Just Like Daddy

Robby loves tools and all things tool related. I had to confiscate the wrench that "Mr. Elliot" (my prosthetist) gave him because he was constantly trying to make adjustments and "fix that leg good for Momom." Although it was adorable to watch, trying to walk on a prosthetic that was adjusted by a four year old was not a lot of fun.

In order to satiate his tool fix, I have been taking him to free classes at the Home Depot. He loves going to "tool school" where he is provided with a kit and all of the materials to make a project. This week at "tool school" he made a planter box. (Actually, he made two planter boxes because he requested to make a second for Mr. Bill.)

Since Saturday was a rainy day and my little tool man was chomping at the bit to build, I pulled out a gift he received for Christmas. His Nana gave him a "Super Deluxe Construction Kit" featuring "real kids wood." In case you are curious, "real kids wood" equates to brown Styrofoam.

Looking at the box, Robby decided to build the jet plane. I have to admit to being relieved with his choice because it appeared to have the least number of parts. Taking a look at the scant direction booklet, I immediately decided that this was a father/son activity.

Scott and Robby spent the afternoon trying to construct the Styrofoam plane. The lack of a template- or measurements for that matter- meant that every piece had to be drawn freehand before Robby was allowed to begin "sawing" the pieces. With each step Scott was cursing the poorly designed kit and the absence of project directions. He also exhibited the patience of a saint with Robby.

Despite the frustrations the kit presented, it was fun watching the boys building the project together. I think that it is good for both of them to spend quality time together, working on a common goal. Building a plane seemed like the perfect father-son activity for a rainy Saturday.

Finally, after nearly 3 hours the plane was complete. Unfortunately, my two builders made some substantial mistakes. The plane Scott and Robby constructed somewhat resembles the project pictured on the box, and both my boys were proud of the creation. The imperfections did not seem to matter.

Robby learned a lot spending the afternoon working with his Daddy. Scott taught him how to use the saw and allowed Robby to turn every screw. He watched Scott figure out the construction of the plane and learned a lot about the value of trial and error.

My little builder is at a stage where he idolizes his Daddy and tries to emulate everything he sees Scott say and do. We discovered this when Robby tried to fly the plane. As he watched it crash, Robby exclaimed "This plane is a pain in the a$$. D@mn it, it won't fly. What a cheap piece of crap." He sounded, err... just like his Daddy.