Its been almost 30 years since I did this...

Pinewood Derby races.

I recall fondly working with my Dad and Grandad in the basement workshop in Double Springs. Though as I recall, my designs were always more focused on the visual impact than the actual engineering, those are really fond memories of my childhood.

This year I started leading Cooper's cub-scout den. This Monday, the wooden "blanks" were distributed to all the kids and Cooper and I have been discussing what he wants to make to race at the end of the month.

We've looked at several possibilities, but the one he's decided he wants to pursue is pretty ambitious. I'm not sure how well it will race, but the basic idea is pretty sound. He wants the body cut really thin, he wants to gather most of the weight over the rear wheels. From all I've read, that kind of thing should perform pretty well.

The difference is, instead of a narrow wedge (the way most cub-scouts seem to address 'skinny in the front - heavy in the back) problem, Cooper wants to make his look like a skeleton. Here's the basic idea. Yes, I helped with the drawing, but he'll be doing as much of the carving as he can.

What's kinda cool about this is we plan to cut out that bit between the "arms." That will pull even more weight off the front axle. We shall see. Regardless, I think his design will certainly turn some heads - and should be a hoot to make together.

Lillian also wants to make one. She may or may not get a chance to race it, but it sounds as if they regularly do a "siblings race" after the cub-scouts are done with the derby. I'm really hoping hers is glittery pink animal print. It will make a nice contrast to the skeleton on race day!

More photos very likely to follow...

(One month later)
Some photos documenting our progress...

 

Fun time had by all.

Seven things at one time!

Cooper and Lillian were discussing who was more talented. Cooper was convinced he was as HE could do 7 things at one time (based on the whole pat your head while rubbing your belly challenge). Knowing this "7 at one time" demonstration would be worth the show I started rolling the video camera.

Aerobics, or breakdancing, or... something

When I came home last night Robin was finishing an aerobic workout in the living room. She wrapped up and walked off into the kitchen to get a drink. The video was still running and Cooper spotted it as he was passing through the living room.

Fortunately, he didn't notice me start taping his exercise routine.

More 2yo communication...

Email from Robin this AM:
Max seems to catalog fun events from the past but usually picks out surprising ones.  Today, he is fixating on "We can go to Cub Scouts and get food... and Daddy can get dinner and Cooper can get dinner and Lillian can get dinner and Granna can get dinner."

I guess food for he and for I is just understood.

The Usual Suspects

After we returned from the mean streets of Rock Hill, looting chocolate from all of our neighbors, I asked the kids if I could get a photo of them in their costumes. Cooper (AKA Zombie Ninja) said one of his wrist guards had fallen off and he wasn't sure his costume would look as good without it.

I suggested he cross his arms in front of his chest so no one would notice the missing part. Due to him crossing his arms and Lillian trying to continue the "theme," what I got was what appears to be a very cute gang of thugs in my kitchen.

Max Loots Cooper's Halloween Stash

Treehouse Building Documentary...

I thought I'd take a moment and record the progress on one of the more challenging projects I've tackled for the kids...

Robin and I wrestle with the 2-man auger. I think her back muscles are still recovering.

Two 3+ foot "bugs bunny" holes made by the auger.

First of MANY trips to the hardware store. This precarious load included two 16 foot tall 4x4 posts.

Brian spent the whole day with me getting the support posts and beams square, cemented, and bolted to one another.

 

End of first real day of construction. Structure square and ready for decking.

Installing decking.

Trap door complete

Robin helping me with the small suspended deck.

ANOTHER trip to the hardware store. During one of these the cashier actually welcomed me by name. That can't be a good sign.

Tres helping me frame out the walls on the ground.

Once we lifted all walls onto the platform we discovered they fit together perfectly. He and I were both pretty surprised.

Tres helping with wall boards as robin grinds the tips off of screw points which protruded through the trap door.

Robin continuing to help with wall boards the next day.

End of construction day four. Still not complete, but getting close! Considering a tin roof...

Shutters & walls complete (still need a roof)