Learning about lift...

If I have learned one thing as a mother of an 'experimentalist', it is that all I can do is to minimize risk -- then step out of the way. To do otherwise is an exercise in futility and one paved with tears and suffering for all involved.

Take for example Xander's determination to create a faster mode of transport for 'Village' -- having traveled by plane, train, car, and foot, he knows from experience that air travel is the fast of the four. He therefore decided that he would create a 'Village' version of air travel. The gift of two large balloons

provided him with (he thought) the perfect vehicle: "I will create 'manned balloon flight'!!!" he announced grandly, tying the balloon around his waist as best he could.

His elder brother was very worried at this: "Xander, the balloon will get AWAY!" was his first thought. 

"No it won't," answered the erstwhile balloonist, "I am tying it around my waist!"

"You are NOT going to jump from the top of the stairs!' His brother announced at the top of his lungs.

I decided I should probably intervene. "No steps. No porch. No hard surfaces. But if you want to jump on the grass outside, okay. And if you want to try jumping from the little hill out front, you can try that too." 

Jason shot me an AGONIZED glance. Xander, however, was satisfied and started for the door. Jason jumped forward. "Here, Xander, if you HAVE to do this, let me fix the balloon through your belt loops..." he worked on the belt loops. "See, now the balloon won't get away."

It didn't. It didn't provide much lift off either.  I heard the door slam as they returned. "Boys?"

"Its okay, Mom" said young Orville and Wilber, "We just came back for the other balloon..."
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Afterward:  When my husband heard about their adventures and their lack of success, he suggested that I should suggest that Xander research weather balloons -- and tell him that if he wanted one, he would need to pay for it himself.What I didn't tell my husband, because it only occurred to me afterwards, was that knowing my son, he will probably try to MAKE one, he will convinced his older brother to assist him (Jason is the theorist)... and some day, knowing Xander and his older brother, well... they just might succeed...