blast off!

On a recent visit to the toy store I picked up something I knew could save an otherwise uneventful day. It's not that this Saturday was becoming boring, there is much fun to be had in the mixture of mud and snow that is currently our yard. But when the boys were on their third set of pants and socks by noon, and every type of footwear they own, including their rubber boots, were soaked, it was time we considered another activity. Enter the Cosmic Rocket. Using the power of carbon dioxide, provided by baking soda and vinegar, the rocket blasts off high into the sky. Add an endless stream of commentary from both boys - everything from explanations about the chemical reaction, to advice regarding how tight the rocket should fit on the launch pad, to unbridled enthusiastic chants and then play by play recaps of every detail of the launch, flight, and landing - and the day was a blast for everyone.