I'm not so sure this isn't a GT thing -other people perhaps have stories to share - but DS6 was the same. From about 15-18 months if not before - he was able to swing himself over huge metal gate in bedroom doorway - to get out of nap time and his room! We ended up having to put a plastic gate up and "cage" im in just to get any sleep - and we were at the point of not being able to function safely ourselves - so him napping despite hating being "locked up" -was necessary!
I've caught him piling pillows - every pillow and cushion in the house - even jsut th weekend - to try and reach forbidden toys in our closet that are on the top shelf. He has also climbed on things in the past to reach things on a book shelf - or tried to climb kitchen counters.
The funniest thing is - they must realise it's dangerous - or why place a cushion? But they take the risk anyway. To me - it just shows that their desire for "said object" is WAY more intenese than their fear of injury.
I'm kind of surprised your family didn't freak out!! As a Mom - my heart just races when this type of thing happens.
