The Magical Marshmallow Bush Adventure: Creating Sweet Memories

Magic? There is no such thing, but…is there?

It seemed like any other ordinary day in the backyard—the same yard where I had mowed the lawn, built snowmen in winter, and battled stubborn weeds in spring. But on this day, I stumbled upon something extraordinary: a Magical Marshmallow Bush.

Let’s be serious for a moment; I am an adult with kids, and I have never in all my years come upon this amazing sight until now. Standing next to what might have looked like an ordinary shrub was my dad. He was one of those fathers who always preached the importance of hard work, but then something almost magical happened when he became a grandfather: he became a transformed storyteller, an imaginative craftsman, a master weaver who could even make the ordinary appear extraordinary. Hands that once had built fences and fixed broken things now wove a garden hose into a dragon's tail or a fire pit, a place where fairies show their faces.

Through his magical eyes, he created the gateway to a delicious and enchanting adventure, which is why our first children’s book, The Marshmallow Mystery, was created.

With a bit of creativity and a few marshmallows, he transformed that simple bush into a magical marshmallow bush. While the kids were sleeping, the marshmallow bush “grew” marshmallows, turning our morning ritual into a whimsical, unforgettable experience.

How did he do it? Easy…

The Legend of the Marshmallow Bush

Before venturing outside, he gathered the grandkids and share the legend of the Marshmallow Bush. The tale goes something like this:

“Long, long ago, in a time when magic was still strong and unseen fairies flitted through the gardens, there was a special kind of bush that grew in only one secret place, his backyard. Not many people knew about it, but those who did said it only bloomed for those who believed in magic and had the most adventurous of hearts.

It was no ordinary bush; this one grew soft, pillowy marshmallows right on its branches! But they didn’t all look the same— sometimes the marshmallows found were plump, round and white, other times multi-colored and mini bites. You never knew how to make them grow. And those marshmallows, they say, had a bit of magic in every bite.”

You can create this magic too. Set the stage with an enchanting tale and watch as your grandkids’ eyes light up with wonder, ready to bring the magic to life.

Let me take you behind the scenes…

1. The Discovery of the Magical Bush

Head out to the backyard with the grandkids and casually “discover” a bush that seems rather unremarkable. Hint: Pick a bush that’s easy to reach and has plenty of branches where marshmallows can be tucked.

Now, here is the place for your acting skills…

As you approach, act as if you’re noticing something strange about this particular bush. Point out how the leaves seem to shimmer a little, or how you heard a faint rustling that sounded almost like laughter. Then, slowly reveal the true identity of this magical shrub: “I think… this might just be a Magical Marshmallow Bush!”

The moment the children start believing in the magic, the real fun begins.

2. The Magic that Makes Marshmallows Appear

To make the marshmallows grow on the bush, you don’t need a spell, just the set up. My dad would get up before the kids woke, and with a bag of marshmallows go outside and fill the bush with all the marshmallows. There is no one way to fill the bush, you can hang them with thin strings, skewer them on small sticks poked into the bush, or simply place them on the leaves so they look like they’re magically growing.

Then wake up the kids and tell them you need someone to go outside and see if there were any marshmallows today. You would think it was Christmas morning, as they jumped out of bed, pulled on shoes and grab a bowl to fill it to the brim.

3. The Magical Harvest

Once the marshmallows have "grown," the grandkids can carefully pick them from the bush. To add to the magic, tell them that these marshmallows are no ordinary treats—they have special properties and that no other bush in the neighborhood has grown this magic treat.

Let their imaginations run wild as they enjoy the “magical” marshmallows. Each bite can come with a story about the magic it’s bestowing upon them. Wherever their imagination takes them, go with it.

4. A Magical Picnic Under the Marshmallow Bush

To extend the magical experience, have a little picnic under the bush. Spread a blanket on the grass, and bring out some hot chocolate or juice to complement the marshmallows. As you sit under the enchanted canopy, you can tell more magical stories or read The Marshmallow Mystery. If you want to grow another you can just add seeds, water and maybe ask them to imagine where the marshmallow bush might come from or invent other magical plants it could be friends with—perhaps a tree that grows candy canes or a flower that blooms with gummy bears.

5. The Magic Fades (But Can Return Again!)

After the marshmallows have been picked and enjoyed, let the kids know that the magic of the Marshmallow Bush fades away but maybe tomorrow there will be marshmallows again, but they have to believe in the hearts that there will be more tomorrow.

You can make it a tradition to have the Magical Marshmallow Bush "bloom" every few months or during special visits, adding a bit of anticipation and excitement for the next magical adventure.

Conclusion

The beauty of the Magical Marshmallow Bush lies in the simplicity of the idea and the boundless possibilities of imagination. With nothing more than a real bush and some marshmallows, you can create a magical experience that your grandkids will remember for years to come. It’s not about the marshmallows themselves; it’s about the magic they symbolize—the joy of pretending, the wonder of believing, and the special bond formed in those moments of shared make-believe. So, the next time your grandkids come over, take them on a sweet adventure and bring the magic to life right in your backyard.

After all, magic is everywhere—if you just know where to look.