The Shark Boat

As I mentioned in yesterday's

Weekend Pupdate,
the kids and I built a boat this weekend.

But not just any boat...

a shark boat!

We signed up to race in a cardboard boat race

at our pool

and spent part of Saturday

and all day Sunday

putting it together.

At first,

we really didn't have much of a plan.

We had a large Pottery Barn box

from my son's recent desk delivery.

On Saturday we removed the staples from the corners
(staples were not allowed in the race)
and taped up the bottom.

Our first plan was to make a train,
then we decided to make a rowboat,
then we thought a shark would be the best idea.
(We are a real decisive family!)

As you can see here,

we already cut the boat to make a rowboat

so we had to add the fins on.

The front part was an add on too.

We spent all day Sunday

taping and taping...

We could use duct tape or clear packing tape.

We used both - and lots of it,

especially on the bottom!

While I taped,

my son started coloring in the mouth with a Sharpie.

We weren't happy with the results

so we found some electrical tape in the garage

 and made the mouth with that.

Already, it was starting to look better.

I cut some mailing labels for the teeth.

And my son added them on.

Both kids enjoyed adding the "blood"

to the teeth!

And after many hours,

we were done!

(Yes, that's my 6 year old back there,

 still in his pajamas at 3:00 p.m.!)

Then it was time to load the shark in the car

for the big race!

The question was...

"Will this thing float?"

I had my doubts

and my husband was sure it would sink!

In fact some of the boats did sink...or flip!

But we didn't let that scare us!

We could only race two boats at a time,

(because there weren't enough paddles or life vests)

and almost right away our competition flipped over.

So at that point,

we were just trying to get a good time on the stopwatch.

We were laughing hysterically

as we paddled along.

Near the end,

I was starting to get wet

but we made it across the pool!

Which is more I can say

for one of the other boats!

I guess we shouldn't have listened to my husband
when we named our boat!
Now of course my kids won't let me throw this thing out.
Where am I going to put a huge cardboard shark?!!

Anyway, it was a memorable evening
and a fun way to end the weekend!
These summer days sure are dwindling down!

Did you do any "boating" this weekend?

Linking to:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesdays Treasures
The Stories of A 2 Z - Tutorials and Tips Link Party
Not Just a Housewife - Show Me What Ya Got
Savvy Southern Style - Wow Us Wednesdays
Shine Your Light - Sweet Summertime
At the Picket Fence - Inspiration Friday
Serenity Now - Weekend Bloggy Reading Link Up
Chic on a Shoestring - Flaunt it Friday