In the Trees

Last Saturday, the older three kids and I went on a field trip to ropes course with the children's ministry at church. (rising 4-6th graders) Aaron didn't mind staying behind with Daddy. I'm thankful for his good attitude about getting left behind 6 days in a row. Arts camp and now ropes... phew! His only request was that Darin take out his childhood toys and let him play with them. Darin graciously said "yes"! Aaron was thrilled to dig into the bins of toys from the 80's - Transformers, Mask, and Star Wars toys.

Luke, Ethan, Irina and I climbed some trees while Aaron went back in time. 

This ropes course was led by folks from YWAM (Youth With A Mission)

The necessary, but uncomfortable harness... I personally did NOT love wearing 

this tight cinching piece of equipment, but I suppose it is important for keeping us safe. ;) 

We broke up into three groups and I did not get placed with any of the kids. I missed 

out seeing them climb, but thankful for other leaders sharing some pictures and videos with me. 

 In case you don't know:

A ropes course is a challenging outdoor personal development and team building activity which usually consists of high and/or low elements. Low elements take place on the ground or only a few feet above the ground. High elements are usually constructed in trees or made of utility poles and require a belay for safety.

Here is Luke, high up in the trees! He said he was very nervous, but he did it. 

I tried it too. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time. I can't remember the specifics, but we climbed a tree 30-40 feet high on metal staples. Then we had to cross a wire to the other side, reaching out to hanging ropes. It took a while for my heart to stop pounding after I was lowered down. SO MUCH FUN!! I must say I was tempted to be asked to be lowered down before walking across the wire. I kept thinking in my head, "I've got to be able to tell the kids I did it."

Then there was this element, seen in the video above. The Pompous Pole. Here's Ethan jumping off the pole and hitting a ball that was dangling from a wire out in front of him. Based on what you know about Ethan, are you surprised that he had a TERRIFIC time?? He was in HEAVEN! I did this one too. The telephone pole was SO wiggly as I climbed and then getting to standing up on the pole before jumping...oh my goodness! I screamed like a little girl. Ethan did not. :) Luke and Irina made it up this pole too. She didn't stand up, but I'm proud of my girl for making it to the top of the staples. Sometimes I wonder how crazy she thinks we are. 

 Irina and Ethan's group climbed a tree and jumped out of a platform holding on to this swing. 

Didn't get to see it first hand but loved the video. Thanks, Rebecca! This video is of Irina. 

 A super fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.