Climbing 101

I've been eagerly awaiting the time when our kids (mainly Madi) would ask me to take them climbing - and it looks like that time has arrived.

Ethan has tied in a few times over the past few years but recently he's shown quite an interest in climbing. He's learned to tie his own figure 8 knot and is eager to learn how to belay. I think he's getting hooked.

Tonight was Madi's first time ever and she showed much spirit and vigor. Like most little kids, she got a bit freaked out at times but stuck with it. As long as she was smiling, I knew she was good to keep going. She was even busting out the occassional rebel yell and a few grunts as she climbed - a true sign of a spirited 6 year old.

Like most parents, Britt and I introduce the kids to different activities and wait to see which ones they take to. I've always told myself that I'd wait until they ask me to take them climbing (although I admit, I have put the bug in their ears on occassion) as opposed to forcing it on them. Just because that's dad's activity doesn't mean it has to be theirs. I have to admit though, visions of family climbing trips to Wild Iris, Yosemite or Spain(!) have played in my mind from time to time!