Can I climb this tree?

Tim and I both remember climbing trees when we were younger. It is a rush of freedom that all children should experience. In fact earlier this summer Leah and Elizabeth were playing with a bunch of neighborhood kids when very casually Tim was called to an area of the woods by Elizabeth. There he found Leah about 20 feet off the ground in a tree. To his shock and with a bit of fear he was able to coach her down. Without much thought Leah had climbed a tall skinny pine tree. The small limbs were about to break off on their own let alone with a 6 year old standing on them. So, torn between allowing his children to climb trees and wanting to protect them, Tim decided the girls could climb the witch hazel tree in our front yard. It's the perfect climbing tree with many branches and decent height. The poor thing has taken a beating since that decision was reached, but the whole neighborhood is enjoying its branches. Here's to happy times of climbing safety!