who doesn't love a nerd?

What do you get when you invite a science nerd to a birthday party? Why a rather large toothpick and marshmallow building of course! I give props to the mom who thought this would be a fun party game because, with a bunch of second grade boys, this activity could go very, very wrong. Thankfully it didn't end like this -

The object of the game was to see who could build the tallest tower/ building. Ok, yes, I will admit that Drake won and that I secretly did the 'oh yeah' with an arm pump when the mother told me. Sorry - no matter how hard I try my competitive nature still over powers me. Drake was beaming and then began to describe, at length, why his was the tallest and what mechanical infrastructures he used so it would be sturdy as it got taller. Where did this kid come from??? Oh that's right... he's a mini-me. I do have to say his plan was well thought out. He did reinforce the lower levels with multiple layers if toothpicks.

When I joked with the mom that it's structural stability will soon be put to the test by Grady Godzilla, Drake's eyes bulged. I could see the tears forming and a breakdown in the making. "Don't worry sweetie. We'll hide it from your brother." A unconvinced nod followed and I decided it was time to exit - stage left. Thankfully Grady was asleep when we got home so Drake got to show off his creation to Dad without fear of brotherly repercussions. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it before spring hits in full force. For now it is atop of my refrigerator but I'm thinking it is going to be a ginormous bug magnet. Ideas?

** As a side note, hubby finally finished the backsplash but the tools are still on my dryer!!