Legal Child Abuse

On the last day of school in June, I asked Kassidy what she wanted to accomplish this summer. She quickly replied she wanted to summit a 14er. (mountain over 14,000 ft) I told her we would find a day and provide the time but she would have to do the actual work. And it would be hard. She agreed. So on the last Friday before she started school, we pulled Mitch out of his school and hit the trail. We started hiking around 6:30am at about 10,000 ft.

This sign says MT. ELBERT with an arrow pointing up the trail. And the trail does go UP!!! It warmed up quickly when the sun came up. Kassidy only puked once on the trail and dry heaved near the top. The altitude gets to her and to me. Mitchell and Brandon don't have that problem. Mitchell was a little mountain goat and kept a good pace all the way to the top. Kass and I went a little slower eating our crackers the whole way to fight the nausea.

Priceless shot of my kiddos hiking hand in hand.
I am very proud of my kids. Even though the altitude was causing so much nausea that Kassidy was doubled over every 50 yards near the top, she never once spoke of quitting or giving up. She powered thru and achieved her summer goal of summitting a 14er.

Family on top of the world.

The following day when we were all a little sore and tired, I asked Kass if she felt like she lost a fight. (due to sore muscles tired, etc.)
She replied, "I feel like I won the fight!"
Indeed you did, little girl.
Way to go Mitch and Kassidy!!!

So as school begins I am generally lamenting the close of the summer freedom and children being one year older. This year I am so proud of them that there is no need to lament. When the kids were toddlers they couldn't do this awesome stuff. They are growing into strong, competent, intelligent, happy humans. No more lamenting. I wouldn't have it any other way.