I am a tinkerer. Always have been, always will be. And like most parents, I’m using my child to perpetuate my habits (I’d like to think that she’s only getting the good ones, but I know better). So when given a chance to solve a problem and teach Evie some tinkering skills, I jump at it.

We’ve been using our fireplace to make s’mores on several occasions. The problem with indoor marshmallow roasting is that you don’t have the implements (long sticks) just laying around on the ground like you do when you’re outside. So after using kebab sticks and losing some finger hairs, it was time to get serious.

As many of you know, I’m loathe to buy something if I can make it, so on our hike yesterday I gave Evie the goal of finding four sticks that we can use for roasting marshmallows. We had a great time talking about length, girth, wood type, and wood condition because you have to take this seriously.

We ended up with a nice collection and when we got home, the Stanley wood shop went into action with a very excited and willing apprentice.

We carefully cut off one end of each stick (her choice on which end and exactly where), then drilled a hole to accept a piece of coat hanger.

She was a great helper and now we have four great marshmallow roasting sticks, carefully stowed by the fireplace. We put them to use on Sunday afternoon when it was 34 degrees and raining. Evie and one of her friends enjoyed the fruits (well, marshmallows) of her labor.

Now if I can just get her to fix the toilet next time it clogs….