Meal Time

Tonight at dinner the conversation meandered through several topics. The kids talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and who identified with which character...and how cool it would be to have our family dress up as them for Halloween. (That works fine with me - there are four of them and we have four kids - done.) We then discussed music for a bit. Jonny said that right now his favorite groups are The Beatles and BareNakedLadies (BNL). There are other groups that he and the other kids like. (I recognized again that our kids like what they like because they've experienced it and made their own decision - not because it's one of the trendy songs on the radio.) I'm glad my kids like what they like. That morphed into the topic of portable devices that one can use to listen to music. Somehow that went to a question about soundtracks...so we discussed that right before heading into plays, musicals, and musical scores. The difference between a soundtrack and a score. Somewhere in there we revisited a topic about a show we'd seen on Friday called 'Leo'. We were all impressed with the physical escapades of the performer. He had to have been all muscle, coordinated, strong, flexible, and graceful all at the same time. The kids tried to do a couple of the stunts/moves we saw him do. We then circled back around to TMNT...the names of the characters, who they're named after, and why...the characteristics of those historical figures. For those who don't know...or need a reminder...the names are Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo. (Our kids like 'Mike' the best - well, at least of a couple of them consider him to be their favorite character.) I now have an interest in learning more about the actual people and what they did/who they were and what we can learn from them. We've discovered a few things about each of them. I just don't remember all of it. Time for a refresher. Maybe I'll share a few things with the kids. I love our meal time together.

Beatles and Breakfast

The kids were listening to music during breakfast this morning. I came in the kitchen and the boys had the Beatles on YouTube. Breakfast and Beatles.:} I attempted a picture - but, it didn't quite catch the scene completely. Jonny asked Rachel if she knew who was singing and she responded correctly saying it was the Beatles. I think she might have looked.
Later Jonny said that listening to their songs is like each time you have a new favorite movie..."THIS one is now my favorite.". Good times.

Remote Control Truck

The kids tried out the remote control truck again today. I attempted to get a couple of pictures of Rachel driving it. She was thrilled and loving the experience. I love that she likes technology. She likes to see how things work. She's always coming up with ideas for machines and the things that they could do.
Jonny drove for a bit too. He did more of driving it around and figuring out what he could do with the remote. He attempted a snow bank - didn't work out so well. Rachel preferred to have the truck go the length of the driveway before turning it around and having it come back again. Fun to see the difference in the way the kids do things.

Evening Happenings

The boys had an etiquette dinner and dancing event for Young Men tonight. They had their combined activity with the Young Women. They actually survived and might have even had a good time. They attempted to dress a little nicer than usual. I think I have some good looking kids.
The girls and I were home while the boys went and did their thing. We had a simple dinner. The girls spent most of their time finger knitting. Fun stuff.

Taking Initiative

The boys are watching the Science of Dr. Who right now. It's interesting to me the different things they find that cover so many different topics. I'm glad they attempt to find a variety of things to explore. Well, there's variety - but, they also have their favorite topics that get a little more time. I love that they initiate so much of their learning. I feel like it's understood and remembered better when it's something they're interested in and they're ready to take it in.