1890s: Anna's becomes a girl

 

This week was a week of birthdays! First Anna aged up to a girl, then Alice aged up to a toddler and at the end of the week it was time for Abigail. Joseph and Abigail sit down to discuss how to deal with so many evens in one week, and end up choosing to keep the girls' birthdays simple and within the family, and saving a bigger gathering for Abigail's birthday. 

And in all of this, Frank, in spite of being engaged and insisting that he should be treated as an adult, realises that he has no clue on what to do with his life.

This worries Joseph, who hasn't been blind to his son's struggles. Truth is that while he may be an A-student, he often comes home miserable from school and his latest test results have been mediocre. The one thing he likes doing (other than flirting with his wife to be) is to play the violin, and that is not a respectable career. Joseph decides to intervene. He hopes a school project on the exciting new field of electricity might get Frank's attention, but in truth it seems Joseph is more fascinated than Frank. 

Undeterred, Joseph takes Frank with him to the newly opened science museum and observatory in Newcrest. Looking at the stars is a bit fun, looking at plants and old bones, not so much. Again, Frank doesn't really seem all that impressed. Perhaps science and nature just isn't his thing?

Meanwhile, Anna, has her birthday, but instead of being a quiet creative girl, she turns out to be active. Abigail does not know what to do with that information. It's such an inappropriate trait in a girl. At least she's pretty, so perhaps it won't matter much when she grows up? Surely she can be taught things like piano playing, cross stitching and painting all the same?

However, Anna seems most interested in learning to ride a bike.

The day before Alice's birthday, Abigail realises something else. She's pregnant again:

It does mean the house will be a bit crowded, but that can be solved. Anna gets to move into Ida's room, so that the new baby and Alice can share. Frank, will keep his own room, of course. After all, he's soon to be married! For now, however, the focus is on little Alice becoming a toddler. She gets help with blowing out her candles:

And ages up to a clingy, but cute, little girl who seems eager to learn new things as long as mummy is the one teaching her.

With her babies aging up, Abigail finds herself having more time to divide among her girls. She once more helps with homework, cross stitch with Ida and encourage their progress in all things that makes a young woman marriage material:

Ida has decided to take up painting:

Frank, on the other hand, needs to fulfill his duties as a fiance. On Friday, he is invited for a formal family dinner with the Duncans. While he mostly want to spend all his time with Emily, he is expected to divide his attention to all the family at this stage. He does well in that respect, and gains their approval.

Finally, on Saturday morning, it's time for Abigail's birthday. Joseph takes Ida and Frank with him to Magnolia Promenade to pick up presents, and takes the opportunity to visit the bank. Perhaps a bank-job is something that would interest Frank? It honestly doesn't seem so.

While Ida picks up some flowers in the flower shop, Joseph goes to see the new photography studio. Perhaps a portrait would be a good present? He discusses the options with the photographer. He's never had his picture taken, but the process intrigues him. To capture the likeness of someone with a simple snap? Fascinating!

They return home to host the party being held. All of Frank's soon to be relatives are naturally invited, along with other friends of the family. It does get a little crowded. The main attraction, however, is the gift Frank gives Abigail. A gramophone player! These have been on the market for less than a decade, and neither of the them knows anyone who has a device that can play music like this. The device fits well in their dining room. 

As spring comes to an end, and they all head to bed, they can't wait to find out what summer brings.