Two weekends ago Juney and I headed to Boulder for an adventure to play at a park and to visit “Papa’s Store.” We found a great park and she is quite the climber! She immediately wanted to head to the top of the rocket ship .. Take note of the structure and how you climb up.
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| Her Ascent. That’s her headed to the top level. |
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| At the top! |
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| Steering the rocket at the top. |
She was so proud of herself and kept yelling down to me and telling all the other kids when they got to the top. She and I were both pretty darn proud.
This rocket was the older metal playground equipment. You climb each level via ladder up through the holes on alternating sides. She really did love it. I was nervous, yet pretty confident – as June showed she was cautious and confident. Then came time to getting down… She couldn’t quite figure out how to negotiate going backwards down from the top and hanging on. She got nervous and panicked a little. Queue Mama in to the rescue. There was a younger boy there that asked if he should help (you can see him in the first picture). He was probably 7-9 years old and very sweet. I thanked him, but said that June was pretty big and knew that if she fell, she’d take them both down. So Mama started her ascent. I was really nervous that I wasn’t going to be able to fit through the holes. Luckily I had about 1/2″ of clearance on the first hole/ladder and just hoped the holes didn’t get smaller. I made it to the 2nd highest level to talk June through going down and after the first one she was golden. When the young boy saw me barely getting through the hole, he observed, “Boy, that was close!” Indeed. We probably won’t visit the rocket ship park until baby is on the outside, or we have a skinnier rescue adult along!
We then ventured to Papa’s Store and saw him in action.
This store has an outdoor fountain/fun area and June tore it up! She loved playing with the other kiddos there and getting sprayed. Here she is playing with her new friend, Moon.
We were also met with fame and glory, being the family of the Whole Foods Pearl Poster Child.
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| We were so proud! |
It’s safe to say that June had a great time. So did Mama.
June and Mabel 
Looks like “the rocket” at the Waukon park! Jon, Beth, and Lilly have climbed to the top! What a big outing! XO Grandma Julie
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Beth,
Didn't Waukon have a rocket climber like that at one time? Looking at the pic, I'm shocked a pregnant mother made it through. I think I'd have tried the 7-8 year old as an assistant after a little explanation of how to safely counsel her down by example. Might design a quick waiver to have him sign first . . .
My other thought in this adventure is how glad I am that she climbs fearlessly and enters new experiences with confidence. Thinking things through comes gradually in her development, but the willingness to climb or try something new speaks of her self confidence and sense of security. That gift is given and nourished by her caretakers, and she is surrounded by the best of those. She knows she is loved. In the rocket, she knew Mama wouldn't lead her to it if she didn't believe she could do it.
Love to you!
Aunt E.
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Thanks Aunt E.! We did/do have a rocket like that in Waukon! I thought of it too when we saw the park. We visited Boulder again yesterday, and I decided the Butterfly Pavilion was probably a better choice this time around.
We certainly love that she climbs so confidently too. It really is amazing, and gasp-inducing! 🙂 Thanks for your kind words of wisdom!
Love,
Beth
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