Rock Climbing

The kids had a week off from their swim lessons so with our extra time one day we took them rock climbing.  Bob and I both thought the kids would get a little bit off the ground and start crying and give up.  But they really showed us.  They both did amazing!

Tucker would quickly climb halfway up the easy wall and then instantly get scared and give up and say he wants down.  Penelope was much slower and also made it about half way her first time.  But on her second time she made it all the way to the top.  She then got scared and an employee had to climb up and give her a piggy back ride down.  After that she moved on the the more difficult wall and climbed it to the top two times!  I was shocked that she is such a good climber.  I really had no idea.

Tucker took a few more tries but did make it to the top of the easy wall.  This first picture shows Tucker at the top of the easy wall and Penelope about halfway up the the medium wall.  They really are quit high.

After Tucker and Penelope went I had to give it a try.  I've never been good at rock climbing.  I've tried on those mobile walls a couple times and have never been able to do it.  I also tried on a real mountain before but I was the only one in my group who couldn't do it.  I don't know why I just don't feel safe holding on to those little knobs.  I'm usually pretty decent and sport type things, but not rock climbing.  Anyway, I tried the easy wall and really wanted to give up.  Especially when I got to just below where I am in the picture.  But with the kids encouragements and taunts that they made it up I was able to make it.  But I didn't like it and don't really want to do it again.  I am so much taller then the kids I really am amazed that they could do it!  It was so hard.

Bob of course was able to do a much harder wall with no problem.  He did get a bit scared letting go and coming down though.  I guess he just didn't trust the rope.  I thought the guy was going to have to climb up and help him down just like Penelope.  Just kidding.

Here is a video of Penelope's first time up the easy wall.  You can tell she was pretty scared.  After this time she didn't really get scared anymore.

And here is one of Tucker's attempts.  I'm bummed I didn't get a video of him making it to the top.  At least you can see how fast he would climb and then suddenly get scared and just give up.

It was so nice because the whole time there was only one other kid there.  So Tucker and Penelope just got to go again and again as much as they wanted.  Hopefully we can find time to go back.