Belay On!

5 Years, 41 Weeks.


It had almost been 8 years since I'd been there, the last time taking a bunch of guys for Adam's bachelor party.

Aguille Rock Climbing Center.

It's amazing how less flexible I am from then.  I guess you get that way in old age.  I used to be able to scamper up those rock walls like a mountain goat would do in the Rockies.  Alas, now it is was not to be.  It took a lot more effort, taking more time to figure out which hand holds to use, so that I could conserve my energy.  I ended up doing only two climbs, and on the easiest wall, no less.

The kids, on the other hand, were like monkeys.  Climbing non-stop for almost 3 hours.  Brae and Kohl  loved going up the tall walls; Maddy preferred bouldering.  It was incredible the strength, quickness, and agility these kids have, and so much fun to see them scurry up the walls like spiders attached only to a thin strand of silk.  Braelyn amazed me so, insisting to attempt and then conquer one of the hardest walls, where a section indents out a bit and you have to use complete upper body and arm strength to go past it.

Seriously, the girl has got some guns.

Starting the hard part of the climb.

Reaching up and around to get a good grip!

She did it!  All the way to the top.

Yes you are! 

In the meantime, I'll just hang out on the mats, ensuring they're safely attached and weighted down.

Belay on!

Here was our week:

Kohl receives a nice treat from the bakery at Costco.

So organic.

Gymnastics troupe finishing their weekly practice.  OJA!

Kohl hanging out with his furry friend.

Lolo and Lala joined us for the weekend.  Braelyn admonishes me for taking a picture during prayer.

Reading the Bible story for worship with Lala.

They love her back rubs!

Maddy does the hand motions for the song at Sabbath School.

Enjoying a beautiful day and lunch under the pergola.

Seriously, it was gorgeous.  Not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was perfect!

Mommy and Kohl on blankets soaking up the rays.

Maddy hanging out with Lala.

Lolo joins in for a game of croquet. 

Couples date night Saturday evening at RusTeak in College Park.
We hadn't hung out with these guys in a while so it was nice to catch up!

After supper activity:  trip to Walgreens to get Valentine's stuff for the kids!

Awaiting for them in the morning.

Braelyn doing chores and sorting out clothes for the laundry.

Maddy getting her toes painted by Mommy.

Kohl goes over his lessons with Lala.

With the lion at the entrance to Hawkers Asian Street Fare, where we had lunch to celebrate Lala's birthday.

Crowded inside, we enjoyed the weather on the patio.

Lala digs into her noodles.

Maddy and Lolo enjoying the spicy flavors.

Group shot in front of the restaurant.  Even I made it in the picture via reflection!

Saying our goodbyes.

Continued to enjoy the amazing weather, found a new park in nearby Baldwin Park.

Braelyn doing her thing on the monkey bars.

Kohl and Maddy hang out like spiders.

Went to Just Puppies for a few minutes of cuddle time.

She wanted to hold every single puppy there.

As did he!

I even partipated, holding this golden retriever .    She was on sale for only $1300...

At Barnes & Noble going over books.

He loves the hidden objects books, and especially if it is of Star Wars.

Attending a classmate's birthday party on Monday.  No school because of Presidents' Day.

Maddy on the bouldering walls.

Kohlden on climb #8.

Brae and her friend Alyssa hanging on the ropes.

Taking a quick break for birthday cupcakes.  It was Leif's (red head boy) 9th birthday.

Brae gives sister a boost while trying to attempt a tough wall.

She enjoyed swinging on the rope instead!

Kohl tells his sister, shush woman!

At the pick-up line Tuesday.

Swung by the Science Center for a couple of hours before Brae's basketball game that evening.

She hadn't been there in a while so she enjoyed the new exhibits.

Like riding the Harley Davidson motorcycles

and pretending to do some stunts!

But homework first!

Maddy at the blocks table.

Brae and Kohl working on a project together.  These two love creating things.

Supper out at NYPD Pizza in College Park.

Working on her coloring while we wait for the food.

Warm ups.

Kohl practicing his shot.  One day soon buddy!

Braelyn defends and goes after the ball.

We won 27-14!  We advance in the playoffs!

Kohl and his class get ready for dismissal.

Another day, another park.

Some refreshing mango smoothies to cool off.

Braelyn and some teammates going over plays with coach.

Enjoying veggie burgers for supper.

That's a big bite Kohl!

Even bigger Brae!

Out of school early on Thursday for Brae's dentist appointment.

Kohl enjoying the games in the waiting area.

2 shots of local anesthesia and $150 later, we're good as new!

Randoms:

Seriously?  This dog.

A very cool concept encountered on my ride Sunday morning!

Quotes:

• Coming back from "Just Puppies" on E. Colonial, Brae wanted to check out more puppies available on their website:

          Brae:  [gasp] "There's a golden doodle!"

          Kohl:  "What??  Let me see!"

          Brae:  "Here."  [hands him the phone]

          Kohl:  [looks at picture]  "Kohlden doodle?"

          Brae:  "No.  Golden noodle."

          Kohl:  "Oh.  I thought you said Kohlden."

Woof.

• Kohlden was discussing the donuts we had gotten the kids for Valentine's Day:

          Kohl:  "Daddy, you know we're not supposed to eat donuts?"

          Me:  "Why not?"

          Kohl:  "'Cause it says 'do nut'"

          Me:  "Oh, yes.  I guess so."

          Kohl:  "Just like when God told Adam and Eve do not eat the fruit…or

                      you will be naked."

          Me:  "So what's going to happen then?"

          Kohl:  "If you eat the donuts, you'll become naked."

• Listening to the radio in the van:

          Brae:  [randomly]  "When I was little, I thought Adele was black."

• At Braelyn's basketball game Tuesday night:

          Maddy:  "Daddy, I'm hungry."

          Me:  "Maddy, we just ate at the restaurant."

          Maddy:  "What restaurant?"

          Me:  "The pizza place.  30 minutes ago."

          Maddy:  "Oh yeah.  I forgot."

Have a great weekend!!