This is how Taylor Swift started out.

And now a musical interlude..

River's version of If I Die Young by The Band Perry. 

River Collier: Improvisation Musician

Some musicians refuse to conform to the constraints of mundane music.  Trivial things such as melody and playing in tune only slow River down. 


Serious Guitar Slinger Attitude



Rocking out with the Martin Backpacker.

Tails, Tails, Tails

Yesterday River took a class at The Cincinnati Zoo called Tails, Tails, Tails.  It was all about the many different uses of tails in the animal kingdom.  Afterward, we took a stroll around the Zoo.  It was a beautiful Spring-like day of blue skies and temperatures in the late 60's. After all the snow and rain, all of us (River included) were happy to be cured of our cabin fever and winter blues.

While waiting for class to start, River entertained us by reading about Spiders.  It was difficult to keep her mother off the ceiling.

Mr. John introduced the class to Hurricane the American Alligator. 

Mr. John lets River meet Brittany the Red Eyed Alligator Skink.

Hurricane was very well behaved and let River pet her tail.

River posing by the Cheetah track. 

A Cheetah relaxing in the sunshine.

A majestic White Tiger holding court in the afternoon.

My favorite, the Mexican Wolf.  Shortly after this was taken, he and his mate demonstrated their howling abilities.

River and the rest of the class singing the Tails, Tails, Tails song.  At this point, River had had enough and was ready to get outside and explore.

After Dinner Music

River treated us to a little after dinner entertainment last night..
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Bumble Bee Song

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Turtle Song

A is for Alligator

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Don't Worry Baby

This is probably going to date me but I listened to a lot of The Beach Boys as a child. It was one of my Father's favorite groups. We even saw them in concert.

I guess it was no surprise when River was brand new that the only songs my extremely tired brain could come up with to sing to her in the middle of the night when she would cry and I, being a new mother, didn't know why, this song would always float to the top.

Who would have thought that it is a comfort song for her now? She loves it.

Know how I know?

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Well its been building up inside of me
For oh I don't know how long
I don't know why
But I keep thinking
Something's bound to go wrong

But she looks in my eyes
And makes me realize
And she says "Don't worry baby"
Everything will be alright
Don't worry baby
Don't worry baby......

River's Christmas Party

Last week we attended a Christmas party thrown by River's school. We had a blast seeing River interact with her friends and teachers. We also enjoyed seeing River's face light up when Santa made a surprise visit!

Hanging out by Santa's chair.
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River entertaining the other guests with a little song and dance.
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Waiting for Santa with Mommy.

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HE'S HERE! HE'S HERE!

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River was hesitant of accepting a gift so soon before Christmas.

. "Really? It's for me?"

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Books are River's favorite things.

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The country ham was delicious!

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What 2 year old doesn't love mac & cheese?
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And now a musical interlude..

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Jingle Bells

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Rock Grrrrrrrl

River is always happy to see "daddy's gee-tars". I brought 2 of them out tonight and, for the first time, let River enjoy herself with them. I was amazed to see that she knew how to properly hold the pick. She also did a very good job at gently and evenly strumming the strings. I didn't tell her how to do anything! It amazes me when I see how much she learns on her own just by watching.

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"I know it's only rock and roll but I like it."

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Like any true guitarist, River has perfected her "guitar face".

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"Guitar Hero" is for wannabes! River goes for the real thing.
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"This next song I wrote while I was listening to a lot of The Cure.."

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If she continues to show interest I will probably buy her a ukulele or maybe a miniture travel guitar. Until then, she is always welcome to play with daddy's gee-tars..
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