http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl

.

It all began one sunny afternoon, when Dad came home from work with a surprise in the bed of his truck....parts.  These weren't just any parts, no, these were Go-Kart parts!  ...a frame, and boxes of engine parts, gears and various other what-nots. 

.

The elated Man-Cubs jumped for joy!  Their hero-Dad was the best in the world!

.

Within what seemed like minutes, the little machine was being assembled.  Only three wheels?... Oh, not a problem...missing part of the carburator?...no sweat!  At the sacrifice of one broken push mower (and who knows what else), the Kart was soon in action.  No, not just 'in action,' but ZOOOOMing down our dirt road at about...

.

...30 MILES PER HOUR!!!!!

..believe me, it seemed like more...

.

It wasn't long after discovering that the boys hadn't found it necessary to install a shut-off button, that I  found myself in the waiting room at our local ER....diagnosis - fractured radius, minimal displacement.

.

Thankfully, helmets are always worn around here!

.

So, back to the shop...where a throttle, brake and cut-off switch were all installed.

.

Let me just take a moment to say, that I think this whole go-kart event has been a valuable lesson.  Not only have my offspring honed their critical thinking skills with hands-on experiences, but they have discovered the intricacies of physical science and, yes, even practiced geometry on a practical level.  For example, we have learned - through hands-on application - not to take 90 degree turns at about 20 mph, in the sand, while having the limited mobility of only one good arm....

.

(...he's still smiling here...but not so much grinning was going on after I told him that the kart would be parked until the offended fence was repaired...)

.

So, thank you, dear dad, for the gifts you bring us....and by the way, could you pick up some aspirin on your way home today?

.