YMCA

For Evelyn and Natalie's birthdays we gave them a coupon for rock climbing and frozen yogurt.  It ended up being such a fun way to spend time together.  I'm a big fan of experiences over plastic clutter.  

Our kids had been before, so they showed the girls the ropes- literally.  At first they were both pretty apprehensive, but they started to warm up to it.  Of course, it helps when your belayer won't let you down and helps hoist you upward.

 They cheered one another on and the chant, "Don't stop 'til the top!" was born.

It was fun to watch the progress.  Evenly climbed to the top of the highest wall in the kid's climbing area.

Pretty soon the kids were earning toppings each time they climbed to the top.  Ruby and Dalanie scaled right up the big wall in the main climbing area, several times.  They qualified for 7 or 8 toppings but I think I put a cap on them.

It's so good for kids to accept a challenge head on.  They gain so much confidence and such a sense of accomplishment.

 The proud climbers!