Climbing the rope...and I'm baaaaack!

I've survived a crazy month at work. Some would suggest I spend this relaxing period preparing for the next big event at work or being proactive. But instead, I choose to spend it talking about everyone's favorite four year old, Miss Peyton.

Peyton has been in the developmental program (i.e. pay us more money and we'll tell you your kid has a chance at being an Olympic gymnast) for a few months now. Hands down her favorite part of the nearly four hours a week there is climbing the rope. It's funny because I can see that the older girls (those whose parents paid even more money and actually are on a team) hate it.

But the little kids relish at the chance to pull their lanky bodies up the long, knotted rope (no doubt gaining a few hand blisters along the way), in an effort to reach the top. The first time I heard about this daring feat, I didn't believe Peyton. No way could she possible have enough strength to do it. And let's be honest, Peyton is as big of a chicken as they come.

But after weeks of missing the rope climbing adventures, I finally saw her do it. I was torn between being incredibly proud of her and terrified that she would lose her grip, fall, and snap her head off. I wonder at what age this will shift from being the highlight to being a chore?