Sounding like bombs bursting in air, the rockets launched from BT’s homemade contraption were the hit of our Independence Day celebration.

The instructions for this cool toy came from Make Magazine. The air chamber is pressurized using a $6 bicycle pump.
The launch button wired to a sprinkler valve triggers the forceful, sudden release of air and propels the paper and tape rocket to exciting heights.

Tad and Vivi had a blast chasing after the rockets; and I can’t believe that I didn’t end up with a single picture of Ariana. Sorry, Gups! (But I had to use such a high ISO that the grainy pictures wouldn’t do justice to your beauty, anyway.)

I’m really proud of Bryan tackling this project. It was outside his comfort zone and he confessed it to be a bit intimidating at times, but he finished what he started, and the kids think he’s a hero.