We Rocked at Climb On!

Climb-On Indoor Rock Climbing Gym

18120 Harwood Avenue Homewood IL

http://www.climbon.net/index.html

We were invited to go rock climbing and bouldering with a neighbor whose kids have tried it several times. I was a little nervous about the dangers but anxious for the boys to experience new things. I asked them if they wanted to go and like puppies when you say..”wanna go for a ride boys” they were on board. They had no idea what to expect and except for the testimonial of my friend and a web site neither did I. We went on a Sunday and the staff was minimal (one) but we brought our own belay (person schooled in holding the rope..and your life in their hands) and we were set. For $10 you can stay as long as you want and they will dress you in your rigging. For an additional $7 you can have one of their staff members give you a mini lesson while they belay and coach you to the top of the wall 2X’s. Bouldering (free climbing) is always an option but you can’t climb over 10ft in the air.

Two of the boys took off like a rocket. Hayden (9) and Ian (6) will be a force to be reckoned with. Caleb though really afraid of heights gave it a go and peaked about half way up. I think that made him the bravest of the three. (Caleb spent most of his time there doing martial arts flips and rolls on the extremely cushiony floor.) I was fortunate my friend Dawn’s kids provided great examples of how to boulder and climb and her oldest (the greatest babysitter in the world) was the belay, sacrificing her climbing time to help with 5 ambitious kids. I’m sure the boys would love to do this again. It was a great confidence builder. The location was small enough so that you can watch everyone at once and and TALL enough to be a bit awe inspiring. They have a couch right in the center where we held the water and cheered them on. The only other expense we had was the $2.50 Gator Aid. (gee mom…water? What was I thinking?) You should go! You may just love it!

75 official days of summer vacation kid-ertainment

Does that sound like a lot or too few? There are only a few days left in the school year and already we’ve started the rounds of “Kid-ertainment”. Memorial Day weekend was filled with endless fun for the kids and lots of dollars from mom… This spending (obviously) cannot continue. I still plan on doing a lot…just using fewer dollars.  I’ve decided to photo document our summer activities (Memorial Day to Labor Day) mainly staying in and around Chicagoland. One of the things I thought would be fun for the kids and I to try is to photo document all the parks that we visit. They’re free and seemingly endless. It will be an adventure. Also, I have to time these activities around swim lessons and Aikido that they already have scheduled oh..and work!!!…MY WORK..must not forget that! sorry appears that 4 consecutive days off has rotted my brain….(insert grumbling here) lol.    Feel free to jump in and share ideas! Better yet! Volunteer to come along!