 

Alex was beginning to come around.  She was writing again and able to make it to the twins’ room without help to nurse them and sing to them.  Lauren and Koi were doing well; excelling in school as usual and leaning on each other for support.  Lauren was good at reassuring Koi that this was how it always was when new babies came and that their mom would be back to normal in no time.  Koi accepted that as fact and felt better. 

Although she was moving around more, Alex was still using way too much energy and often found herself waking up on the kitchen floor with food burning on the stove.  And Larry, well, he was just lonely.  He misses his wife.

Larry wasted no time getting the nursery set up.  With Alex still recovering, he had to get the babies into their own room quickly so that  Alex could get the rest she needed.  Between Lauren and Larry, baby Lyric and LJ were well taken care of.

Alex is not well. 

Following the birth of her twins, a handsome son for Larry and her third beautiful daughter, she did not recover as expected.  She gave birth to them on her bathroom floor.  She suffered excessive blood loss and spent the first few weeks of the twins’ lives in the hospital.  She is now on bed rest.  Birth is a very traumatizing experience on a woman’s body. So much so, that her obstetrician does not have high hopes about her ability to have more after this.  Alex hasn’t told Larry although he’s been taking such good care of her, even helping her pump breast milk while she’s bed ridden. Her main concern now is wellness and looking after those sweet babies.

Larry finally finished out his basement.  There were only a few minor pieces missing.  Basically his bar, just a bar was missing.  He couldn’t afford it just yet as he almost depleted his savings on the renovation.  Lauren loved her new bedroom which of course left the new nursery.  Alex didn’t have a preference, as long as it wasn’t too blue nor too pink. Larry had the bones of it done and was just waiting on the furniture to be delivered.  It helped that the nature books Alex was writing were bringing in some pretty large royalties.

Labor lasted well into the early morning.  It was the most intense thing Larry or Alex had ever experienced. There was a lot of blood, there were a lot of tears. When it was all over, Larry passed out.  Not only did he pass out from nerves and adrenaline, it was also because he finally got his son. Plus one!

Welcome to the family:

Lawrence Lloyd Lakes Jr. 5lbs, 2oz. 21 inches. Born 4:32am.

Lyric Moon Lakes 6lbs, 9oz 19 inches. Born 4:41am.

Congratulations Alex and Larry!

Larry tried calling the hospital but they wouldn’t get to the island for another 15 minutes due to fog.  It was too late anyway.  Alex had gotten into position.  She couldn’t hold it any longer….

After one hilarious inside joke, Larry and his wife made their way to the kitchen to get Alex some fried fish and ice cream.  They didn’t even make it to the fridge.  Alex needed to sit down.  She knew this was it.  Her head started to pound immediately and sitting started to hurt.  She got up to walk but wasn’t steady on her feet.  Larry ran to her and she whispered to him that she needed to sit in water.  Larry ran warm water in the tub as Alex tried to ease the pressure from her back.  Larry refused to leave her side. 

Alex jumped up from the water as she noticed it turning dark red.  This scared Larry, labor hadn’t been like this before.  Something was terribly, terribly wrong.

The migraines subsided long enough for Alex to enjoy a much needed family dinner.  Larry, Lauren and Koi thoroughly enjoyed Alex’s Shepherd’s Pie recipe.  Alex, however, was craving baked potatoes.  Since she had spent most of this pregnancy eating, sleeping, peeing and trying to get rid of her migraines, she was missing out on family dinners and updates.  Koi was at the top of her class, Lauren had sold a painting worth a ton and Larry had put the finishing touches on the basement.  All that was left was to move Lauren’s things to her new bedroom.  After all the dishes were washed and put away and the girls were tucked in, Larry took some time to love on his wife and promise her that all would be well. 

He bet his life on it.

Lauren was quite the artist having worked so hard on her creativity as a child.  In fact, because of her grades and skill level, she was able to skip the first two grades at Windenburg Academy’s upper campus.  While Lauren excelled, her poor mother was having a rough pregnancy.  Alex tried centering herself to no avail.  She was also plagued with multiple migraines that completely incapacitated her.  Alex kept these problems to herself as she didn’t want to worry anyone.  Larry and Koi were oblivious as they focused on trying to get used to Lauren in a bigger body.

Larry knew he was running out of space in his home.  With a teenager and a new baby coming he had to think quick.  The Island Council wouldn’t let him build a second story citing an ordinance that banned blocking the view to the ocean.  Larry’s only choice was to build down.  He had his home lifted and added a basement.  He saw the perfect opportunity for a game room, a bigger bedroom for Lauren and, of course, a man cave.

Well done Larry.

Alex had been getting kicked in her ribs multiple times a day.  However this was no ordinary day.  Sweet Lauren was growing up today.  All Lauren wanted was her cake, some presents and her family.  No big bash, just her loved ones.  The time passed too fast for Alex as she was moved to tears right before Lauren blew out the candles….

Happy birthday Lauren.

Alex feels like she’s going to vomit, yet also is craving fudge bars with buttercream icing.  I wonder what that means….

For Alex, Larry, Lauren and Koi, there was no better way to enjoy the last night off from school than caramel corn and a cheesy movie.

The Lakes family have returned home.  There were lots of things to talk about during dinner.  Koi was impressed with her new butterflies and Lauren was equally impressed with her fireflies.  Plenty of laughs were had as the family readjusted to life outside of the mountains.

