A Lesson in Physics

This afternoon Chase had his first lesson in physics. He ran outside with his helium filled balloon. The string slipped out of his hand, and before I could grab it, the balloon was on its way up. He was crushed. Immediately big crocodile tears came rolling out. "I want my balloon back, I want my balloon back!" I knelt down and hugged him, and told him, "Now God will have a turn to play with the balloon." Unfortunately, that did not appease his distress of losing the balloon. So we got in the truck and headed to the store. I told him we would buy some balloons that mommy could blow up. This made him happy. When we got home I blew up the balloon. He noticed that this one did not need a string, nor did it float up towards the ceiling. I told him this balloon is filled with oxygen, which is what we need to breathe. The balloon he had earlier was full of helium, which is lighter than oxygen. I am sure this little lesson on the periodic table of elements went right over his head, but he did learn he has to hold onto a balloon that has a string and can float!