A New Adventure

Kipp took the day off today, and the kids had no school. We had such a great day! We slept in, always a treat (for mom and dad - the kids are now old enough to go QUIETLY downstairs, and not bang cupboards if they get food, and to turn the TV on quietly). We had our new favorite breakfast of Light and Crispy homemade waffles. In the middle of the day we went to the Federal Way Community Center Pool. Kipp hadn't been before, but I took the kids there in the summer with our friends the Littles. It was pretty crowded because of school being off, but it was still fun. We all went on the slide, and the lazy river. The kids found a few friends both from school, and made new ones, and had a great time playing. We also all spent time in the hot tub. Kipp and I were finished a little earlier than the kids, so we walked around the rest of the community center. There is a huge rock climbing wall. We asked about it, and the guy was helpful. He said there was an open session that night from 5-8. As we left, we found out that our armband was good for the whole day. We could come back that night if we wanted (there was a small fee for equipment).

The same guy, Patrick, was there. He was very helpful and encouraging, since this was the first time for all of us (besides the kids on short, playground walls). Kyler went first, and like the monkey he is, made it up pretty well. Ilea followed, and also did very well. Her longer arms made it look a little easier even. Patrick held us (belay), and when you got to the top, you got to repel back down. The kids of course showed no fear. Then it was my turn. I'm not afraid of heights at all, and I knew it would be hard, but it was even harder than I thought. I thought I had OK upper arm strength, and I can do some pretty good bench presses for a girl, but this killed me. It was much slower going for me. People kept saying where to put my foot or arm, and I kept thinking, Are they crazy? I can't reach that! But slowly I did it, and even hit the Kitty goal at the top! Then he wanted me to let go to get down. That took some faith for me too! Coming down was fun, once I let go of the rocks. Kipp did the first section easily, and looked great. The kids did another, and Kipp got a harder one to try next time. The kids kept taking their turns, and making it every time. Kipp did 4 or 5 climbs all together, and finally got too tired. I tried to do one more, but after an awkward reach with my foot I felt a tweak in the ankle I sprained a few weeks ago. I called it quits. Kipp's sore on his knuckles mostly, but pretty tired all over. The kids don't seem to be feeling it much at all. Everyone was able to go as much as they wanted. It was a really neat experience. What a great, safe environment. I still think people out on actual cliffs are nuts though!