So I love Carrie Underwood's "So Small," but this is no grain of sand. This is one of my FAVORITE things to do in the world. In college, Matt and I went rock climbing in the local canyons almost every day after work with our friends. We LOVED it, my days revolved around it, I even (occasionally) ditched class for it. However, as life moves on and other things (family, kids, etc.) become the priorities, fun hobbies (like rock climbing) become just that. Hobbies. Occasional indulgences. Well, last summer when my brother Austin came to visit us we decided to take him climbing for his first time. We figured it was something fun to do that he hadn't tried before. He loved it so much that when he got home he joined an indoor climbing gym and has been practicing all year. He came ready to climb. We loaded up our kids and joined some climbing friends of ours from college (who happen to have two kids exactly our kids' ages) and headed for the canyon. We found a great spot just off of a paved trail so the kids could run around (usually we have to worry about them falling off of cliffs and they have to be harnessed in, so this was a nice change). The down-side was, however, that the easiest climb on this route was a 5.10b, then after that a 5.12a. Sooo... not a great route to start on after a year of non-climbing for me. Needless to say, I didn't make it all the way to the top, which is a blow to my competative ego, but I did get a great workout in the meantime. Matt and Austin were the only ones that day to make it all the way. Matt even messed around on the 5.12 and busted some pretty awesome moves (if I do say so myself :). We even let the kiddos mess around, they both thought they were sooo big! They were so proud of themselves. Unfortunately, now that I have been once this summer, I am an addict. I think we'll have to get a babysitter one Saturday morning and go for a good long climb - without the little monkeys :). Enjoy the pictures!
Matt leading the climb
Austin... mentally preparing?
Austin climbing... woo hoo!
Matt on belay... with Mason's help?
Mason really enjoyed the Camelbak
McKinley learing about the figure 8 knot
She starting out climbing so seriously
But then ended up enjoying just swinging from the rope :)
Mason wasn't too sure about the rope swinging part, but once he got down he wanted to go again :)
Like father, like son
We finished the day by cooling off in a nearby river... soooo refreshing!
6 comments:
OK let me just say that you ARE amazing! It's so fun to read and see how much you do with little kids. Don't get me wrong, when mine were little, we would have big, busy, strenuous, outings (hiking Timp with kid in hand and one on my back, river rafting down Provo river on inner tubes with a nursing baby, etc.) but NEVER would I have had enough faith in Scott's or my ability to accuarately tie the knot to suspend my child from a cliff. You are definitly a WAY cooler and confident Mom than I ever was (is). Cody has attended a rock climbing camp at Momentum but that's as far as I think I would allow him to go. You continue to awe me. Scott and I both comment about how happy and cheerful you are. You radiate happiness. Thanks for sharing your activities. I guess I will live vicariously through your CRAZY-FUN Times!
I never even thought of doing that with kids! You guys are brave and I'm jealous. We are so boring cause we feel like we dont dare attempt anything with the kids in tow. hmm...I will have to work on that! I am so cooped up but I guess its my own fault!
would you stop it already? Why is it the every one of your posts looks like the funnest day ever? We seriously need to hang out so I can join in the fun that is your life! And, your kids are so cute!
Wow, is there anything that you CAN'T do? You are one amazing gal that is for sure!
So here is my idea, you and Matt need to give the Schmalz kids climbing lessons! How does that sound? Next time we tend Monty,(if we ever get to again)we should work out a trade. Sounds fun huh?
I guess I need to clarify...I do not think ya'll are irresponsible parents. I think ya'll are INCREDIBLE parents for allowing your kids to particiapte in something you are passionate about. I wish I was more adventurous. Scott's family is VERY active doing crazy stuff (hiking cliffs, water skiing, etc) and I think they wonder what is wrong with me. So one year, I went out on a limb (not literally) and participated in an activity that I considered fairly risky at the Del Mar fair. I'm sure you're imaginning bungee jumping or the sling shot. No, I entered the potaoe sack race. We weren't 45 seconds into the race when my sister-in-law rounded the trail and completly plowed me over. I fell smack down on my knees and they were BLOODY and I still have scars. So needless to say, I don't do "adventurous" very well. However, I totally admire those who are. Scott and the kids would LOVE to go climbing. I'll stay back and make lunch! Toodles for now! (Sorry this comment is kinda long.)
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