It was the last day of their mountain vacation.  Although Larry was extremely sore from sleeping in that tent for multiple nights, he promised his wife that he’d take the girls hiking in the forest so she could get some fishing in before they left.  Alex was in her zone and put some mighty big fish on ice for the trip back to the island.

Good thing Alex brought all that homemade insect repellent…

Once the girls had gone to sleep, Larry wanted to talk to Alex about his desire to have another child (hopefully a son).  Alex had been thinking about this too because soon, Lauren would be a teenager.  Larry and Alex weren’t getting any younger.  However, Alex had reservations.  What if the sadness hit her again like with Lauren?  What if she wasn’t able to handle three children?  Larry reassured her that he wasn’t going anywhere and it was his job to take care of her.

Through sickness and health.

The Lakes are truly enjoying the mountains.    

Swimming, splashing, dancing (I think Lauren is doing the percolator), singing, catching fireflies and snooping on your parents who can’t keep their hands off of each other.

Larry introduces Lauren to horseshoes and she finds it to be the most hilarious game in existence.

Something tells me Alex won’t be telling anymore ghost stories anytime soon.

As promised, Larry took his wife and daughters on a mountain vacation.  Larry and Alex couldn’t wait to introduce the girls the best place on the planet.  The trees, the smell, the critters, the fishing!  It was all such a beautiful experience.  The girls were beyond excited.  They played, took photos and went hiking with their parents while Alex pointed out all the different birds and furry things along the way.  That evening Larry played around with the guitar and his favorite girls roasted marshmallows.  Their first day in the mountains was a success.  The girls were exhausted and passed out after overwhelming doses of excitement and sugar.  The rest of the night belonged to Larry and his wife.

Try not to wake up the girls you two.

Good morning girls!  It’s Friday and there may be a special trip waiting for you this weekend.

The herbal tea killed whatever virus was plaguing Alex because the next morning she was bubbling with energy.  She got the girls up, made them breakfast and baked a delicious carrot cake for them as they giggled about “silly boys” in Koi’s room.  Today, however, was an important one.  Alex promised the woman she met in Willow Creek that she would bring her a harvest of fruit.  Alex held true to her promise and the woman told her a package should arrive soon.  She also slipped Alex a little extra fertilizer since Alex was enjoying gardening so much.

Mission accomplished.

Alex was coming down with a cold again.  She figured it was from all the traveling she had to do to find all those eggs.  Larry tried to take her mind off of it by informing her that they had a trip to plan.  Although Alex was very excited to introduce her daughters to the mountains, her appetite was completely gone and all she could think about was lying down.  When the girls came home she and Larry helped them with their homework before feeding them and sending them off to bed.  Larry went to work while Alex brewed some tea and settled down for a movie.

Feel better soon Alex. 

Alex’s hard work paid off when she saw the sheer joy in the faces of her daughters upon presenting them with the big surprise.  Lauren in particular was ecstatic.  They absolutely loved the big ol’ bunnies.  A sweet treat of leftover pie and milk waited for them.  The rest of the evening was the usual homework, extra credit, art and music practice.  Lauren and Koi are such amazingly sweet girls.

Alex searched high and low for the final egg.  She thought perhaps it was hidden in the streams, so she looked there and even caught a fish or two.  She was completely exhausted and figured since it was the last egg, it must have been in a really tough spot and she’d try again tomorrow.  By the time she arrived home, the girls were fast asleep, Larry was working and she could barely keep her eyes open.  When she was finally sleeping, Larry slipped the last egg on top of the display and unwrapped the two huge boxes that were left on the porch.

You’re a sly one Larry.

Lauren made sure to give Koi all the details about Windenburg Academy.  She told her everything about the mean girls, the crazy dean of students and the old music room that is more than likely haunted. After school they did their homework together and played well into the evening.  Larry had some monkey bars installed in the backyard for his baby girls who couldn’t get enough of climbing and swinging.  The two sisters are completely inseparable.

Koi Alondra Lakes was ready to grow up and nothing was stopping her.  No matter how much her loving parents wanted her to stay little for as long as possible.  She’s a rambunctious little girl who loves climbing on things and, of course, being outdoors.

Alex was still on the hunt for those elusive eggs.  She was determined to make her daughter Lauren the happiest girl at Windenburg Academy (happy WITH bragging rights of course).  Alex took the ferry off the island back to Willow Creek where, while digging in the dirt and searching flower bushes, she happened upon a mysterious and magical tree.  She was very curious as it was like nothing she’d ever seen (and that’s saying a lot for someone who knows everything about the great outdoors).  She soon found herself surrounded by the most beautiful scenery she’d ever seen.  It smelled of lilacs and rose water.  The water was crystal clear.  She couldn’t wait to tell Larry what she’d discovered.

She also couldn’t wait to get her hands on that last egg….

Alex had a busy day planting and enjoying being outside.  She wondered why she hadn’t started gardening before, she loved it.  Meanwhile, Lauren had a rough day at the academy.  All of the other girls were bragging about how many eggs they had found and teased Lauren because, no matter how hard she tried, she could not find any during recess.  Larry had a way of making it all better of course.

Lauren had no idea that her mother had all those bragging little girls beat.  Eight down, four to go.