Dear Mom in Russia-

Remember yesterday when we were Skyping and I told you that Proto had the "Space Derby"?  And then we discussed how we'd never even seen a Space Derby.  Well, now I am an official Space Derby veteran.  Been there, done that.  In case there are any Space Derby's (Sputnik II perhaps?)  in your immediate future, here are the steps:

1.  Take obligatory picture with the guy who helped you build your rocket.

2.  Use a drill to wind up the jets (rubber bands) inside your rocket.

3.  Place rocket on strange wooden contraption. (Take another picture, out of focus this time, donning slight grimace.)

4. Observe that you designed the exact same rocket as your friend.

5.  Annnd, they're off!  In about 2 more seconds Proto's rocket comes to a complete stop successfully earning him last place in this heat.  The second heat came to a swift end when the rocket fell off the wire and crashed to the floor.  After re-glueing a wing and a few other technical adjustments by the resident engineer, Proto's rocket was off and running flying.  His rocket won several heats and he came in 2nd place overall.  He was immensely thrilled with the whole event.

6.  Finish with a doughnut.  (Donut.  Doknut?  Doonet?  How DO you spell that word?)

love,

The eldest and her son "Rocket Man."