Taking it to a new level

Eli's fanaticism for jumping has reached new heights (pun intended). We went to the play area at the mall to let Eli run off some extra energy. All of the climbing structures in the play area are relatively soft, and the floor is similar to one you find in an aerobics room; a little softer than your average floor for moderately cushioned falls. The area is also sports themed: the slide is a basketball, the tunnel is a basketball net, and the kids can climb up a big shoe, a soccer ball, and a football. Eli's favorite has always been the slide, though not for obvious reasons. Instead of sliding, he usually prefers to run up and down the stairs, much to the dismay of all the other kids who want to actually SLIDE. The stairs have apparently run their course, and he has found a new use for the slide. I wish I would have had a video camera today to capture the collective gasp of all the parents in the area as Eli decided to JUMP OFF THE TOP OF IT, which by the way is about 3 feet high. Even more amazing was that he landed squarely on his feet, and ran around to do it again... and again... and again! My knees and ankles hurt just watching him.