Erupting volcano + two little boys = so much fun!

Gabe, Will and I made a volcano for the first time. The idea was inspired by a project Gabe's class did in school a few months ago. We were looking for a little fun and this project was the result. It's not nearly as messy or as much work as I thought it was going to be.
We grabbed a bottle from our recycling bin. I think it was a empty bottle of Izzy (good stuff, by the way!) and were on our way. Below are our simple directions.

To make the volcano:

1. Place a soda-shaped bottle on a rimmed pan (we used a broiler pan) lined with aluminum foil. 
2. Tape the bottle to the aluminum foil and cover it with play dough. We used some old red play dough that was on its way out due to loss of moisture. The boys enjoyed covering the bottle with the dough.
3. Decorate if you feel like it. Sticks and dandelions worked wonders in our case. 
4. Let the volcano (dough) dry. Ours sat overnight and built anticipation the whole time. 

To make the lava:

1. Mix 1 tbs. liquid dish washing soap, 1 tbs. baking soda and a few drops of red food coloring in a cup.
   
2. Pour or scoop the mixture into the bottle.
   
3. Pour 1/4 c. white vinegar into the bottle and stand back to watch your volcano erupt! It may take about 30 seconds before you're able to see the lava coming out. Very exciting!

Here are more detailed directions which we referred to and certainly simplified.
Have a blast!