2015-02-28: What Does Mascara Do?

While applying makeup together, Nigel asked Mom, "What does Mascara do?" "It is supposed to make your lashes longer and thicker," she replied. "I don't think it's working," was Nigel's response.

2015-02-26: Long-Range Walkie-Talkies

Nigel and Ashton got out the FRS radios to use as walkie-talkies as they played today, while waiting for Molly to come and pick Ashton up. (Our two families have been carpooling to save trips and better accommodate their schedules, now that Ashton is going to Dancing Moose.) Nigel had the idea to have Ashton keep one of the radios to see if it would reach all the way down to their house, in the end of the circle.

Believe it or not, it actually did reach that far, and Ashton and Nigel talked back and forth excitedly for a good while, until Ashton had to turn his radio off to have dinner. Nigel was nearly bouncing off the walls (and literally bouncing off the furniture) with excitement. "Just think of all the things we could do!," he exclaimed. They have plans to contact each other in the morning over breakfast via the radios.

2015-02-14: Music Appreciation

Nigel recently officially graduated from the Suzuki method Twinkle songs recently, and Mom decided there should be a break from violin for a while. During this time, Dad has been doing a few "music appreciation" days with Nigel, in which they talk a little about a famous composer and listen to some of their more notable compositions.

The first day, Dad selected Johann Sebastian Bach, and played a selection of organ, keyboard and symphonic works by Bach. Nigel showed great taste by really liking Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (and who doesn't?). The second day, Mom and Dad both made selections from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's repertoire, including Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

Nigel really seems to have been enjoying these sessions. Dad is thinking to move this to a once-a-week practice substitute.