First Spring - The Nader household is doing quite well at the moment.

Arif's used-goods shop is now level five. He really can't open unless there is at least one family member available to help with the customers. Preferably two.

Nadeeda gave up on finding a culinary job, and accepted welfare for a short time. Then she finally found a job as a server in the local diner - hey, it's still in the food industry, right? It currently earns less than the welfare payment, but she needs a job at level three before they can move out of poverty class.

The family was able to pay off their loan, after receiving several cash grants for the shop.

Saleh is moseying along. Mostly he just wants to chase Sophie Miguel. He is nowhere near getting any scholarships, and will not be going to college, but will soon be looking for income of his own.

Mariam really likes skipping. She is slowly making a few friends at school, where she is a mediocre student so far.

Taslim aged up! He is enjoying school, and already has an A+ after his first day. They bought him a bunk bed, which sits above Saleh's in the back verandah. They also bought a kiddie stove, and Taslim is practising hard on his muffins. He likes skipping, too. :)

Here's a picture from Taslim's birthday - just the family and a couple of neighbours. Nadeeda is holding him, with Saleh behind her. Mariam is behind the visiting kid. In the background, the couch which was soon to vanish...

Soon after Taslim's birthday, a burglar came by one night - not that they have much to steal. However, he took the couch and the cash register, passing them to a fence before the police could catch him. (The police did retrieve the value of the goods, though.) Arif replaced the cash register immediately - can't open shop without it, and they still need the money!

Taslim received a chess game for his birthday: