The Flying Dutchman

I love to go on thrill rides. I love all the extreme rides at the state fair. Erik on the other hand does not love rides. He doesn't even entertain the idea of riding on a rollar coaster. So, I have been training my kids since birth to go on rides with me. So far, this has worked beautifully.
As I have already said, we took the kids to Nickelodeon Universe last night. Amazing fun evening. Guess what? There is a new thing to do at the MOA. It is an indoor ropes course called, "The Flying Dutchman." I agreed to go with Emily. You have to go through 4 levels..walk out on the plank and ring the bell. It is literally FEAR FACTOR at the mall. Did I mention that that plank is located 56 feet up in the air? You have to cross scary rope bridges and other obstacles to get to it. Basically, once you are at the top you are hanging out in the roof of a 6 story building and your only safety net is the harness wrapped around your body!

Here I am making my way up to to ceiling of the MOA. You can't tell here...but I have a death grip on my harness.

Emily did such a great job. At one point, she yelled down to the lady that had hooked us up, "Look we haven't died yet!" Everyone laughed. I am so glad she can joke around while my life is passing before my eyes!

Here I am sporting the death grip and a pounding heart!
Like any good mother, I made Emily go first.
BUT we did it! Of course you have to use two hands to ring the bell. I had to loosen my harness death grip to ring the bell. By the way, I didn't cry at all. Good for me!
I am adding these last two pictures so you can really appreciate the height. That purple shirt crossing the tight rope is me..trying to not be out done by the nine year old who just crossed the rope!
Above us is literally the ceiling to the MOA!
I have to say that it actually was a really cool experience to go through this course with Emily. We had to talk each other through the scary parts and we succeeded together. I feel more bonded to her. I am sure that is not the last time I- have- I- mean-get to go through this course. Ry is already planning our trip up together! Anyone else want to join us?
As for Erik...he was able to keep his feet safely on the ground the entire evening plus he won this cute pink duckie. Good job Erik!