Dumpster Daddy

If I'm "Arts & Crafts Mommy", then Ben is "Dumpster Daddy".  Let me start by saying that if I would allow it, and the City of Greer did not have an ordinance against it, Ben would probably have a junk yard out back.  He's been know to rifle through an especially tempting pile of treasures beside a dumpster, which is how we acquired the mauve sectional that was formerly in the man cave.  His resourcefulness has only been intensified by the miscellaneous parts he acquires at work -- a broken dolly, steel posts, metal desks, you name it.

Ben's man-cave furnishings

Inspired by this book I checked out from the library, Ben's been itching to make something for Jackson and/or himself from his treasures.  This book is every man-boy's dream -- how to make floating tree houses, fire-extinguisher powered cannons and other dangerous-sounding boy-scoutish projects that make me cringe.

Last weekend, Ben made a modified version of what we used to call a "shack-a-lack" growing up...basically a little downhill racer made from miscellaneous parts.  Jackson was thrilled to be the benefactor =)  Notice how I piled on fluffy blankets in case of a crash landing.

Well Friday, Ben spied the knobby tires of a green riding toy peeking out of a neighbor's trash can.  Not being one to pass up a little dumpster dive on his way to work, Ben hit the jackpot when he found the toddler-sized John Deere 4-wheeler with only a broken steering shaft.  After fishing his prize out of the trash and chasing down the wheels that incidentally started rolling down the road, Ben loaded his latest & greatest in the back of the truck and continued his commute to work.  That night, Ben set off to not only repair, but upgrade the toy.  Several hours later, Ben proudly showed off Version 4.0, complete with a PVC steering column with hefty spring-loaded shocks, an additional 4-inches of ground clearance and a fresh set of AA batteries.  Just like new, only better.  Now we have to figure out a way to keep the neighbor's kid from seeing his old toy & wanting it back...