Climbing the Rock Wall

It has almost been a year now since our town's new Kids at Play playground officially opened. It has been such a great addition and we are lucky that it is within biking distance, or even walking distance, from our house. It is located in Library Plaza, which is perfect because we can check out a new batch of books and then stop for some quick fun at the playground.

Our town's new playground

We have gotten into the habit of going several times per week. Sometimes I'll go with Eva and Liam in the mornings when Amanda is at school. Sometimes when both girls are in school, I'll take Liam and let him explore. And when I'm really lucky, I can take the girls in the afternoon while Dave stays with Liam at naptime... and find a bench to sit so I can catch up on some reading. Like yesterday, for example!

Each time we go, Amanda and Eva find someone there that they know. Every single time! The kids all form a group and spend their time making up games to play, or take turns pushing each other on the always popular tire swing.

It's a great playground - fully fenced in, with a cushiony surface to walk on. There are various sections, so each age group has a specific place that is appropriate for them. It is so nice to have a playground that is safe and fun for all of my kids; not too babyish for the girls and not too advanced for Liam.

The infamous rock wall, on the right

There has been one part of the playground that Amanda has always aspired to go on: the rock climbing wall.

It seems to be some sort of rite of passage with the kids. Almost as if it is the Mount Everest among the "under 7 crowd." Those who are strong enough and skilled enough to climb it will often sit on the top in a sort of "King of the Mountain" type of way.

Amanda was always one of the kids who stayed on the ground, looking up toward the older kids perched on the mountain pee. She tried time and time again to scale that wall, but never got more than a few feet off the ground.

Until last week!

Dave took the kids one night after dinner, and Amanda came home and excitedly announced that she had finally made it to the top. "Without Daddy's help!", she insisted.

Sure enough, when I took the girls last Friday for a quick playdate before Eva's Tumblefun class, Amanda's friend came running over to me to tell me that Amanda was at the top!

I grabbed the camera and snapped a photo for evidence.

Queen of the Mountain

You will have to enlarge the picture to see the proud smile on her face. It was an awfully big accomplishment for her. Hooray for Amanda!