Our red carpet treatment at WET began with reserved parking and 4 tour guides handing out protective eye-gear.  Entering the first  building we learned that WET designs, develops and fabricates most of their own parts.  And when machines cut metal it is LOUD.  For many, it was amazing to see machines cutting metal forms – and almost unbelievable and apropos that it was not a blade, but high-pressured hot water mixed with a sand aggregate that cuts designs into metal.   And to follow up the splash of Superhero water, the next building we walked into, we witnessed sparks fly as a robotic arm welded fountain parts together.  The red plastic curtain protected our eyes from the brightness of the the sparks which are bright enough to burn your retinas.  We witnessed many designers, engineers, programmers and who knows what else,  at work as we passed through more buildings and more rooms before pausing to watch footage of their work orchestrated to moving music.  That room itself was filled with scale models of existing projects, this one is of a WET production room from their website.

After the machines, the movies, and the models it was now time for the MAGIC of the fountains (and air compressors).  We walked across a giant lawn landscaped with an uber-water molecule towards the entryway of a warehouse workshop.  This is where water and fire intermingle.  By hiring pyrotechnic specialists who have worked on movie sets and rock & roll tours and embracing the champagne marathon mindset (uncork and run with it), WET mingles fire, water and music to dazzle the world.   Jason thrilled our group indoors with fire and emptied gallons of water upon our willing volunteers outdoors.

Our warmest thanks goes out to the staff @ WET who shared their magic with us – especially our guides Saban, Emily, Devyn, Stephanie.  A shout also goes to the engineers offering us the welding show on their lunch break, and Jason for giving us the 70+ foot high show that drenched our kids (and some parents)!  And of course, a thousand hugs to our coordinator Kristen for doing all the legwork.  Thank you all!

Don’t be afraid to let your kids use tools.

1. Calmly explain the safety elements before the tools are in their hands which would distract them.
2. Keep the directions to a minimum.
3. Tell them you know they can do it.
4. Don’t over correct.
5. Pause the activity after a while and enjoy investigating the proof of their competency.
6. Relax & realize that you can both have FUN working w/ tools.

Join the debate on how a healthy dose of “Risk Factor” introduced into our children’s lives benefits their emotional and physiological growth.  See the  article Can a Playground be TOO Safe from the New York Times or watch Gever Tulley’s TED talk on the 5 Dangerous things you should let your kid do.

With parental supervision from my husband or myself- the dozen kids who wanted to saw wood took turns cutting clamped logs.  This Howtoons Cut-to-the-Point printable poster offers a great guide for the purposes of different Saws & Saw Safety.  Each child wore a pair of safety goggles, learned how clamps worked and utilized the proper etiquette for sawing (free hand on wood to brace, eyes always on a moving blade, and taking occasional breaks).  Kids also learned how different teeth on a hacksaw and crosscut saw cut wood.

With finished wood, sandpaper and tacks, kids and parents turned back the clock to the 1800′s by making their own Jacob’s Ladder.  Kids sanded the edges of 6 wood squares that I had sawed earlier and assembled them with ribbons and tacks.  Just like kids would have done 100 years ago, making a Jacob’s ladder was the perfect way to practice with Pa’s tools which they may one day inherit to provide for their family.  Kids would up-cycle leftover wood and not only have a toy to play with, but show off their creativity and craftmanship.

How to make a Jacob’s Ladder click for visual directions

Step 1.  Cut wood into 2.5 inch blocks from 1/2 inch thick plank (need 6)

Step 2. Sand edges of the wood w/ sandpaper

Step 3. Attach 3 ribbons (18″ each) onto wood w/ tack

Step 4: Lay additional blocks & tack ribbon alternately

And as happens on every 3rd Thursday of the month we have a Potluck – when we invite friends and family to share our loving village.  We feasted on Vegan Thai Chili, Roasted Chix, homemade salsa verde, fresh baked bread, Kale salads, fresh fruit, and pies.   Everyone brings their own plates and utensils from home.  It’s a carbon footprint thing.  How fun it is to play with other families into the night past sundown.