We had a big first this past weekend, I took my kids to a climbing gym for the first time. We have a brand new climbing gym in the area and I was super excited to check it out. It is called the Triangle Rock Club . The walls are nice, the routes are fresh, and the staff was cool.

Not sure exactly what the guys thought when I pulled up with two kids in tow. There is some natural contradiction when you see the vanity license plate 'CLIMBING' on a station wagon. Yes, I am in denial about the fact that I haven't really climbed since I got pregnant with Kelly in 2001!

After filling out piles of disclaimer forms, the visit was near-perfect except that I learned a very good lesson. Never bring two children, one who just turned 3, to a climbing gym by yourself! Imagine this ... I am strapped into the rope, belaying my six year old. She is about 15 feet off the ground and starting to get nervous when her brother takes off to the other side of the gym. What do I do? It's not like I can drop everything to chase after him!

Luckily, the gym wasn't that big or crowded and the staff helped keep him in my line of sight. But this was one of those one-chance only deals. They won't be so kind next time. (Not that there will be a 'next time' that I go alone!) Rule #1 to climbing with kids, bring at least one adult per child!

Chaos aside, it was the best! Kelly has gone on a few climbing towers at local fairs and at a recent hockey game, but she has always lost her nerve about 10 feet up. This time was different. She came down twice at about 15 feet, then she made it to the top three times. She kept going after it, even though she was nervous. She never just 'ran up' the route, she needed some prodding each time  but it was all her own doing and every time she came down, she jumped back on again. I was so proud of her for pushing her own limits. Anton was great too. He made it halfway up, but was not sure exactly how to get down, so it was better that he didn't go farther.

The little prodding I did makes me nervous. I found myself in that classic parenting dilemma of wanting to make sure I walk that fine line between encouraging my kids to work hard, and not stressing them out. I haven't figured it out yet, so far it is going case by case.

For local climbers, Go! It's what we have been waiting for! I really hope that I can go again soon, and climb myself this time.