We did all that work for that piece of crap?

That was the direct quote from Dude after surveying the lame distance his new trebuchet managed.

We borrowed a book called 'Amazing Leonardo inventions you can build yourself' from the library on the recommendation of 'almost unschoolers'.

I wasn't feeling particularly adventurous, so I gave the job to my husband.

Dude wanted to build the water walkers, but we didn't quite have the supplies, so they built the trebuchet.  (I kept having to double check that spelling since Blogger had it wrong, Wiki says it is right.  Did you know there is a right click, 'add to dictionary' button?  I finally used it!)

Anyway, they spent a little less than an hour finding, cutting and nailing it all together.  Of course they had to make a few adjustments to make use of materials on hand.

Then they stuck an small orange ball in and watched it flop one foot in front of the contraption.  Prompting the  'piece of crap' complaint of Dude's. After a few tests with various projectiles, Daddy said 'lets go make some improvements'.  I love that he is willing to not only make these silly things but improve on them and help Dude test out all sorts of ideas.


When they had to stop for dinner, Dude asked if it counted for a badge.  Turns out it can be used for the craftsman or the engineer.