Volcano

Between colds (as in, nasty viruses), cold (as in, subzero windchills), early sunsets, and wet snow, there just haven't been a lot of opportunities to play outside this month. So, last week, I decided it was time to finally break out this volcano kit that Bo received as a birthday gift and has been bugging me about ever since. I didn't realize until we opened it Sunday afternoon just how hardcore this volcano was. It was going to be a 2 or 3 day process. So, we set to work.

Phase One: The Construction

 

First, we I had to line up the notches and glue together the two bases. Then, we I had to place the eruption tube in the middle and string that embroidery floss from the base to the tube. 

 

 

Finally, we got to a step they could do themselves: cutting the strips of plaster, dipping them in warm water, and placing them around the volcano form. Yes, you read that right, there was plaster of Paris involved in this project.

Now to let it dry!

Phase Two: The Painting

 They wanted it to look like they were the people pictured on the box.

 

 Even Bris had to get in on the painting action.

Phase Three: The Eruption

 

It was actually a bit anti-climatic, I'm afraid. After all the effort put into the making of the volcano, I think they were envisioning an explosion more along the lines of a real volcano. Baking powder and vinegar just did not deliver. Oh well, it was fun.

The small print: Just because a product is made and marketed for children,  does not mean the paint will be easily removed with soap and water. A week later, Grier still has glow-in-the-dark orange paint on her cheek.