Brandon P. surprised us with a call tonight at 8:40 pm. He said he had to call and tell us that he had made it to the summit, 18,600 feet. He said they are all feeling great. All but 3 made it to the very top. But all had personal climbing records.
Tim experienced snow blindness on the first day of the climb. His eyes hurt and he couldn't see well enough to climb but is improving.
Brandon said the first climb to 14,750 they all got sun blistered and are really cracked and dry today.
He said it took 9 hours to climb and he went down to 15,000 feet and snowboarded for 40 minute down the mountain. The snow wasn't as good as Colorado but was still fun to go down, knowing it was June here.
He said thankyou for the letters and the support and the trip and sent his love. He sounded emotional. We asked if he wanted to do this again, he said, "I don't know, we will have to see."
They are going to go down and get a much needed shower after 4 days.
We lost the call after 3 minutes.

Lynette and Randy P.

Hello Everyone:

Eric called just a few minutes ago - 8:30 p.m. our time. I didn't answer the cell because it was way upstairs and I was working downstairs and Eric is not scheduled to call until June 6th at 10 p.m. Anyhow, he said the food is good, the huts are warm and everything is going great. He also said he'd see us in a few days. ?????? Hope the knee is working OK. He said making it to the summit was really cool. it was great to hear his voice - such a man at 18!!!! Talk to you all soon - Merry Snyder

It is Monday morning; they are awake and headed down. John said the boys continue to amaze him with their stamina, determination and their support of eachother. 7 of the 10 made the summit. Joey, age 14, is one of the youngest summitters of the mountain! Nick made it to 17,000 feet and Greg to 16,000 feet - a huge accomplishment and personal bests! Tim made it as high as 15,000 feet. He was taken down via snowcat, due to some moderate snow blindness; and he is doing well. John is so proud of each and every one of your young men. Getting that information took about 6 phone calls, as the phone drops the calls about every 30 seconds! We can be very thankful that we know they are safe, but know that when you get a call - talk fast!!!

Heard from Joey and John this morning. They sounded as though they were litarally standing " On top of the World". The entire team has summited! And all of them are safe and doing well! They are resting at base camp! Praise be to God for strengthening and protecting our children and helping them to overcome! Ceci and Steve

They have reached the summit!
They sounded very excited!
The sat phone couldn't stay connected... maybe someone else got more details!
-Valerie