Failed Attempt

Well, here's how it went down...

My first grader had a half day (out of school @ noon).

So, for a week, we had planned on going swimming at our community pool.

The boys need to brush up on their swimming skills to get ready for summer swim team.

It had been in the 90s for over a week.

Wouldn't you know it, we woke up to cloudy skies, wind blowing and a high of 65 degrees!

Can't really complain, 65 feels awesome, but not in a swimming pool!

So, I had a little project I've been wanting to try.

Perfect day to do that, right?

We went to 4 stores trying to find the right kind of water bottle.

We never did find them!

But, I thought I'd post the project anyway.

Hopefully I'll find the right water bottle one of these days... or maybe you will...

Here it is:

HOVERCRAFT

Materials:

- balloon

- glue or duct tape- CD

- spout from water or juice bottle (not just any spout - it has to be the kind with the pop top, or maybe it's called a sports top?)

Instructions:

Glue the spout over the center of the CD. You can use craft glue, or a hot glue gun. Masking tape or duct tape would work too, but be sure the seal is air tight.

Push the spout down so that it is closed and no air can pass through.

Blow up the balloon. Don't tie it! Carefully stretch it so that it is over the spout.

Hold the bottom of the balloon in place with one hand. With the fingers of the other hand, carefully lift open the spout.

 The air in the balloon with be forced out through the drinking spout. It will create a blanket of air almost like a hovercraft. The CD, propelled by the balloon, will scoot all around the floor.

When it stops, just blow the balloon up again for more fun.

Sounds cool, right? Maybe some of you out there can find the right spout. Let me know if you do!

So, after trying 2 different fun activities, we made a fort with my old dust ruffle and the dining chairs, and threw in all of the plastic animals we could find.

It kept them occupied for all of 15 minutes!

You know what kept them happy for even longer?

The balloons from the failed hover craft attempt!

My 2 year old played with them for quite a while. In fact, he's playing with them again today.

Sometimes I wonder why I try to get all fancy with different projects and crafts!

Sometimes it's the simplest things...