This past weekend Erin and I packed up the kids and loaded the bike trailer with gear and took a  ride to the oldest man made climbing formation in the world.  The climbing area is set on the side of a hill in a huge forest on the Western side of Berlin.  As an interesting historical side note, the park we were going climbing in is called "devils park" because it was built from the rubble of all the buildings that were destroyed in the war. It was a perfect Fall day with the leaves falling as we biked our overloaded trailer  filled with climbing gear to this man made climbing area.

This was going to be Addies first time on “real rock” and it was really cool to see her so excited about it.

Climbing was what you would call a watershed moment for me, the first time I went climbing everything changed, I know that sounds corny, but for me it really changed who I was.  It showed me a different way of life and a style of living I had never know, it was the first outdoor sport that I was able to use to explore the world, and for a long time I was hooked on it.  My passion for climbing has fallen away to other passions, but I still value the lessons the sport can teach and look forward to the time I hope to spend with my kids climbing.  That’s why it was so cool to see Addies face when we were 50 feet off the ground as she was taking in this new view on the world, I felt honored to show her that view.  It was also a high point for me when you could see the excitement in her eyes, she really enjoyed it and as her feet touched back to the ground her first words were, can we do it again!

Owen was also busy during Addies first climbing trip trying to find a way to get up the rock, the little man was very upset that he could not go climbing like his big sister; he may also have the climbing bug, but if he does he might need to lay of the bratwurst for a little bit. 

I love seeing passion and excitement in her eyes as I think those are two very important ingredients to a happy life.  I am excited to show my kids the world around them and hope that this weekends trip to a climbing area was just the tip of the ice burg!

Please check out the from Halloween at the bottom of the page!

Thanks for reading

Patrick

Addie wondering if the rope really works

Excited!

Owen wanted to climb sooo badly

Kate, helping him to climb

I think this could be my new happy place

Halloween!!

Owen´s teacher

My little Tinker bell