Pikes' Addition - Part One

 Went out to hit the after-holiday markdowns and, as usual, stopped at Goodwill.  They had a huge (for them, anyway) assortment of dolls and doll stuff.  I was picking through, tossing things in my cart or back on the shelf, when I spotted it.  A 2011 Barbie Dream Townhouse, with a box full of furniture taped securely to the roof.  For 16 dollars. 

This is the official Mattel photo.  Well, one of them... 

The major draws for me are the affixed kitchen and the fireplace.  As my Wicked Cool Toys dollhouse ages, the floors have begun to sag.  Which means the large appliances like to fall on the dolls while I'm setting up a scene.  And the fireplace speaks for itself.

Also, the dollhouse my sister got me from a yard sale is breaking bit by bit, which will leave Mace and the littles without bedrooms and Sarcastic Fringehead without a studio.  

I argued with myself for a bit, knowing what a major project getting this into Barbieville would be, but I decided the Pikes are going to build an addition!   So I put back all the other doll stuff (except the donor bodies) and got the house + box.

Here it is, taunting me from the center of my living room. Those walls are cardboard glued to plastic, and all kinds of "personalized" by the former owner.  Those of us who rescue orphan dollhouses are familiar with the problem.

First order of business, because it's the easiest, is to sort and clean the contents of the box. This thing is blurry because it fainted while I was taking a picture.  The parts that snap together to hold it upright have failed me.  Further research is required. 

Looks like Barbieville will be getting an eye doctor.  

Assorted food items, dishes, and cookware.  I'm loving the Thanksgiving turkey, giant salad, and huge banana split.  

A couple of beds, a fridge, things to sit on, a desk/shelf of some sort, a table and a small hot tub.  One of the things to sit on is a child sized eye exam station.  You know, the thing that Doc switched lenses around and asks "which is better" 500 times.  Definitely getting an eye doctor.

Back view of the house.  I'm not real concerned about how it looks, since it's going to be up against the wall.  the flower stickers in the window boxes fell off already.  Now the real fun begins.... 

Here Comes The Grooms

 Oksana hurries into the venue on a very important mission.

Oksana: Now, don't forget.  Grampy Dean and them got stucked in a blizzard, so they gotta watch on my tablet.  Make sure you got it pointed the right way and... 

Bonnie:  I'll take that, Ox.  Don't worry.  The Mellarks are in good hands. 

Oksana: OK.  Daddy P said he's gonna be really mad if you mess up! 

Bonnie: As he should be. 

Peeta and Ken come down separate aisles, Peeta accompanied by Oksana and Ken by Tommy.  

Wilma:  Oh, Mommy, look... 

Whitney (covering Wilma's mouth and whispering) This is why I had to talk them into letting you come.  You have to be quiet. 

Peeta spares a sad glance at the empty seats his family should be in, nearly stumbling over Oksana as he does.  He hopes no one noticed.  

Tanner and Finnick stand at the front, acting as Best Man for each of the grooms.  Mayor Rose-Grace Pike acts as officiant.   The ceremony is simple, an exchange of the traditional vows.  Oksana keeps a close eye one her aunt Bonnie, making sure Grampy Dean's family can see. 

Finnick:  Tanner designated me to make a speech for both of us, since I "do sappy stuff" better and since we have the same story.  Ken was the first person to befriend the new kids to town.  (pause) It was never a secret that Peeta was gay. Peeta says that's because he's Jewish and used to being persecuted, but really it's just that Ken's a bit of a wuss.  Took Ken almost three years to let us in on his secret.  He was afraid we'd run screaming for the hills, which was pretty stupid of him.

Ken:  Yeah, it was. 

Finnick: We were glad when  they finally hooked up after all the times we'd advised them to.  In the wise words of Frodo Dean (nods at Frodo) "You ain't gonna find anyone more compatible ever."   Some folks will say they're too young to marry, but those people do not know Peeta and Ken.  (toasts them)  Now, a few words from Miss Oksana Carson-Mellark.  Or is it Mellark-Carson?

Oksana: Just Carson.  My daddies decided that was easier.  (deep breath) The orphan house lady told me I was gonna have two daddies and I said "WHAT?" I didn't even know that sometimes boys marry boys!  Then my friend Vash got dopted by two mommies!  Anyways... I'm super happy to see my new daddies get married and promise to be a good daughter as much as I can.  Now it's Grammy Doreen's turn.

Doreen: I met Dean Mellark went he came to work at the school.  We bonded over both having been recently widowed and were happy when our sons became fast friends.  We were both delighted - if a bit surprised, to be honest - when they started dating and now I'm standing here making a speech for both of us at our boys' wedding. Now, let's stop talking and start celebrating!