Volcano Day

You know your baby is growing up when he comes home with an assignment for a major project. Our fifth grader was tasked with making a volcano to have erupt on assigned day at school. His class was told to be as creative as possible, i.e., chocolate volcano cake, etc., but our straight and narrow Dylan, of course, had to make a realistic volcano model. He went all out, molding his mountain with newspaper and plaster cloth. He then painted it according to kit instructions and embellished with "shrubs and greenery" and mini rocks and boulders. Aside from some occasional tips and guidance from mom and dad, and serious meddling by Sophia, little man did it all by himself.

Pictured above is the finished product. The label may be too small to see, but he named his creation "Mt. Dew." Little man has a sense of humor!

A little baking soda, food coloring, and LOTS of stinky vinegar later...

KABOOM!

Another realization for the day: my firstborn does NOT think mom is cool. :-( I hoped I had a couple more years, but upon seeing me standing outside the classroom, Mr. D smiled and said a quick "hi" before abruptly turning around to goof off with his friends. He ignored me for the rest of the time before waving me off when I left. This is all despite the constant nagging "Will you please be there to see the eruption, mom? Please???" But then again, this was all done at home, away from the prying eyes of cool friends.