Fact: Jon has two kids.
Reading time
Theory: Jon will be able to get both kids into games.
Research:
This past Saturday certain conditions were achieved to allow for the execution of a test for the geek factor and genetic predisposition to it.
The fabulously cute subject Alya Beckett Schreiber (code named "Squirrel") woke up from her nap before her brother and mother were ready to resume the day. (Naps are pretty popular here at the house.) So it was some alone time for this researcher and the test subject, who was lying on the couch watching "Yo Gabba Gabba" in an I'm-not-tired daze.
Using a method that would allow for independent discovery, I brought out some of my gaming miniatures (see examples below) and started painting. Eventually, the Squirrel came out of her daze to see what her father was doing.
"What you doing, Daddy."
"I'm painting miniatures."
"Oh." Alya moved closer to the tv tray/painting station.
"Would you like to paint some 'guys'?"
"Yeah."
It was a great little moment. Me and the Squirrel sitting side-by-side, each with our own brushes, paints and little dudes.
Result: Possibly that theory of genetic geekness is true.
But things didn't end there.
Research II:
The next day, Marcus and Sasha were out and about somewhere - or sleeping - and it was Alya and I again hanging out. However this time she wasn't moving at that dazed level, so it was time to find an activity for the two of us. I went with Rock Band.
Yeah, it sounds really odd, but the video game Rock Band 2 has a mode where one can play with the drums without music. Perfect for a little girl to play around with drums and not be too loud. (I'm fairly certain the other two were sleeping.)
We started by us both sitting on the ottoman with the Rock Band drums set up in front of us. Alya was hitting the different pads with the drum sticks at first, but eventually it became a game of smacking our hands against the various pads. We went with colors and then incorporated beat counting.
"1 - 2 - 3 - 4. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4."
"1 - 2 - 3 - 4. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8. 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 8."
Alya is pretty good at counting.
Another fun twenty minutes of geeky father-daughter time.
Result: More testing needed, but it looks good.
Just how cool are these kids?
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In other Alya news, she is beginning the transition to a diaper-free life. Right now it is simply the ability to tell us when she has to potty, but she did sit on her potty chair and pee this morning. Third time total, but this really feels like we will be saying goodbye to one set of diapers soon.
Be seeing you,
Jon
You can lead a zebra-girl to the potty, but can you make her pee?
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Here are a few pictures of miniatures I painted.
1 comment:
Your research sounds intriguing, and I applaud it good sir. Your painting has style and looks most excellent.
-Eric L
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