The UPS man brought us something new today:  a stomp rocket.  There are some fun physics in the stomp rocket, plus they’re cheaper than the model rocket (no need to buy “fee-ul”).  I can also tell you that it does a pretty good job of wearing C&D out before bedtime.

We’re not done with the Alpha III, however.  Yesterday C&D were bummed because they realized they had forgotten to stick their dolly C&Ds on the rocket to go up just like the astronauts.  I imagined their little dolls strapped to the rocket with rubber bands or (David’s favorite) masking tape, flying high over the park.  Wheeeee!  C&D figured they can try it next time.  (Actually, one of the Estes rockets has a cargo bay built in . . . )  (And, no, I’m not letting Dolly Carmen and Dolly David get shot into the air taped onto a model rocket.  Too dangerous for everyone involved, especially the Dollies.)

The Alpha III creates a fun flame front and vapor trail that seems to say “Today, the park; tomorrow, the moon!”  The box shows a picture of a rocket with an orange flame shooting out the end.  I didn’t notice this at the store but at home David sure did, and asked about it.  I told him that the flame in the picture was just for “decorating” (marketing, in other words), because the rocket was just pretend.   I didn’t know what would come out . . . hot air?  Hummingbirds?  Oh, Mommy, Mommy.

But now, to the great beyond of sweet dreams and a good night’s sleep . . . it’s time for bed.