Family Time

Yesterday was Easter, and the bunny brought Marlee a kid's climbing harness. It was a nice sunny day, and so we tried it out on an oak tree next to the barn. The tree ended up getting a lot of love by the end of the day, and Marlee and I had to share our harnesses. And after 4 trips up and down I was ready for Easter dinner.

Marlee showing off the sit/stand technique for advancing up the rope.

Marlee hanging halfway.

This is the triple crown foot loop that I had the girls using. The prusik knot is where it attaches to the orange climbing line. They can stand in the loops and advance their main friction hitch up the line. Then sit in the saddle supported by the main knot and lift their feet into a sitting position and slide the foot loop prusik up the line. Repeat often.

Marlee rings the bell. Well, not really, there is no actual bell so touching the rings at the top (behind my green climbing line) has to do. I was told by Marlee, Cailin, and Erin yesterday that I need to put a real bell up there for them to ring when they get to the top.

Next it was Cailin's turn. The first thing she tried was hanging upside down.

Mom came out and took a picture of us. You can see the barn roof behind us, and the "bell" at the very top of the picture.

Cailin found a branch to chill on for a little while.

And then she made it to the top. I don't know why she's flashing the peace sign, I guess she's practicing for a future as an anti-war activist? Or is that something uncool kids just do?

At one point I found a great branch to lay out on and rest while waiting for the kids.

Erin goes up the tree too. Marlee is on the right, making sure Mom is doing everything safely. The kid is already a climbing know-it-all.

Everyone had fun, and the kids are upset they didn't get to do it more and that I won't let them do it by themselves. Ahh, to be a kid with no fear.