Seth's Rocket

I have great memories of building model rockets with my dad and then blasting them off.

I figured it was about time for Seth to do the same, so for Christmas he gave Grandpa Russell a model rocket that they could build and launch together.

So one (incredibly freaking hot) morning, we loaded up the rocket and accessories and trekked through the desert. And I mean that quite literally. Luckily Seth kept a wide berth around any cholla cacti he saw.

Then it was time for launch preparations:

Setting up the rocket on the launchpad.

Preparing the ignition device

(notice how Catherine is cleverly using Grandpa for shade? It was really, really warm)

Giving Seth last-minute advice on how to launch his rocket

Piling pebbles on a box

(a completely necessary duty of Mission Control)

Throwing pebbles

(once again, completely necessary to the mission)

[imagine a picture of Seth launching rocket here]

Seth chose to disregard all instructions about counting down and pushed the button as soon as he had the controller in his hands. And thus, no pictures of him launching his rocket.

But blast off it did!

And then it landed...somewhere in the desert:

Off they go to hunt it down!

Catherine & I enjoyed some really, really warm bonding time while they searched:

When it got too darn hot, I put her down.

Then I got this:

But luckily the rocket was found and it was time for Launch II.

This time it was Catherine's turn:

She was not too sure about the very loud sound she produced by pushing that button.

The rocket 

(look closely--it's there!): 

After two successful missions, we decided it was too freaking hot and trekked back home 

(this time ON the trail). 

Seth and his rocket.

Well done, everyone. 

Well done.